BF2S Forums The last manned fighter

Dilbert_X wrote:

There was some significant dogfighting between migs and harriers during the Falklands if I remember correctly.

No migs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_ … aft_losses

People have been talking about pilotless fighter aircraft and all-missile battles for a long time now.
It will be interesting to see if it ever happens.

FEOS wrote:

All this talk of maneuvering is interesting, but I think RAIMIUS has hit it on the head: we're not there yet for the maneuvering required for dogfighting or SAM evasion. We don't have all-aspect antennae that allow for remote control through those types of maneuvers

Which is why they would need to be autonomous.

Needing to be autonomous and being able to actually function effectively in an autonomous mode are two different things. In addition, removing the man from the decision loop to engage lethal force is a non-starter.

Dilbert_X wrote:

processing power and sensors required for the necessary situational awareness aren't there to keep the UAVs from running into one another while maneuvering in congested airspace

Processing power has been there for a good while now, sensors need a bit of imagination.

Actually, the processing power required to integrate the required sensors AND make deterministic decisions on that information isn't there. The sensors don't need imagination...the situation is the opposite of what you have opined.