The Super-Cruise Imperative: Go Fast or Go Home
Before I begin, let me clarify two things: first, the airborne battle space represents great power warfare at the high end of the conflict spectrum; second super-cruise is a capability in which the fighter aircraft can achieve supersonic velocities in level flight in basic engine (i.e. without the use of the afterburner). This super cruise capability is vital now, and in the future.
The airborne battle space is where we will engage the enemy. And this engagement is velocity critical. Consequently, if we do not possess fighter aircraft that are super-cruise capable, we are at a serious disadvantage. The fighter pilot motto: go fast or go home.
With this in mind, what is wrong with this picture?
Almost everything. This is yesterday’s child.
External stores abound. Velocity is compromised. Wing life is compromised. High coefficient of drag (entropy) is a reality and it is unsuitable for a great power conflict.
We will, however, honor the warriors that fly such a Strike Fighter, and the great mechanics that maintain such a weapon system, often under stressful conditions.
The aircraft pictured below, the F-8 Crusader, is no longer yesterday’s child but a strong pointer to the future. The F-8 Crusader is super-cruise capable and this needs to be recognized.
With nothing hanging below the wing, missiles are carried on fuselage racks and guns are internal. Aerodynamic drag is low and wing life is not being compromised.
And most importantly, it can enter the airborne battle space today at a very credible velocity, while effectively managing energy.
But we have one more great power design to consider. This is the YF-23, a prototype of which two were built and flown. Grumman is the company.
Grumman is the company, and they have been designing amazing aircraft for the U. S. Navy since WW2. The F-6F Hellcat and F-11 Tiger are notable examples.
The YF-23 Black Widow is a super-cruise champion. In tests, it could achieve a super-cruise mach number of 1.73. This means that without afterburner, it could outrun many of our currently operated fighter aircraft including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the F-35 lightening II. I reiterate - while not using afterburner.
Keep in mind that super-cruise means that supersonic flight can be achieved in basic engine .
I would suggest that we adjust our thinking by prioritizing velocity ahead of technology. My belief is that if you cannot enter the airborne battle space with a distinct velocity and energy advantage flying a super-cruise capable fighter, then it is time to go home.
Super-cruise is the capability that we urgently need.
The design, manufacture and operation of a super-cruise capable aircraft is our #1 challenge today. Now lets go to work.
… Go fast or go home …