F/A-18... great plane or Greatest plane Ever!!

[Galaxie_xl]

We just finished Carrier Quals:





Can anyone dispute?

[paperairplane]

Are we going to base this strictly on the ability to land on a boat, or just ignoring the existence of the F16?

I'm not sure that for the $$ the F/A-18E/F is better than a F-15E...

In a short range, carrier based fighter bomber mission, the F/A-18C/D is a great plane - the slow speed manuverability and high AOA are big plusses.

[Galaxie_xl]

Originally Posted by paperairplane

Are we going to base this strictly on the ability to land on a boat, or just ignoring the existence of the F16?

I'm not sure that for the $$ the F/A-18E/F is better than a F-15E...

In a short range, carrier based fighter bomber mission, the F/A-18C/D is a great plane - the slow speed manuverability and high AOA are big plusses.

We can throw the the strike eagle in the mix, "fighting falcon" I don't think makes the grade though. I was talking about all around fighter. I would not take an F-16 on a self escort strike... Would you? I Like the Eagles, but why are they all grounded now?

[paperairplane]

Originally Posted by Galaxie_xl

I Like the Eagles, but why are they all grounded now?

There was waaaay more money to be made and backroom political advantage to be gained by selling the 18E/F to Congress.

IMO the 16 is a better dogfighter, the 18 is a better multi-mission platform.

Maybe it's b/c I am from the Top Gun generation, but 14's and 15's just look right to me for some reason.... maybe it's the swept wing.

Will be curious to see how the F22, F35 and Su37 play out over the next few years.

[Seanohue]

Originally Posted by Galaxie_xl

I Like the Eagles, but why are they all grounded now?

Because F-22s have a 108-0 kill ratio over them

[Fenwick]

I think the F-35 Lightning II is one heck of an aircraft.

[smokinpoke]

F-22 or F-16 are my faves.

[daniel2001]

Speaking as someone who has never actually flown a real plane (had a blast in one of those airliner sims once, that was fun), Harrier or Concord all the way.

Or maybe an SR71 (partially because of the tower exchanges).

[RGD]

You guys are all crazy. The greatest, baddest looking plane ever was the F-4 Phantom!

No I never flew in one - but as a kid growing up outside the back gates of Oceana Naval Air Station - we use to ride our bikes to the end of the runway (yes you use to be able to do that in another time) - lay down and watch them take off and land right above us.
Having them break the sound barrier over our homes of course drove the parents nuts - but to us kids it was like magic!


Ron

[backwoods]

Im partial to F-16s myself....but so is my son





what about the A-10? Ya got to love the tank killers

[taltos]

I think that in terms of longevity and durability, the two greatest combat aircraft in the US arsenal would be the Phantom and the B-52. Other air forces are still flying the Phantom and like the Phantom, the B-52 is close to 50 years old.

[paperairplane]

If you want to get retro-cool, the F111 is a bad bird with few socially redeeming qualities.

For old and effective, you can't beat the C130.

[Galaxie_xl]

Originally Posted by backwoods

Im partial to F-16s myself....but so is my son





what about the A-10? Ya got to love the tank killers

Great pic. I do love the A-10 and I'm wondering how the F-35 will replace it?

[Seanohue]

Originally Posted by Galaxie_xl

Great pic. I do love the A-10 and I'm wondering how the F-35 will replace it?

Probably won't. F-35 is, from what I know, exclusive to Navy and the A-10 is exclusive to the Army/AF. F-35 is supposed to replace all AV-8 Harriers and F-18 A/B/C/D. Your beloved F-18 (well, the superhornets at least) will remain in service

[RETSF]

Ok, lets just admit it the US The Worlds Best fighter aircraft, granted not all are "High Speed - Low Drag" like the Eagle, Raptor and a few other sister service aircraft. But, the plane is only as good as the pilot that flies it.