The Role of Maneuverability in Stealth Aircraft

When discussing the maneuverability of stealth aircraft, it's important to first ask why. The answer often lies in the primary purposes and operational contexts of these aircraft. For stealth bombers and fighter jets designed for BVR (beyond visual range) engagements, high maneuverability is not their top priority. Instead, their design focuses on minimizing radar cross-section (RCS) and maintaining operational stealth. This article explores this notion by comparing earlier generations of stealth aircraft with modern examples, focusing on the F-117, F-22, and F-35, as well as the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

Early Stealth Aircraft: The F-117

One of the iconic early stealth aircraft, the F-117 Nighthawk, was designed during an era with limited computing power and radar technology. Although named an 'fighter,' the F-117 was never intended for air-to-air combat. It was primarily developed in the 1970s with the focus on minimizing radar signature and flying with fly-by-wire systems, which allowed for extremely aerodynamically-shaped designs.

The F-117's design sacrificed traditional aerodynamic efficiency for stealth, making it subsonic and poor at air combat maneuvers. In a B-2 Spirit context, the B-2's maneuverability is largely irrelevant since its primary mission is to destroy targets beyond visual range. In 1999, during the Kosovo War, a B-2 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) using radar guidance. While the B-2's RCS was effectively zero, the SAM's radar locked onto it during the passage of the radar return from the missile itself. This incident underscores that stealth isn't always enough, and close-in air combat remains a critical factor.

Multi-Role Stealth Fighters: F-35 vs F-22

In the realm of stealth fighters, the F-35 and F-22 represent two extremes in terms of maneuverability. The F-22 Raptor, with its 2D thrust vectoring, is supermaneuverable. It can perform acrobatic maneuvers far beyond the capabilities of other fighters. On the other hand, the F-35 Lightning II, while highly stealthy and capable in BVR engagements, is less maneuverable than the F-22 but more than most other current fighter jets.

An interesting comparison can be drawn between the F-35 and the Eurofighter Typhoon in a contrived dogfight scenario. A hot pilot of a Eurofighter Typhoon spent a lot of time and effort in a simulated close-in engagement to get a "kill" against the F-35 Shooting Star. This highlights that even in a closely designed aerial combat scenario, the F-35's stealth advantages often outweigh its maneuverability drawbacks in a real-world setting.

Stealth Bombers: B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider

Stealth bombers like the B-2 Spirit and its successor, the B-21 Raider, prioritize stealth over agility. These aircraft are designed to evade radar detection and strike targets from beyond visual range. Their primary mission is to outmaneuver enemy defenses and reach their targets undetected. As such, their limited maneuverability is not a hindrance. The emphasis is on endurance, stealth, and long-range precision strikes.

The B-2 Spirit, known for its low radar signature, has occasionally faced challenges due to its structural limitations. Modest maneuverability is necessary for in-flight refueling and evasive maneuvers in case of intercepts. Similar concerns apply to the B-21, where maneuverability is a secondary consideration.

Conclusion

The role of maneuverability in stealth aircraft varies significantly based on their design and primary mission. Early stealth aircraft like the F-117 prioritized stealth but sacrificed agility, while modern stealth fighters like the F-22 have exceptional maneuverability. The F-35, while not as agile as the F-22, strikes a balance between stealth and maneuverability, making it more versatile for various combat scenarios.