Why We Need the F-22 Raptor Contributed by Bill Faith
provides the first persuasive argument that I’ve seen for further acquisition of the F-22 Raptor fighter. Since the Cold War ended, most of us have argued that continued reliance on the F-15/F-16 platform was more than adequate given the state of our adversaries. Why not just roll out next-generation versions of those planes with state-of-the-art avionics?
Axe argues that “the latest Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker derivate fighters and ‘double-digit’ surface-to-air missile systems such as the S-300″ have largely obviated that argument. Even conceding that “the F-15 and F-16 might be equal or even slightly superior (when pilot training, weapons and joint and industry support are considered),” we are fast losing automatic air dominance. It’s not just theoretical, when one takes a look at who has these systems:
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The other alternative, the F-35 Lightning, is not the answer, either:
While a fine bomb-hauler and (one hopes) a good multi-service airframe, the F-35 is a mediocre performer. Said 1st Fighter Wing commander Brigadier General Burton Field, “The problem with the F-35 … is speed. It doesn’t have the capability to supercruise. Speed lets us get inside the decision cycle of the bad guy.”
For the most dangerous air battles and attack missions, F-35 squadrons will rely on F-22s for support. That’s an unavoidable state of affairs when you design an airframe to replace slow- and low-flying Lockheed Martin A-10 Warthogs and Boeing AV-8B Harriers as well as light and flexible F-16s and Boeing F/A-18 Hornets. The F-35 is a compromise. Potentially a very successful compromise, but still …
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Contributed by Bill Faith on August 18, 2006 at 10:46 AM in , |
