Understanding Pilot Strategy in Severely Damaged Aircraft

When a pilot encounters a situation where their aircraft is so severely damaged that it is near the point of no return, the question naturally arises: would the pilot opt to crash their plane into an enemy aircraft? However, this is not a sensible or common strategy. In reality, pilots prioritize their own survival and the operational objective of the mission.

Survival Over Suicide

Pilots are not mere vehicles for carrying out attacks; they are highly trained professionals who require a certain mindset and are expensive to train. Their primary goal is to survive and complete their mission. The recent historical context, particularly the days of kamikaze pilots, has long passed. Modern air forces have evolved to prioritize the safety and well-being of their pilots. The financial and logistical investment in each aircraft makes it illogical and wasteful to sacrifice it or its pilot.

Standard Operating Procedures

In most scenarios, there is a standard operating procedure for dealing with a severely damaged aircraft. If the aircraft is still flyable, the pilot will attempt to bring it back to base or as close to it as possible. If the aircraft is not flyable, the pilot will generally bail out or eject, ensuring their survival. In situations where the plane is so severely damaged that it is not airworthy, the pilot will follow the protocol to conduct a forced landing, attempting to land the aircraft safely to salvage it or at least prevent a total loss.

Exceptional Circumstances

In rare and exceptional circumstances, a pilot might be compelled to engage in a suicide mission, such as deliberately ramming an enemy aircraft. However, these cases are extremely rare and often occur under dire conditions, such as when the pilot is mortally wounded, has no other means of escape, or is driven by a strong emotional response. Such actions are discouraged in modern air forces due to the high value placed on a pilot's life. The life of the pilot is considered far more valuable than the aircraft, making the act of crashing into an enemy aircraft extremely rare and generally a last resort.

Modern Air Force Protocols

Today, modern air forces have strict protocols and training in place to ensure the safety of their pilots. These protocols prioritize the pilot's survival and the successful execution of the mission. For instance, the Soviet Air Force had a term for deliberate crash missions: 'taran,' while the Japanese term was 'taiatari.' However, these practices are now strongly discouraged. The outcome of such missions is usually fatal for both the officer and the enemy, making it a dangerous and ineffective strategy.

In conclusion, while the idea of a pilot deliberately crashing their severely damaged aircraft into an enemy may seem logical, it is not a common or recommended strategy. Pilots prioritize their own survival and the success of the mission, ensuring the safe return of valuable lives and assets.