I think there is a big mis conception and inaccuracies in the
debate.
Both latest F-15 variant (SG) and F-18E/F (Block 2) are fairly
evenly matched if used against each other. They do present
different roles with different capabilities. If a
deep-penetration striker with capable self-escorting capabilities
is what you want, The Strike eagles would be the nature choice.
However, if you want a evenly capable strike aircraft and air
supriority fighter, then the Super Bugs is your choice.
Let 's take an objective comparision of these 2 aircrafts:
Size: Both are approximately the same size, same wing span.
Thrust to weight ratio: This goes to the Eagles who have 2x
29,00lb engines. The Superbugs have only 2x22,000lb engines.
Avionics: Both are armed with AESA radar. Of course RSAF variant
will be the latest - but untested. USN (and possibly RAAF)
will be armed with the slightly more matured APG-79 AESA. Both have
very similar functions and capabilities (air to air modes and
ground attacks, SAR, electronic warfare, etc). The APG63V3 AESA on
the Eagles have more TR modules though, which made them slightly
more capable. However, I was reading some reports that the APG-79
have some really secret capabilities similar (albeit not as
capable) to that found on the APG-77 on the Raptors.
Range: Strike Eagles. Obviously.
Air combat agility: Super Bugs, due to the great low speed
handling control and the use of digital flight control system. The
Eagles is still using only a similar digital/analague flight
control system I believe... correct me if I am wrong.
Stealth: F-18E/F has frontal forward stealth capabilities.
Eagles has none. The Eagle reflects "like mirrors" once they turn.
Thus the pilots tend to fly the Eagles using "tennis courting"
maneouver.
In a head on BVR shootout, they are both equally matched, with
the Eagle having a slightly more powerful AESA radar, but the Super
bugshave a much lower RCS. Thus I may dare say that the Super bugs
actually has a slight advantage of getting the first shots. In
terms of WVR, both are armed with JHMCS and AIM-9X. So its the
first aircraft that shoot first wins. However, the Superbug have
better dogfight agility and thus if they go into a knife fight, the
Superbug should have the advantage.
Of course if terms of strike capability, the Eagles should win
in always all area except perhaps one of two counts, first of
which, the Super bug can actually carry more types of weapons.
Mission flexibility is therefore slightly greater than the
Eagles.
Were the Superbug really incompetent, don't you think it is
foolish for USN to replace all their tier 1 fighters (Tomcats)
soley with the Superbugs?
