I think it’s a mistake to compare the Su-15 to the “latest” J-8II as the newest J-8F is a whole generation ahead in avionics (up there with fourth gen designs I think)

A better comparison would be between the best Su-15 vs the best “old school” J-8II. Which is pretty much the basic version with the nosecone, I think. I’m sure that’s how Mad Rat intended it at any rate.’

A better comparison would probably be between the J-8F and the latest Phantom upgrades, like the Phantom 2000.

This whole topic makes me *facepalm*.

Why not just buy the PAK FA if you can’t get the Raptor?

Seriously? What’s to stop Australia, Japan, and whatnot from switching to Russia for their hardware? I know it would require a bit of cash to establish a support base for a whole new manufacturer, but at least you have something on the level of the Raptor, right?

I’m curious to see how these recently publicized claims about the F-35s poor performance, true or not, will affect sales? It’s a common tactic in advertising/propaganda. It doesn’t have to be true for it to sway your target audience.

Even if the claims are proven to be completely unfounded and the F-35 really does become all that and a bag of chips, the lingering doubt about it seeded by the negative claims will always remain, if you get what I mean. 😮

If the F-35B does get canned, what’s the USMC gonna do then? Rely on their old harrier or forego VTOL aviation all together?

Man, the US Mil is in a bad fix right now…

If Russians produce $100m MIG-29 just like EF price . It will be flying in Space. u will need space suits to operate it.

Dear Star49,

Now if you were any other forum member, I would presume that you are trying to be humorous. But, you ARE the legendary Star49, so I can only assume the worst.

Star, I have to say that you have reached a new frontier with this one. Only a man with true bravery and fortitude could have risen to this new state of forum zen. And for that, I congratulate you in your endeavor. It is now evident that you are destined to become the chosen one for all forum-kind. Only YOU will lead us to the promised land of the internet. One thousand years from now, scribes shall write legends of your adventures. Stonemasons will erect statues in your honor. Children will fill the streets, singing songs of your glory. For you will forever be known as the Forum-Jesus for all of history to come.

Sincerely,
LoofahBoy

Yes, it’s hard to strafe with an A2A missile.

Well you’ve obviously never played Ace Combat. :diablo: :p

I think what they did with the Typhoon was a good idea. Keep the gun installed in the aircraft in the off-chance that you need it, but just keep it empty for most missions. It’s a nice compromise in between carrying the dead weight of bullets for 90% of missions and deleting the gun all together.

Maybe they can stick the E-3 radar dome on the back of the Raptor for some REAL kickass performance? :p

Is that WW3 I can see on the horizon?

I would look but the sheer size of your text there is blocking my view.