The Vietnam War, though, illustrated a significant change in aerial warfare. Not only had all the technological aspects of aircraft significantly improved, but guided missile systems had been created for the various aircraft used in the war, increasing both their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Anti-aircraft weapon systems had also improved. The surface-to-air missile (SAM) had proved to be a great threat to the aircraft. Like many aircraft's missile systems, the SAM was heat-seeking or radar-guided.
For the USA, aircraft had evolved so much that guns could no longer be used. After all, now that the aircaft were capable of reaching supersonic speeds, why bother using a gun when one could use missiles?
This view proved disastrous to American pilots. Many pilots in the war had never even heard of advanced maneuvers until they found old training manuals. Other pilots who knew how to dogfight didn't get a chance to use their training to their full potential, as they could only use missiles.
Anti-
For the USA, aircraft had evolved so much that guns could no longer be used. After all, now that the aircaft were capable of reaching supersonic speeds, why bother using a gun when one could use missiles?
This view proved disastrous to American pilots. Many pilots in the war had never even heard of advanced maneuvers until they found old training manuals. Other pilots who knew how to dogfight didn't get a chance to use their training to their full potential, as they could only use missiles.
