Design Problems for Interceptor Fighters

Extract

This paper does not claim to reveal any epic discoveries. In fact the technical features discussed, if perhaps not well tried are certainly well known to designers and technicians in aeronautical development. Its purpose is rather to emphasise the need for concentration in development in certain directions in the light of up-to-date combat experience with the aid of rather limited, but surprising, information on design trends of modern enemy interceptor fighters.

It is hoped that this will assist the operators, who will readily appreciate the tactical aspects, to assimilate some of the technical implications and to be able to discuss them more freely with designers and technicians.

It is well known that jet aeroplanes operate most economically, from a fuel consumption point of view, at their service ceiling and that with fighters the struggle for altitude supremacy has always been paramount from the beginning.