For all aircraft officionados....which fighter aircraft is the best?

Question

What aircraft really makes you feel the afterburn?

1) F-14 Tomcat
2) F-15 Eagle
3) F-16 Falcon
4) F-18 Hornet
5) Specify other fighter aircraft of your choice

Answer 1

You'd have to say for what mission. The F14 is a point defense fighter (defend the fleet) - it's old but still pretty good. The F15 is a long range air superiority fighter (fight over the battlefield) - it's two big honkin engines with wings & a massive radar. The F16 is a small multi-role fighter (drop bombs & limited short range air defense) - good at lots but not great at anything. The F18 is about the same as the F16, it is a redesign of the F17 that went up against the F16 for the AF contract, but the Navy needed two engines. Good modern airplane, but won't last long.

All of these are being replaced. The F22 is in action now. It is replacing all the F15Cs (air superiority), and will eventually be upgraded to take out the F15Es (strike fighter) as well. The F35 will come on line in 2011-12 & will replace the F16/18 (plus some others like the A10). F14s are being retired now in favor of F18 Super Hornets.

Anyway it's the right tool for the job. For most slick best flying fun for aviators, I'd pick the F22 (not to mention career choice), do the most good for the guys on the ground no question its A10 and a sorry day it will be when it goes.

Answer 2

Actually their about ready to release into production the F-22 Raptor air dominating fighter. In computer simulations of all the latest jet fighters from around the world nothing could touch it. It did mock dogfights against two F-15's with veteran pilots and the F-15 pilots didn't stand a chance. Every time the F-22 would nail both F-15's

But if I had to go by your list it would be the legendary F-15 Eagle. Altitude speed records and unbeaten in combat.

Answer 3

F-22 Raptor

Answer 4

The rapid evolution in drones will soon make any manned aircraft unsuitable for combat. When the aircraft does not have to support a pilot on board, it can be designed to make maneuvers, turns and speeds that no manned aircraft will ever be able to duplicate. How bout a 20 g turn and 10 g's acceleration. Easily attainable in unmanned drones. F22 will be last manned aircraft we will ever build for combat. And if sophisticated drones come into the combat theater, the F22 will have to turn and run and hopefully escape in one piece. Trained and skilled pilots will be operating these drones, and will survive any combat situation simply because they will be flying the missions from a remote location.

Answer 5

F-22 Raptor.....although, the Euro Fighter Typhoon is looking mighty agile, too bad it's not a Stealth Fighter.

As for speed: SR-71 Blackbird

Answer 6

As a ground pounder my favorite aircraft is the venerable A-10 Warthog, They are heavily armed and heavily armored they can fly low and slow enough to see and attack the enemy, you just can't provide CAS in a fast mover.

anyone reviewing my answers knows I am very partial to the Army and Marines and generally tolerate those other support guys, Not so with Warthog drivers When the Air Farce no longer wants you we will proudly accept you into our ranks. Slow and steady wins the race.

Answer 7

F22 Raptor

Answer 8

The F-15 probably has the best combination of speed, maneuverability, weapons load, and versatility. However it is old technology. The F18 and F-22 are nice but too lightweight IMNSHO.

Answer 9

The Raptor.

Answer 10

FA/18 Hornet can perform multiple tasks, hands down the best.