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And the Gripen is not effective in multi-role? That was the top level requirement for its development. I think that FBJ hit it on the head. Against a Block 60 and you have a more even fight. Put an AESA radar in it and the Gripen likely wouldn't stand a chance. But you can't knock the Gripen. It does what it was designed to do...air-to-air, air-to-gnd, air-to-sea and recon all in one rugged package with excellent commo equipment for situation exchange. I wouldn't feel undergunned if that was my primary aircraft.
I am not knocking the Gripen. I think it is excellent aircraft but I dont see that the example he gave against the F-16 is a legit arguement against the F-16.
You mean its probably this aircraft here.
i dunno... i'd be hesitant about attacking the gripens. i can imagine a scenerio: a squadron of f16's is set to attack the enemy's key bases and operations. the area is uneven forest terrain. scattered throughout hidden points are gripens, about the size of a large van, quickly getting off the ground on short, makeshift runways. by the time the f16's realized they missed these initial targets, the gripens are already in the air, locking in their radar. f16's are deciding whether to continue their mission or to counter, they scramble around, lose formation. a few volleys of missiles, maybe both sides get some kills, and we're in dogfighting range. gripens comes standard with hmc, f16's afaik does not, gripens easily takes out f16's. yeah, i think vipers are great machines, but the gripen is designed for quick response, hard to kill on the ground, and anti-air measures. it's a tie for me.
And then, this one time at band camp, the F-16's were not flung into the air haphazardly. The tacticians were actually competent.
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Aussie - the harrier???
Taking off vertically with a half bag of gas and no ordnance - that's not very useful, is it???
Aussie - the harrier??? Talk to some pilots and maint crews of those damn things... not exactly the pinnacle of successful design.
Taking off vertically with a half bag of gas and no ordnance - that's not very useful, is it???