Additionally, the AIM-120 has been converted to a surface-to-air missile in systems such as NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), which has been used by Ukraine to repel Russia’s drone and missile assaults successfully. NASAMS can also fire the latest generation AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles.
Norman shared that today’s AIM-9X Sidewinder can be fired from a fighter jet and make sharp turns to intercept targets using its seeker and thrust-vectoring coupled with a helmet-mounted sight. He noted that this represents a significant advancement over earlier generations.
“If I'm across the turn circle from that aircraft,” explained Norman, “I can look over with my helmet-mounted cueing system, it'll lock onto that aircraft... I can fire the missile... without me having to turn all the way around to face it.”
Norman highlighted open systems architecture as another key capability brought by modern upgrades like those on the F-15EX Eagle II. This architecture allows each sensor, targeting pod, and weapon to have its own software while still communicating seamlessly with other systems on board.
“When I first started in the F 16,” said Norman, “you'd see 30-40 miles; now you're seeing hundreds of miles” with new AESA radars. Coupled with datalinks, these advancements allow fighter jets to see thousands of miles using linked radars.
Norman compared different versions of fighter jets: if the original F-15A Eagle is akin to a 1958 Corvette and the F-15E Strike Eagle is a fourth-generation Corvette, then “the F-15EX is fundamentally different” like a 2024 Corvette due to its superior radar, engines, sensors, and synchronized open systems architecture.
He also discussed improvements in precision ground attack capabilities with weapons like StormBreaker bombs attached to an F-16 Viper or carried internally by an F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter. Unlike cluster bombs that leave behind submunitions dangerous to civilians, StormBreakers pose no such threat due to their tri-mode seekers capable of penetrating clouds or using infrared or laser guidance.
The AGM-88 HARM was another topic discussed. This High-speed Anti Radiation Missile detects enemy radars via an HTS pod before guiding itself onto targets for destruction—a capability proven effective during Operation Iraqi Freedom and currently employed in Ukraine.
“Without air superiority,” concluded Norman,“nothing else matters... We’ve got to maintain control [of] the air because that enables everything else.”
Jon Norman brings extensive experience as a US Air Force veteran who flew various blocks of F-16 Vipers and served as an instructor at Fighter Weapons School among other roles including Operational Test & Evaluation Pilot.
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