Hi all, whats the fuss between the difference between MIG-29Ns & VIPERS(f-16c) block 40-52 types? Well many in fact.Not to be biased First,f-16s are fly by wires with avionics suite & MFDs upgradable to employ more powerful radar suite ie Hughes APG-73.Bvr package includes aim-9L or P sparrow,amraam,even some with matra-magic missiles.Of course they are advanced but there are limitations or envelopes to a weapons system or flight envelope.Thats only for air to air how abt air to ground?CBUs mavericks,LGBs,FLIR/LANTIRN,HARMs,HTS PODS to name a few.These r all impressive.Down point is these all adds to weight limitations to an aircraft performance in combat this means DIE!!!! i.e in sam evasions or high threat theatres.The most profound survivability is depends still on the skill of the pilots!!!! Whereas the MIG-29Ns are hydromechanical flight actuators.Maneuvres very impressive due to vympell R-77 turbines pushing the plane well past mach-2 unfortunate for viper pilots in a turning dogfight the radius of turn is almost equal to the viper's but main difference lies in the avionics suite.Analog displays adds weight.Improvements made by Germany to its MIG fleet proves they are very versatile.Improved range by adding more internal fuel tanks what more is the helmet mounted targeting system gives it a big edge.Notorious wise its IRST system has a greater detection range than the viper's radar providing a BVR lock on using IR-seekers well beyond the f-15s range shown interest even in planes like the rafale.DID you know the cobra and the bell maneuvre has its purposes?The best part is to use them to shoot down AWACS,J-STARS,AEW A/Cs.REFER to PARIS AIRSHOW FOR FURTHER DEMONSTRATIONS.WELL THE LAST THING WHICH MAKES A DIFFERENCE WILL BE THE QUALITY OF THE PILOTS.EVEN WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT A VERY TALENTED POOL EVEN FEW IN NUMBERS MAKES ALOT OF DIFFERENCE!!!!!
Issint the cobra only executeable by Su-27s? My opinion is that the cobra is not at all a tactical manoeuvre but rather a showcase one. It's to demo the aerodynamic symmetry and robustness of its engines. In order to execute the cobra, u must be around a certain velocity and u lose critical speed after the execution..in fact close to stalling speed..therefore i dont see the tactical sense in using it. Further more, AWACs and such aircraft operate at higher cruising altitude than fighters..thus with a thinner atmosphere, i doubt the cobra can be performed..
These are juz my opinions and correct me if anybody has a better opinion.