Todjaeger
Potstirrer
Regarding sensor fusion, US/NATO/allied nations have a long history of operating with off-board sensors, with the relevant datalinks and comm systems to do so. Both Russia and China have yet to demonstrate the same degree of availability, which means that Russian and Chinese aircraft are likely going to have less information available to the pilot, since there would be a greater reliance upon the onboard sensors for Situational Awareness. This reliance upon the aircraft's own sensors, as well as limited availability for off-board detection and queuing, would indicate that less information would need to be integrated and delivered to the pilot during flight ops.My mistake, it seemed implied.
So, to probe a little further, if the PAK-FA was in USAF service, would you still not call it a 5th gen aircraft? And what exactly in regards to sensor fusion do you take issue with on the PAK-FA? (an interesting critique to direct at it, given that its full sensor suite has yet to be revealed)
This of course also gets back into the platform vs. system discussion, of which Russia and China are making strides to improve their respective systems, but they both have some ways to go.
-Cheers