Boyd and the fighter mafia were right in the 60s. They were still right up thru about 1985, when radar missiles went from pieces of junk to very reliable. When AMRAAM hit, Boyd became a relic.
Radar and face-shooting heaters now have a higher probability of kill than a gun shot would. Data links make sneaking behind someone very difficult.
I ‘grew up’ with F-4s in the 80s. Before I left the USAF (officially retire 1 Oct...), I had a chance to work on testing some of the new equipment. Targeting pods, precision munitions, data links between multiple radars - there is a whole new world of fighter technology. The author of this piece doesn’t seem to understand that!
Thanks for your insight and thank you for your service.
My mental picture is— like old sailors’ homes built next to a harbor— old airmen retire to a nice cottage next to an active runway, but perhaps you have plans in the meantime. :o)
Enjoy your retirement.