Why do fighter planes fly at great heights?

Answer 1

Most fighters average around 50,000 feet as their ceilings and this isnt exactly a great height. Some of the answerers have correctly pointed out that the fighter can fly more efficiently at altitudes because of the smaller drag. Adding to that, heights also means potential energy. In combat you can trade altitude for airspeed and this has many benefits. For example when shot from 40K feet the missiles can have some extra range by virtue of their potential energy. Altitude also gives extended radar range (greater LoS) and will in turn reduce the effective ranges of the opponents missiles as those missiles would have to climb and climbs consumes lots of rocket fuel.

Finally, flying high isnt always the chosen option, if possible the fighters would fly real low, attempting to evade enemy radar detection. High or low, it all depends on the mission needs.

Answer 2

First off, flying high give a fighter jet two advantages, height and and speed. With a higher starting altitude, you are able to trade it off for speed. However, flying high is not without its disadvantages.

While there is less air, which leads to less air resistance, it also means less air for combustion. While fuel consumption is lower, it will also mean that sooner or later, you will reach a state know as V-max or maximum velocity. At this point, you HAVE to reduce speed or risk an engine flame-out and structural damage.

An F-22, because of its ability to supercruise, reaches this state much faster than an F-16 would.

And the optimal altitude is dependant on the aircraft. Flying high does not guarantee long range detection of targets. This is a common misconception. It will pickup targets at a greater range but that's about it. And it will also mean that ECM sensors will pick you up WAY before your radar spots them. If the target is an airborne sensor, all you do is just advertise to the enemy who you are.

Answer 3

The ideal height for fighter aircraft is around 36,000 feet. Drag from air friction decreases with height, but lift also decreases with height. These forces strike a balance around 36,000 ft, with best lift with least drag. Any lower and you have more drag. Any higher and there is insufficient lift.

This is true for almost any jet aircraft, not just fighters. Your best cruising speed is around 30-4000 ft. Obviously, super-efficient planes (the U2) can cruise higher. Super-powerful planes (SR-71) can fly higher, but expend more fuel to do so.

Propeller aircraft have a different set of rules because the limitations of propellers and piston engines lower the ideal cruising altitude greatly.

Answer 4

jet fighters fly with 4-5 mach (speed of sound) so with such speed air resitance is very great that may shatter the plane to pieces
remember air resistance is propotional to sqrt velosity imagine 5mach^2

Answer 5

Air superiority: An F-22 can stalk a Mig from a much greater altitude and take it out without the Mig ever even suspecting it was there.

Answer 6

There are "zones" or different altitudes assigned to civilian aircraft and others assigned to military aircraft. The military altitudes are those much higher than civilian planes.

Answer 7

1. Prevents to be seen or detected.
2. Consumes less fuel.
3. Flys faster.