Posted: Nov 03, 2014 1:54 pm
Cthulhu's Trilby wrote:Weaver wrote:Cthulhu's Trilby wrote:Out of interest, how many airforces currently operate fighters that can compete with the F-35 as a fighter?
Well, let's see. Total up everyone the US sold F15s to - a pretty large list - then add in Russia and China. Ukraine and a number of folks flying SU27s or MiG 29s could theoretically compete, but I doubt their pilots are up to the task.
Decent sized list, though very unlikely we'd fight any of them.
Edited to correct spelling error typo.
Are we talking in terms of the physical capabilities of an F-15 vs F-35? What I mean is there are lots of planes that can out-manoeuvre an F-35 but would they get a chance to do so? The F-35 seems to act simply as a means of placing a pilot in the vicinity of a fight. At that point all of its rinky-dink technology comes into play (as long as it works) and the pilot has a much better view of the battlefield and the ability to shoot stuff down before it can see him.
I've been meaning to ask my uncle his opinion on the plane actually. He was a test pilot on the Eurofighter project and has also flown the Rafale and Gripen. He has also been known to write articles for the aviation press.
Yes, yes do!
Also ask him what the ruling is on BVR engagements.