A major limitation of airborne ASW assets is that aircraft ____________.

The major limitation of airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) assets being their relatively short on-station time ties into the operational constraints of aircraft compared to surface vessels or submarines. Aircraft are often limited by fuel capacity and need to return to base or refuel after a certain period. This constrains how long they can remain engaged in monitoring or hunting submarines in a specific area.

In ASW operations, the ability to maintain a presence over a target for an extended period is critical, as submarines can be extremely elusive. While airborne ASW can cover large distances quickly, their impact can be greatly diminished if they cannot stay on station long enough to conduct effective searches or engagements.

Extended range capabilities and advanced stealth technology refer to advantages that enhance an aircraft's overall effectiveness but do not address the inherent limitations associated with time on station. Additionally, while the ability to carry more personnel may contribute to a variety of mission capabilities, it does not directly relate to the fundamental limitation imposed by the operational time constraints of airborne assets in ASW scenarios. Thus, the key point is that the necessity for refueling and the limitations posed by fuel range significantly restrict the aircraft's ability to perform sustained ASW operations effectively.