Poland's innovative FA‑50 upgrade: Fake cockpits boost odds
Polish FA-50 aircraft will be equipped with fake cockpits to enhance their odds in aerial combat. We explain their exact purpose.
The South Korean company KAI, the manufacturer of FA-50 aircraft, presented images of the machines in Polish colours two years ago, capturing the attention of Polish social media users. An oval resembling pilot cockpits was visible on the lower part of the fuselage. We remind you of the intended purpose of this design feature.
Poland ordered 48 FA-50 aircraft, which in the 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 conducting combat missions.
Fake cockpits in military aircraft
The fake cockpit is a solution employed by some countries to enhance the aircraft's chances in aerial combat. This concept originated in the 1970s and is inspired by automimicry from the animal kingdom, where spots resembling eyes disorient predators.
The precursor of this idea was Keith Harris, associated with the Air Force Art Program. The goal of this initiative is to stimulate the artistic activity of creators who document the history of American military aviation in their works.
Canadians were the first to apply fake cockpits on their F/A-18A/B Hornet. Over time, this camouflage has appeared on aircraft from other countries, such as the Italian AV-8B Harrier II and the American A-10 Thunderbolt II.
Practical solution
Fake cockpits have also been used on Swedish Gripens and South African Atlas Cheetahs. Combined with darker rhombuses on the fuselage, they make it harder to spot the contours of the aircraft quickly.
This solution is designed to mislead the pilot of an enemy aircraft, which can be crucial in manoeuvrable aerial combat. The fake cockpit makes it difficult to assess the aircraft's position and manoeuvring capabilities, which can determine the outcome of the encounter.
