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In a hypothetical long-range beyond-visual-range air battle between a B21 equipped with AIM-174B and F22 equipped with AIM-120D, which one has the better chance to win?
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In a long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) air battle between a B-21 Raider equipped with AIM-174B (air-launched SM-6) and an F-22 Raptor equipped with AIM-120D AMRAAM, the advantage depends on several critical factors: stealth, sensor capabilities, missile range, and situational awareness. Here’s an analysis:
Key Advantages for Each Platform
1. Missile Capabilities
• AIM-174B (SM-6):
• Range: Significantly greater than the AIM-120D, likely exceeding 460 km.
• Speed: High speed (~Mach 3.5), giving it a quicker time-to-target.
• Guidance: Multi-mode seeker (active radar and IR), two-way datalink, and the ability to receive mid-course updates from off-board sensors.
• Targeting Flexibility: Optimized for engaging both air and missile threats, including stealthy targets.
• AIM-120D:
• Range: ~160–180 km, shorter than the AIM-174B.
• Maneuverability: Extremely agile, designed for dogfights and air superiority.
• Guidance: Active radar homing and datalink for mid-course corrections.
Advantage: The B-21 (AIM-174B) has a clear advantage in range and flexibility for long-range engagements.
2. Stealth and Detection
• B-21 Raider:
• Optimized for extremely low radar cross-section (RCS), designed for penetrating advanced defenses. Its stealth is tailored for minimizing detection from all angles.
• Likely relies on off-board sensors and data links for situational awareness in air-to-air engagements.
• F-22 Raptor:
• One of the stealthiest fighter aircraft, with very low frontal RCS. Designed for air-to-air engagements and optimized for radar evasion.
• Smaller and more agile, making it harder to detect visually or with infrared sensors.
Advantage: The F-22, due to its smaller size and maneuverability, is harder to detect in a dynamic air-to-air battle. However, at extreme ranges, the B-21’s sensor suite and networking could offset this.
3. Sensors and Situational Awareness
• B-21 Raider:
• Likely equipped with advanced radars and electronic warfare (EW) systems designed for detecting and tracking at long ranges.
• May integrate with off-board sensor networks (e.g., satellites, AWACS) to locate the F-22.
• F-22 Raptor:
• Equipped with the AN/APG-77 AESA radar, providing long-range detection and tracking.
• Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems may help passively detect the B-21.
Advantage: B-21, due to its ability to leverage external sensor networks, enabling it to target the F-22 from outside its detection range.
4. Speed and Kinematics
• B-21 Raider:
• Subsonic speed limits its ability to evade incoming missiles.
• Relies on stealth and long-range engagement to neutralize threats before detection.
• F-22 Raptor:
• Supercruise capability (~Mach 1.8) and exceptional agility allow it to close range quickly and evade missiles effectively.
Advantage: Strongly favors the F-22, particularly if it can close the distance.
Scenarios and Analysis
1. Extreme Long-Range Engagement:
• The B-21 launches the AIM-174B well before the F-22 can engage with AIM-120D. Using off-board sensors and mid-course guidance, the missile has a high probability of reaching its target before the F-22 detects the B-21.
Advantage: B-21.
2. Medium-Range Engagement:
• If the F-22 detects the B-21 (via radar or IRST) and closes the gap, it can launch AIM-120D while leveraging its superior kinematics to evade AIM-174B.
Advantage: F-22.
3. Close Range:
• In unlikely close-range combat, the F-22’s agility and smaller size would dominate, as the B-21 is not designed for such scenarios.
Advantage: Overwhelmingly F-22.
Conclusion
In a long-range BVR air battle, the B-21 Raider has the upper hand due to:
• Longer missile range (AIM-174B).
• Advanced sensor networks and off-board targeting capabilities.
• Extreme stealth, making it harder to detect at long distances.
However, if the F-22 Raptor can close the range, its speed, agility, and advanced radar give it a decisive advantage. The outcome would largely depend on the engagement range and the effectiveness of sensor integration and missile guidance systems.
