Best aircraft, but more specific…

In response (of sorts) to Merlin’s “Best aircraft” posts, here’s my list…

Best looking: Tupolev Tu-144D

Worst Looking: Avro Guppy/Belouga/whatever its called. The one that transports aircraft/rocket parts and is bulged and just plain ugly.

Best idea: HMS. Easily the edge in a dogfight between two pilots of equal ability, just downright unfair if in the hands of a superior flyer.

Worst idea: JSF. Enough said on this pathetic money sump already.

Most capable fighter: Rafale or F-16C/D Block 50/52//60. True multi-role capability, arguably more developed than Eurofighter.

Most capable bomber: Tu-160. Recieving upgrades, will begin using conventional weapons, great range/payload performance, and man, you should hear the Guard B-1B pilots here bitch about the Bone’s range!

Most capable naval aircraft: F-14D. LANTIRN+AIM-54? Nuff said.

Best airshow performer: Flanker. How many NATO analysts do you think needed new pants after the first Pugachev Cobra display at Paris in ’89?

Most overrated aircraft: F-15. Bomb truck, air defence fighter, and oh yeah enormous radar target. Not a bad aircraft by any means, just last year’s technology.

Most underrated aircraft: B-2. Bitch about the cost, but a fleet of these with JDAMs or other PGM’s could replace the F-15E/F-117 fleet, and do it with comparatively fewer numbers thanks to large bomb load.
Why is it still around?: B-52. Meet the SAM sump. Cruise missiles can be shot from other far more survivable platforms. Why this aircraft is still around is beyond me. Expecting it to perform in combat is taking an unnecessary risk with the lives of its crew.

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