12-25-2005, 08:46 AM
US Pilots haven't had to face "parity" since Korea when the MiG 15 surprised everyone... A faster, nimbler fighter, but pilot training counts. A MiG 15 was shot down by an F4U Corsai (prop fighter) and a P51 Mustang! The MiG also lost its first Jet to Jet fight against a much slower F80 Shooting Star! Since then, the "worst" fighter was the F4 Phantom, which was an ugly "all Missile" fighter. It proved that Gun's still matter, as it was getting shot down by Prev Generation MiG 17's, 19's and MiG 21s. At the same time, the F8 Crusader and F104 Phantom, both designed from the Start as "gun fighters" were having a great time. The F4 didn't get a winning record until it was retrofitted w/a gun. American fighters have always been a generation ahead of the world, until a "generation" became more than 15-20 years, time enough for allies and adversaries to copy/catch up.
It's a good thing India is on our side, they're buying up the Russian Air Force and Navy with all that Call Center money we're sending!
It's a good thing India is on our side, they're buying up the Russian Air Force and Navy with all that Call Center money we're sending!