Most successful fighter...

I would say the F-117 FIGHTER, no but I would say the F-16 because of remarkable performance. The F-22 Will be the next best when this thread is made in 10 years!

Sexy Su-30 MKK in China spiting a missile.

Out,
Russian

F-22 is the best looking fighter
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I like this mig-25 its the kind my father flew!

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That I'll grant you...but like most here, I'll have to go with the F-16 in all-around "success"....

The Raptor though, is off to a good start (though I am biased a bit, as my pop works on these, hehe...)

I dont really know why but I like the looks of the F-16, F-18, Su-37, Su-30 MKK much more then the all new Raptor.

But it is a very good aircraft.

Just the look of the new "stealth" aircraft didnt get to me yet.

I like the sexy slim body Su-27 alot!

Out,
Russian

You've got it all wrong here people! The YF-23 was the best looking fighter...


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wait,
is this supposed to be a question over what the best fighter, ever, was... or what the best fighter is today?

I think you have to set-up an equation that factors in A2A victory rates OVER a certain number of engagements, survivability AFTER being damaged, versatility (years in service spread over theaters and combat roles), cost-benefit analysis, and anecdotal evidence concerning one on one engagements between pilots of equal ability. Also, things like training accidents and maintenance mistakes need to be factored in... because a well-designed plane should be pilot and crew friendly.

So... keeping that in mind...
Yes, the F-15 has an awesome A2A record. It's also been operated in a period where the US has mostly lived in relative peace. Unlike the F-4 or F-86, which had to fly against MiGs flown by Russian 'volunteers' in Vietnam and Korea, the F-15 has only engaged enemy aircraft flown by pilots from non-major powers. It's also extremely expensive, meaning that its 'bang for buck' ratio probably isn't the same as that for something like a P-51. So, yes, the F-15 is undefeated, but it's also never been in a situation where the odds weren't in its favor.

So... I gotta say...

That the F-4 is my pick. Yes, it can't fly against anything around today... but for its era it was a dominant fighter, and one that flew in situations where the success of the mission wasn't ensured. I think it had something like a 12 to 1 victory ratio in vietnam... and its service in the hands of the Israelis was just devastating. It was also known to be a rugged/damage resistant fighter that could fly a variety of missions with little redesign needed. When it WAS hit... its crew often made it home.

this is indian mig-21 and not 25...

onlyinmydreams, you make some good points, but as far as survivability goes, I'd take the Eagle...

I remember reading about an Isreali pilot who lost a whole wing and didnt even know - he just flew back to base and landed. When he got out everyone was just staring at the plane and someone had to show him because he didn't even know.

Warhappy, nice aircraft, I was always a fan of the intake in the front, makes it seem more tough and like a machine. How long did your dad fly that aircraft?

My father was a Lt in the italian air force during the 60's, he had a few engagments in africa and somewhere else i cant remember for sure

[edit on 16-6-2004 by Warhappy]

the YF23 balck widow would beat any fighter to date
its the most sexy looking,ass kicking ,stealthiset and not forgetting larger plane out there

Beh, the worlds only vertical take off and landing jet fighter of course, the Harrier Jump Jet.. A remarkable peice of British ingenuity....

I do like the Eagle and its A2A record design and power but i think the Raptor will have a better A2A record but one thing is for sure they are both good looking aircrafts

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[edit on 16-6-2004 by WestPoint23]

Su-30 looks like eagle

but F-15 looks like a bird of peace



[edit on 17-6-2004 by gastric cancer]

hah well that "bird of peace" has an A2A record of 101-0 some bird of peace huh

I got to go with the F-15 thanks to its excellent kill/loss ratio. By performance and ability I think that the f-14 ranks pretty high up. No offense but the kill loss ratio of a Mig-29 wasn't very good. Correct me if I'm wrong but last I checked it had been zero kills, twelve losses. (This may have changed recently).

If you go for best looking I say its the f-22 or f-23. My personal favorite plane has always been the f-14 (Awesome range,performance, looks awesome).

I doubt the F-22 will get over 10 kills reported to the public. Because, whos going to know it shot the enemy down? And, with our Radar EMP, evidence is not going to be left behind because they will think its the planes comptuer problem!


America loves everyone!

[edit on 17-6-2004 by Laxpla]