Best Israeli fighter?

SoD Stitch · 09-10-2007, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glider

I suspect you won't due to the security risk, not the whole thing anyway.

Actually, there have been low-level discussions considering selling the F-22 to Israel (and, possibly, other "friendly" nations), but it would be a very de-rated version with possibly an older, less expensive radar system (maybe the AN/APG-79 AESA as installed in the F-18 Super Hornet).

Militarist · 09-10-2007, 02:27 PM

Although no doubt, the F-15 is the most potent fighter in the IDF/AF, the F-16 often beats the Eagle in dogfights.

As for the F-22, it seems the Israelis prefer the F-35.

comiso90 · 09-10-2007, 02:40 PM

F-16.

I believe the F-16 is a better dog fighter.. The F-15 is a better mult-role fighter

SoD Stitch · 09-10-2007, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Militarist

Although no doubt, the F-15 is the most potent fighter in the IDF/AF, the F-16 often beats the Eagle in dogfights.

As for the F-22, it seems the Israelis prefer the F-35.

Yes; as I said, there were discussions concerning selling the -22, but I don't think anything was ever decided. However, if I had to guess, I'd say the F-22 is too expensive for just about every other country in the world. For the money, and considering Israel's situation, I'd say the F-35 would be more practical.

The original reason for offering up the F-22 for international sale was to keep the production lines open in case the USAF decided to order more of them in a year or two, and to defray the per-unit cost over it's production run.

Bernhart · 09-10-2007, 03:13 PM

would vote the spitfire early ones had biggest impact during 1948 war

Aggie08 · 09-10-2007, 03:52 PM

Sorry I left the Spitfire off, that was a mistake. So interesting to see Spitfires and -109's fighting side by side against other Spitfires.

If the Israelis end up with the F-35 it's, well, it can't really be "game over" for the Arab nations more than it already is.

I'm surprised the Phantom hasn't received any votes. It was the premier fighter/interceptor when they acquired it which must have been a huge confidence booster. There was also that one encounter between something like 21 MiG-21's and two Phantoms. 6 or 7 MiGs were killed for no loss.

The official IAF website has absolutely amazing information, including day-to-day logbooks of flights and encounters. Give it a look. Israeli Air Force Website

kool kitty89 · 09-10-2007, 08:28 PM

I might have chosen the spitfire, if nothing else for the sheer irony of the cercumstanses of its usage. Also maby the Dassault Ouragan, Mystère, and Super Mystère should have been listed as they were all quite capable craft and probably better matched trans-sonic(and low supersonic) fighters like the Mig 17, 19, and the Hwker Hunter, as the mirage had some trouble with them when trying to sustain attack as the Hunter could drop speed to below the Mirage III's sustainable flight speed. Though the mirage was still an excelent interceptor, it did require a bit more concentration to fully utilize its speed advantage.