Why are pilots in Ukraine firing rockets so clumsily?
“Lofting”, which dates back to the 1940s, suggests both sides lack modern weaponry
Russian aircraft have adopted an unusual tactic for firing unguided rockets. Rather than launch them in pairs directly at a target on a downward angle, pilots tend to fly low before climbing and firing an entire pod of rockets steeply upwards, after which the pilot veers away. This clumsy approach, known as “lofting” or “tossing”, has some advantages, but points to a lack of modern weaponry on both sides.
This article appeared in the The Economist explains section of the print edition under the headline “Why are pilots in Ukraine firing rockets so clumsily?”
From the June 25th 2022 edition
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