Asymmetric Fast Transients Beat Superior Force

"Boyd decided that the F-86 won because it could generate something he called “asymmetric fast transients.” A “transient” is a shift from one state68 to another, “fast” refers to the time it takes to make the shift (not, as is often thought, the velocity of the aircraft itself), and “asymmetric” means that one side is better at it than the other."

"Boyd inferred that if you can do things before the other side reacts, you can greatly increase your chances of winning, and it doesn’t make much difference how big or how strong the other guy is. Asymmetric fast transients, in other words, appeared to do a much better job of explaining real world results than simple counts of weapons or assessments of technology."

"the ideal asymmetric fast transient is an abrupt, unexpected, jerky, disorienting change that causes at least a hesitation and preferably plants the seeds of panic in the other side. It’s a “What-the f___k!” change in circumstances, and in the interval when the opponent is trying to comprehend what the f___k is, Boyd would strike."