Poland upgrades FA‑50 jets with deception strategy for combat
Polish FA-50 jets will be equipped with fake cockpits to enhance their chances in air combat. We explain their exact application in this article.
Two years ago, the South Korean company KAI, manufacturer of FA-50 jets, presented images of the aircraft in Polish colours, capturing the interest of Polish social media users. Visible on the lower part of the fuselage was an oval shape resembling a pilot's cockpit. We remind you of the purpose of this unique feature.
Poland ordered 48 FA-50 aircraft, which, in their current version, have limited capabilities. However, the Ministry of National Defence assures that the FA-50PL version will be far more advanced, allowing for pilot training and combat missions.
Fake cockpit in military aircraft
The fake cockpit is a strategy employed by certain countries. Its purpose is to enhance the aircraft's chances in air combat. This concept emerged in the 1970s, inspired by automimicry in the animal kingdom, where markings resembling eyes confuse predators.
The originator of this idea was Keith Harris, associated with the Air Force Art Program. The aim of this initiative is to inspire artistic work highlighting the history of American military aviation.
Canadians were the first to use fake cockpits on their F/A-18A/B Hornets. Over time, this camouflage has been adopted by aircraft from other countries, such as the Italian AV-8B Harrier II and the American A-10 Thunderbolt II.
Practical solution
Swedish Gripens and South African Atlas Cheetahs have also been fitted with fake cockpits. Combined with darker rhombuses on the fuselage, these make it challenging to discern the aircraft's contours quickly.
This solution aims to deceive the pilot of an enemy aircraft, which can be crucial in agile air combat. The fake cockpit complicates the assessment of the aircraft's orientation and manoeuvrability, which could be decisive in the outcome of the encounter.
