September 1, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I know that, ultimately, in a turn fight, the pilot’s experience and training are paramount.
I also know that cannon dogfights should become more rare from now on.. this is suggested by the trend of stealth much of the world tries to follow.
but, this question has been bothering me ever since I started to learn about fighter jets and air combat. from all these designs, one must be the best in a dogfight, doesn’t it?
the main players today are: the EF2000, the F-22 and, of course, the Su-35.
I’d also like to hear your opinions on the PAK-FA fighter, and how it would compare w/ the ones above.
now, getting to the other aircraft, there would be the Su-47 and Su-37.. technology demonstrators.. but important nonetheless. I also was displeased by the Russians’ decision to use the older Su-27 -clone, canardless airframe for the Su-35BM. even the rudders are from the Su-27. and the new “square tip” ones were supposed to carry extra fuel. I believe that, even w/ the new AL-41 engines w/ thrust vectoring, the maneuverability will still suffer from the lack of canards.
and then, there’s the MiG-35, let’s suppose it will be fitted w/ some kind of TVC as well.
the Indian HAL Tejas is also an aircraft worthy of attention, I believe. it should be quite nimble, judging by its size.
and finally, the other canarded deltas in the world.. the French Rafale, the Swedish JAS-39 and the Chinese J-10.
so, I repeat the question.. out of all these, which one do you believe to be the most potent opponent in a classic cannons-only turn fight?