Fighter jets use various tactics and technologies to avoid being hit by missiles. Here are some of the ways they do it:
1. Terrain following: Pilots use their knowledge of the terrain to fly below the radar horizon or behind hills and mountains, making it harder for missiles to track them.
2. High-G maneuvers: Fighter jets can perform high-G turns (up to 9 Gs) to quickly change direction and throw off the missile’s tracking system.
3. Jammers: Electronic Warfare (EW) systems can emit signals to jam or disrupt the missile’s guidance system, making it difficult for the missile to track the target.
4. Countermeasures: Some fighter jets can release chaff (small, thin strips of metal) or flares to confuse the missile’s radar or infrared seekers.
5. Radar-absorbent materials: Some aircraft have radar-absorbent materials applied to their surfaces to reduce their radar cross-section, making them harder to detect.
6. Speed and maneuverability: Fighter jets can use their high speed and agility to quickly change direction and avoid being hit.
7. IRST (Infrared Search and Track): Some fighter jets have IRST systems, which use infrared sensors to detect and track incoming missiles, allowing pilots to take evasive action.
8. Advanced avionics: Modern fighter jets have advanced avionics systems that can quickly detect and track incoming threats, providing pilots with valuable situational awareness.
9. Active protection systems: Some fighter jets have active protection systems, such as the Israeli F-16’s “Mauser” system, which can detect and intercept incoming missiles using radar-guided missiles.
10. Pilot training: Experienced pilots are trained to react quickly and decisively in high-stress situations, using their skills and experience to avoid being hit by missiles.
These tactics and technologies are constantly evolving as new threats emerge, and fighter jets are designed to stay ahead of the game.