By now, you’ve probably heard all the impressive stories surrounding the F-35 Lightning II. The aircraft has all the makings of a legendary fighter jet, from being among the handful of fighter jets that can hover to sporting one of the most unique fighter jet pilot helmets ever made. The aircraft is more than an advanced weapon system. It is also a capable stealth aircraft that can fly undetected through contested airspace. However, one of its most interesting attributes to date is how it has redefined dogfighting for the modern age by completely eliminating the need for it.
It all comes down to the design of the aircraft. From its stealth features and the long-range armaments concealed within its frame to its advanced situational awareness, everything about the F-35 is aimed at enabling it to eliminate an enemy without engaging in a dogfight. In fact, an F-35 can take out an enemy aircraft that isn’t even in visual range. Today, we are discussing dogfights, the F-35’s capabilities in those scenarios, and how it has ultimately ushered in a new era of aircraft combat.
