Every time I read this subforum (F-16 vs whoknows) that makes me feel happy, because in any topic conclusion is that, F-16 ourmaneuvers,outguns, outranges, outclimbs everything exept another F-16
F-16C initial climb rate is 50 000 ft/min (254 m/sek)
http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/f16/
F-4E initial climb rate is 49 000 ft/min (248 m/sek)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... -specs.htm
Where you can see the vertical superiority? Difference is not that big to make F-16 superior in vertical.
F-4F is basically F-4E airframe with some fuel tanks and AIM-7 related equipment removed (German F-4F-s were initally unable to carry Sparrow). So that vertical performance may be even better than original F-4E. Why- it carries less fuel and light F-18 avionics set.
I think that in high speed vertical maneuvers they are pretty close. In horizontal, Phantom does not stand a chance of course.
We are not talking about Vietnam-age gunless F-4B/C-s with heavy avionics and clilmb rates about 150 m/sek
F-4E got serious upgrade by Agile Eagle programm and it is TOTALLY different machine. IAF proved that. An F-4E will outmaneuver ANY Mig-21 both in horizontal and in vertical. And Mig-21 was premier Mach 2 dogfighter of this age.
If we add to both Joint Helmet and AIM-9X (just for justification) I dont think
that F-16 is greatly superior.
As far as I know, Germans are practising group tactiks, where more maneuverable enemy is subjected to 2-3 coordinated slash attacs from different directions. Yes, they can do it, because they have WSO who coordinates the game.
I thing that German Phantom is still dangerous oponent.