F-16E vs. F-15 Golden Eagle

wrightwing · by **wrightwing** » 21 Sep 2015, 02:10

What exactly is the point of comparing highly modified F-16s with slightly modified F-15s? If we want to conduct an apples to apples comparison, then we need to compare highly modified examples of each. Under most circumstances, the Eagle will be the better BVR aircraft.

geogen · by **geogen** » 21 Sep 2015, 02:27

A Legion IRST pod on certain late-model HTS-equipped block 50s would be a major upgrade?? I don't see it that way.

Agreed though, that late-model USAF F-16s need to upgraded to baseline ASEA and w/ comparable modern displays and mission computers, ASAP. Any external program which is somehow threatening such basic, fundamental systems upgrades (by way of taking away funding) of USAF's frontline tactical aviation needs to highly scrutinized or funded elsewhere!

We have a situation going on here today, captain... not in 2022 or 2023!

mixelflick · by **mixelflick** » 25 Jul 2017, 16:22

This is what I don't understand, given the USAF's mention of retiring F-15's for F-16's..

The Eagle has a much better radar, can carry more weapons, has more room for add on sensors etc and is almost universally recognized as being better at BVR than any F-16 variant. And it's no slouch in a dogfight.

OK OK, it's $$$. But at what point do we STOP compromising the air superiority mission? They did it by truncating the F-22 buy. The Navy has completely abdicated the mission. Some day when Eagles and Vipers are falling to SU-35's and J-10B's, they're going to realize their mistake.

By then though, it'll be too late..

F-16ADF · by **F-16ADF** » 25 Jul 2017, 18:17

The youngest C model Eagles are from FY 86. So what that means is you have a considerable amount that are well older than that. They easily have over 8,000 hrs on the air frames. Some are probably over 9,000; could be more. The jet is not going to last forever. Why spend money to "re-wing" a F-15 when you can buy a F-35?

The legacy teen series are just too old-

icemaverick · by **icemaverick** » 28 Jul 2017, 00:43

mixelflick wrote:The Eagle has a much better radar, can carry more weapons, has more room for add on sensors etc and is almost universally recognized as being better at BVR than any F-16 variant. And it's no slouch in a dogfight.

The Eagle is also more expensive to operate and maintain....especially given its age and its 2 engines. Furthermore, the F-16 has been upgraded with a pretty capable AESA radar and because there are still thousands in service around the world, there is a market for continued upgrades well into the future. Furthermore, the F-16 can also do a variety of missions including SEAD, CAS, strike etc. in addition to the air superiority role.

OK OK, it's $$$. But at what point do we STOP compromising the air superiority mission? They did it by truncating the F-22 buy. The Navy has completely abdicated the mission. Some day when Eagles and Vipers are falling to SU-35's and J-10B's, they're going to realize their mistake.

The F-35 and the F-22 are vastly superior to both the F-16 and F-15 in air superiority missions. Both of these 4th gen platforms will play supporting roles in future conflicts against capable adversaries. They will probably serve as missile sleds, decoys and they will also perform "mop up duties" after the 5th gens have done the heavy lifting. In the supporting role, the F-16 offers enough capability while also bringing many economic advantages.

As for Eagles and Vipers getting shot down by Su-35s and J-10Bs, where are the Lightnings and Raptors in this scenario? Surely if the enemy has advanced 4+ gen platforms, the USAF would bring 5th gens and only use its 4th gens as supporting players.

I absolutely love the Eagle. There's no doubt that it's a legend. But fiscally and logically speaking, it makes sense to keep the F-16 in the future as a support aircraft for the 5th gen platforms.