It becomes a question of credibility; who do you want to believe? So far LMA has a pretty good track record in ddelivering the goods, going back to the U-2 program all the way to the F-22. I think I’ll trust them to deliver on the F-35.

Even before the notorious SH incident, I had read at least one media article mentioning a F-15 “killing” a Raptor. This was several years ago and I clearly recall it being the first time a raptor was “killed” though no details were disclosed.

This latest episode is more of the same. We don’t know the ROEs and the circumstances surrounding the event. Its being placed in hostile scenarios where its forced to expend all its missiles then face multiple regenerating bogeys with only its cannon for protection. No A/C in existence has been tested to this degree and by all accounts of the vanquished pilots it has excelled. To discover its potential, the jet is being pushed to its limits and beyond – is it any wonder that given this gruelling pace some F-22s might get “killed” in the process? Bottom line is its a learning process – getting killed in training will hopefully keep you alive when things are for real.

Without knowing the circumstances, everything being posted to explain this F-22 “kill” is just speculation. I find it amusing though to read some of the comments being posted.:D

I recall Dozer being so excited about the F-22’s AESA radar and how it was far superior in performance and capabilities compared to the system he had flying in F-15Cs. By necessity he couldn’t get into specifics but he really was sold on AESA. I think the testimonial of someone with Dozer’s credentials should count for something.

AESA’s definitely more versatile in providing simultaneous multiple oprerating modes. Also, the inherent redundancy with hundreds if not thousands of T/R modules provides high levels of robustness and reliability of the overall system despite failure of multiple modules. I recall one AESA manufacturer even considered sealing the array specifically because of this reliability though I’m not sure if it was actually dne.

Or just maybe a Raptor just happened to be in the neighborhood.. how far is Guam from indonesia? Wouldn’t put it past the USAF to test out their new bird and gather some useful intel by trigering the Sukhois sensors.. 😀

Nice article.. makes a nice case for more F-22s.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200903/air-force

Iran completes design phase of stealth aircraft
Tehran Times Political Desk

Iranian military researchers are now working on building small prototypes of the aircraft, Brigadier General Hassan Shah-Safi told reporters in Tehran.

Well, the smaller the prototypes, the stealthier they’ll be..:rolleyes: