
cantaz wrote:Guys, those aren't optical lenses, they're MADL antennas.
This ^; the white apertures are MADL antennas, the long / rectangular apertures on the leading / trailing edges are antennas for the AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda and some of the other apertures are for satellite and VHF/UHF comms.
As for ranging:
1. The video that GTA4 linked shows all the targets on a single ring; I don't think radius = range in that display (which also isn't a native F-35 display / visor feature).
2. Ranging can be done either via multiple MADL'd F-35s (remembering that F-35s will almost never fly alone) intersecting bearings and elevations, or it can be done by using the radar or Barracuda's passive RF system. Ranging can also be done via analysis of target motion or size (though these methods are limited in their accuracy and the range at which they can be used).
As for LOAL, you don't need range data at all - it is very handy to have range data, but missiles can be told to launch along a vector, with the missile seeker scanning for the target in that direction - years ago for example a RAAF F/A-18A equipped with ASRAAMs and a JHMCS, but no form of DAS or high-end RF geolocation capability, and with no secondary support aircraft, was able to LOAL engage a target behind the aircraft's wingline / outside the ASRAAM's field of regard.
Having a 3D fix is preferable because as a missile turns around it doesn't have to scan along the length of a vector (taking valuable time when a LOAL is typically being made against a close-in high-level threat), but it's not outright required.