What technological advancement enabled faster and more agile fighter jets in the 1970s?

The advancement of variable-sweep wing technology in the 1970s significantly enhanced the capabilities of fighter jets, allowing for improved speed and maneuverability. This technology enables the wings of an aircraft to change their sweep angle in flight, which optimizes aerodynamic performance across a range of speeds. At lower speeds, a larger wing area is beneficial for lift and stability, while at higher speeds, a swept wing reduces drag and enhances speed.

Aircraft, such as the F-14 Tomcat, utilized variable-sweep wings to achieve superior agility and versatility in combat situations. This technology fundamentally transformed how fighter jets operated, allowing them to adapt quickly to different flight conditions and combat scenarios, making them faster and more agile in performative situations.

Jet propulsion, while essential in increasing aircraft speed in general, was already established before the 1970s and does not specifically contribute to the agility aspects highlighted in the question. Stealth technology, although revolutionary, primarily focused on reducing radar visibility rather than directly affecting speed and agility. Fly-by-wire systems improved flight control and handling but did not specifically address the aerodynamic performance benefits provided by variable-sweep wings. Thus, variable-sweep wing technology stands out as the crucial innovation of the decade that propelled fighter aviation into a new