How long can a jet last in the air?

Modern fighter jets have typically been designed to withstand 8,000 total hours of flight time during their operational lifespan. With an average of 200 hours in the air each year, this means they are expected to continue delivering high performance in sorties and missions for somewhere between thirty and forty years.

How long can a f16 stay in the air?

In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.

How long can a fighter fly supersonic?

The F-35C can fly at a top speed of Mach 1.3 for 50 cumulative seconds, while the F-35B is limited to 40 seconds at Mach 1.3. The version of the F-35 used by the U.S. Air Force, the F-35A, can fly without restriction on speed.

Can a missile shoot down a fighter jet?

This question originally appeared on Quora. First off: Missiles typically do not “chase down” fighter jets as misrepresented in movies. An effective missile shot will have the missile reaching the aircraft with a much greater speed (like twice as fast).

Can a gun bring down a fast moving aircraft?

Admittedly, this was a one time event, hasn’t been repeated since then, but not only can a fast moving aircraft be brought down with a gun, it can be brought down by a gun fired from another fast moving aircraft. During the Falklands War the British naval ships came under close attack by Argentine Mirage III jets.

How do aircraft defend themselves against missiles?

Aircraft perform defensive maneuvers against missiles, but it is not similar to dogfighting, as you might imagine. They are typically fast, high-G slices (descending turns) that use the missile’s high speed against it.

What happens when a missile burns out?

Once the motor burns out, the missile then glides to its target. The potential energy it stores in the form of its higher altitude can be spent on either gliding a greater distance to a target, or maneuvering to track a maneuvering target.