The Greatest Fighter Jet of All Time.

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by plan_D

I see things haven't changed while I was away.

Welcome back "D" - hope you're going to stick around for a while!

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Originally Posted by VF103 Jolly Roger

I read all the pages. Lots of them including the ones on the F-14.
However, ACE of Spades is new and may not have read all of them. But that doesn't give someone excuse to respond to his question in such a hauty manner.

I did not spout off to anyone in a hauty manner, including yourself. If you take offense to a innocent post like that, then you need to grow some thicker skin man.

[SoD Stitch]

I almost voted for the F-4, but the F-15 has an unmatched combat record; no other aircraft in history has a 105-to-0 combat record. It is unlikely that any other aircraft (with the possible exception of the F-22) will ever acheive a similar record.

The F-15 is also versatile, possibly more versatile than the F-4; the F-15E Strike Eagle is proof of that. There have also been satellite-killer versions of the F-15, and experimental versions of a two-seat SEAD version of the -15.

[Udet]

Flyboy:

Do you know how many F-22s are in operational squadrons today?

Would you agree with some comments suggesting the advent of the F-22 -and the unbelievablly high cost of each Raptor- has come to ruin some combat capabilities of the US air force?

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by Udet

Flyboy:

Do you know how many F-22s are in operational squadrons today?

Would you agree with some comments the advent of the F-22 -and the unbelievablly high cost of each Raptor- has come to ruin some combat capabilities of the US air force?

I believe 2 Squadrons (both in Alaska) are flying the F-22, I also think there are some at Luke and Nellis totaling about 65 or 70 aircraft scattered around and yes, there is speculation that between the F-22 and the F-35 some other capabilities may suffer. As I read one AF flyer's comment, "we're selling out soul on two unproven aircraft." If they both work as advertised, I think things will work out - if not heads are going to roll.

[Udet]

Flyboy, thanks.

Is it true the approximate cost of each toy (F-22) is USD $ 340 million?

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ

I believe 2 Squadrons (both in Alaska) are flying the F-22, I also think there are some at Luke and Nellis totaling about 65 or 70 aircraft scattered around and yes, there is speculation that between the F-22 and the F-35 some other capabilities may suffer. As I read one AF flyer's comment, "we're selling out soul on two unproven aircraft." If they both work as advertised, I think things will work out - if not heads are going to roll.

I believe the Alaska Squadrons are just forming and are not fully mission capable yet.

[ToughOmbre]

Voted for the F-15 as the best.

But my favorite is the F-14 Tomcat. One mean looking Navy fighter! Sad day for me when she was retired.

TO

[SoD Stitch]

Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ

I believe 2 Squadrons (both in Alaska) are flying the F-22, I also think there are some at Luke and Nellis totaling about 65 or 70 aircraft scattered around and yes, there is speculation that between the F-22 and the F-35 some other capabilities may suffer. As I read one AF flyer's comment, "we're selling out soul on two unproven aircraft." If they both work as advertised, I think things will work out - if not heads are going to roll.

Actually, the first two operational squadrons were both based at Langley with the 1st FW (Fighter Wing), the 27th FS (Fighter Squadron) & the 94th FS; each squadron has approximately 40 Raptors each.

The pilots for the new wings in Alaska are going through operational training at Langley with the "experienced" pilots, and then transferring to Elmendorf AFB in Alaska.

There are also plans to base a squadron of -22's at Hickam AFB in Hawaii.

[mkloby]

Originally Posted by SoD Stitch

Actually, the first two operational squadrons were both based at Langley with the 1st FW (Fighter Wing), the 27th FS (Fighter Squadron) & the 94th FS; each squadron has approximately 40 Raptors each.

The pilots for the new wings in Alaska are going through operational training at Langley with the "experienced" pilots, and then transferring to Elmendorf AFB in Alaska.

There are also plans to base a squadron of -22's at Hickam AFB in Hawaii.

40 F-22s!? Isn't their TOE 24 birds? 40 A/C for a squadron is ridiculous.

[SoD Stitch]

Originally Posted by mkloby

40 F-22s!? Isn't their TOE 24 birds? 40 A/C for a squadron is ridiculous.

Okay, I misquoted; the wing (the 1st) has received 40 Raptors, not the squadron:

"The 1st FW's 94th FS took delivery of it's last F-22A when serial number 05-4085 arrived at Langley AFB, VA, on January 19 (2007). The wing has received 40 Raptors since the first arrived on December 15, 2005, and two of it's three squadrons now operate this type." From Combat Aircraft: The World's Top Military Aviation Magazine, Volume 8, No. 2

That means the 27th should receive another 8 birds eventually.

[mkloby]

Originally Posted by SoD Stitch

Okay, I misquoted; the wing (the 1st) has received 40 Raptors, not the squadron:

"The 1st FW's 94th FS took delivery of it's last F-22A when serial number 05-4085 arrived at Langley AFB, VA, on January 19 (2007). The wing has received 40 Raptors since the first arrived on December 15, 2005, and two of it's three squadrons now operate this type." From Combat Aircraft: The World's Top Military Aviation Magazine, Volume 8, No. 2

That means the 27th should receive another 8 birds eventually.

Hell you never know with the Air Force. They always got some scheme, program, or initiative up their sleeve! Budget whores!

[The Basket]

I go for the F-86 Sabre.

A superb aircraft, good looking with a top kill ratio.

Eric Brown said it was the best handling jet he ever flew and I can't argue with that.

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by Udet

Flyboy, thanks.

Is it true the approximate cost of each toy (F-22) is USD $ 340 million?

Sounds about right...

Originally Posted by DerAdlerIstGelandet

I believe the Alaska Squadrons are just forming and are not fully mission capable yet.

I think they have 3 aircraft delivered

Originally Posted by SoD Stitch

Okay, I misquoted; the wing (the 1st) has received 40 Raptors, not the squadron:

"The 1st FW's 94th FS took delivery of it's last F-22A when serial number 05-4085 arrived at Langley AFB, VA, on January 19 (2007). The wing has received 40 Raptors since the first arrived on December 15, 2005, and two of it's three squadrons now operate this type." From Combat Aircraft: The World's Top Military Aviation Magazine, Volume 8, No. 2

That means the 27th should receive another 8 birds eventually.

I think that's happening as we speak...

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by The Basket

I go for the F-86 Sabre.

A superb aircraft, good looking with a top kill ratio.

Eric Brown said it was the best handling jet he ever flew and I can't argue with that.

Will always be my fave jet fighter....