Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

What aircraft would you consider to have the most significant advantage over other aircraft when fighting them within visual range? We are considering not only those aircraft that have gone into production, but also any aircraft of which at least one flying specimen was built, including experimental ones.

Firstly, which is the best in a guns-only fight? Secondly, which is the best in a WVR heaters-only fight?

I can think of a few possible candidates: F-22A, Su-47, MiG-1.44, YF-23, Su-35BM, Eurofighter Typhoon...

The F-22A has a really good thrust-to-weight ratio, a fairly low wing-loading, pitch-vectoring nozzles and IR suppression. The YF-23 also has a really good T/W ratio, even lower wing-loading and IR signature suppression. The Su-47 had forward-swept wings for good high-alpha characteristics, a triplane layout (using both canards and stabilators) and would have received 3D TVC nozzles (or did it already have them?). Likewise, the MiG-1.44 had/would have gotten 3D TVC as well. Even though the Typhoon doesn't have TVC, it has a very low wing-loading, a canard-delta design and a high T/W ratio.

Any other suggestions?

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In a heater-only fight... F-35

DAS will track every airborne aircraft and missile in the WVR rangeband and DIRCM is planned for Block 5 upgrades.

Throw in JDRADM (2018 timeframe) and Game Over.

What about that experimental one with the 3 paddle thrust vectoring, the X- 31 was it? I remember reading somewhere about how it was extremely nasty as a gunfighter during ACM tests. I'm not sure, but I think it was dueling against an F/A-18 due to its own low speed maneuverability.

Your forgot Rafale. They're pretty impressive planes and are more maneuverable than the Eurofighter. They also have a lower rcs but that's another story. Their missiles are also pretty impressive at close range. Just wait till they get their enhancements next year.

I would think the A-10 could do well in gunfight-category. Slow but manouverable and any hit from that gun would more or less end any fight, the other way round it could take quite a beating before going down.

A-10? It's way too slow against the fighters listed in this thread.

Yah, missiles like sidewinder or MICA would destroy it.

Not in a guns only scenario they wouldn´t....

I think I would go for a P-51 Mustang with DAS and AIM-9x. Crazy Pilot

..."Not in a guns only scenario they wouldn´t"...

True but they would still dominate a p-51 lol.

I would take a HIMAT type drone with an Aim-9X mounted on it.... No contest... either that or a Pitts special with an Aim-9X on it *L*

Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

The best in WVR combat?