GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
Great overview, Biff
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Thanks Biff - always welcome your input!Here it goes.
First, the F-16A and the MiG-29A are a pretty close fight performance wise, with the Viper having better legs, better man machine interface (by a large margin) and better weapons.
The later block F-16s with big engines (GE F-110 or PW F100-229) have a large performance advantage over most of the late model MiG-29s.
Second the Russian Air Force has had a stressful relationship with the MiG-29, maintenance problems, suffering extended groundings, and of course lots of crashes. On top of that their upgrade programs have been sporadic, and not all encompassing (quite a few aircraft received little or no upgrades).
Third, and most importantly the average Russian fighter pilot gets substantially less flying training than his Western counterparts. Emphasis on substantial. Not only does he / she get less flying, the quality is also in my opinion, MUCH less.
Of note the Ukrainian fighter pilots have been training for years with the Western fighter pilots and are fully versed in our methodology. They are flying outdated Russian hardware and doing some great work in my opinion.
Also of note is the Russians are dropping iron bombs (non-smart or unguided weapons) from more "modern" equipment. Indicates lack of smart weapons stockpiled or lack of training on them. Or both. Resulting in modern, expensive aircraft that have to get close to hit their targets, exposing them to simple defenses that appear to be wreaking havoc among them.
To directly answer your question I would put money on the Western trained Viper pilot over either the Russian MiG or SU driver. I think we are seeing that the 800lb Gorilla weights 350lbs and has a bum leg.
They do however have a nuclear ace up their sleeve.
Cheers,
Biff
The Russians have an AMRAAMski called the AA-12 Adder. However, I'm not sure which aircraft have been modified to carry it. The late F-15C models, tails 85-xxx and 86-xxx came from the factory with the hardware (not software) to shoot AMRAAMs. All other F-15A-Ds had to be modified to carry the AIM-120. The Russians have AA-10Cs and Ds, which are also capable weapons.Thanks Biff - always welcome your input!
Now throw F-16s armed with AIM-120 AMRAAMs into the mix. Are the Ruskie MiG-29 drivers "smoked caviar"?
Here it goes.
First, the F-16A and the MiG-29A are a pretty close fight performance wise, with the Viper having better legs, better man machine interface (by a large margin) and better weapons.
The later block F-16s with big engines (GE F-110 or PW F100-229) have a large performance advantage over most of the late model MiG-29s.
Second the Russian Air Force has had a stressful relationship with the MiG-29, maintenance problems, suffering extended groundings, and of course lots of crashes. On top of that their upgrade programs have been sporadic, and not all encompassing (quite a few aircraft received little or no upgrades).
Third, and most importantly the average Russian fighter pilot gets substantially less flying training than his Western counterparts. Emphasis on substantial. Not only does he / she get less flying, the quality is also in my opinion, MUCH less.
Of note the Ukrainian fighter pilots have been training for years with the Western fighter pilots and are fully versed in our methodology. They are flying outdated Russian hardware and doing some great work in my opinion.
Also of note is the Russians are dropping iron bombs (non-smart or unguided weapons) from more "modern" equipment. Indicates lack of smart weapons stockpiled or lack of training on them. Or both. Resulting in modern, expensive aircraft that have to get close to hit their targets, exposing them to simple defenses that appear to be wreaking havoc among them.
To directly answer your question I would put money on the Western trained Viper pilot over either the Russian MiG or SU driver. I think we are seeing that the 800lb Gorilla weights 350lbs and has a bum leg.
They do however have a nuclear ace up their sleeve.
Cheers,
Biff
Rockets and bombers.I was clicking through various news articles. I saw one from the NY Post, a news outlet I usually disregard. It's article stated that rockets were fired from Belorussia into Ukraine. Any confirmation on this?
Douche-A! Douche-A! Douche-A!Mussoshenko is still at it, eh?
If Russia continues to use Belarus, then in theory there is nothing to stop Ukraine using say Poland.Bet there are some tasty logistical centers and airbases in Belorussia.
Douche-A! Douche-A! Douche-A!
But there is the thread-worn Russian whine of "NATO".If Russia continues to use Belarus, then in theory there is nothing to stop Ukraine using say Poland.
Let them. Or alternatively launch precision strikes against Belarus from Ukraine. As Sparatrob rightly points out, there must be some very important and probably lightly defended targets. Right now there are no consequences in letting your land be used by Russia. Let them know that there are consequences.But there is the thread-worn Russian whine of "NATO".
Just make sure the IFF is active, otherwise the UAF's trigger happy MANPADS lads will own goal them.
It's only a matter of time before the Belorussians do a Ceaușescu. Especially once they see Ukraine begin postwar reconstruction, join the EU and accelerate their westernization. The grass will definitely look greener across the border, and the Belorussians won't stand for it.Mussoshenko is still at it, eh?
It's only a matter of time before the Belorussians do a Ceaușescu. Especially once they see Ukraine begin postwar reconstruction, join the EU and accelerate their westernization. The grass will definitely look greener across the border, and the Belorussians won't stand for it.
Just make sure the IFF is active, otherwise the UAF's trigger happy MANPADS lads will own goal them.
Just make sure the IFF is active, otherwise the UAF's trigger happy MANPADS lads will own goal them.