tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386077914312449748.post663818772421207780..comments2024-03-27T20:37:08.065+01:00Comments on Defence and Freedom: Slovakia and GripensUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386077914312449748.post-23051183671843786752014-01-14T12:40:20.381+01:002014-01-14T12:40:20.381+01:00I believe that's too complex for a theoretical...I believe that's too complex for a theoretical answer.<br />Historically, aces/experts rather got the best ones or the ones of their choice (see Hartmann in 109G-10) - and usually so within the standardized equipment of their unit (but best individual engine available and so on).<br /><br />According to statistics, rookies need to survive the first four combat missions first and foremost: About half of the aircraft losses happened with rookies on one of their first four contacts). They should be wingman to a good mentor and should prioritize caution over aggression.S Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03359796414832859686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386077914312449748.post-16013147916016718802014-01-14T01:26:51.049+01:002014-01-14T01:26:51.049+01:00I have a hypothetical for you, sven: In the middle...I have a hypothetical for you, sven: In the middle of a war, should the best planes go to the best pilots, or should they go to the rookies (so at to give them a decent chance)?kesler12noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386077914312449748.post-48561106093203823132014-01-12T00:06:23.477+01:002014-01-12T00:06:23.477+01:00Radar stealth of the F-22, J-20 or PAK-FA variety ...Radar stealth of the F-22, J-20 or PAK-FA variety can be countered by long wavelength radars - which happen to have big antennas. This means that a great power will have a good chance to prevail against them at some depth, with air defences secured against most ground threats.<br />A Typhoon will likely be about even with the aforementioned fighter types, if not superior (with upgrades) as long as it defends with the support of such radars.<br />F-22s and PAK-FAs may rule the skies over the area of most mobile ground operations, though.<br /><br />I don't say it's necessarily a bad idea for small European air forces to buy Gripen - I say it's bound to be of very limited value in the 2020's. And it's an essentially unnecessary expense.<br />The same applies to the Rafale, except that it's much more expensive and thus rather a candidate for Persian Gulf Arabs or Asians - where they might whack some old combat aircraft sometime.S Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03359796414832859686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386077914312449748.post-72757604286933840202014-01-11T23:51:07.701+01:002014-01-11T23:51:07.701+01:00I'm not sure, but with this I think you've...I'm not sure, but with this I think you've condemned all "western" aircraft for sale right as lacking relevance. Certainly the Eurofighter, and the latest American Thing has gotten poor reviews. <br /><br />I don't really remeber you saying anything about the Rafale, though so I could be wrong. On the other hand you think the current air force is not going to be much use, what with all the small drones and all.<br /><br />Is there any airplane an small airforce should buy?Rettawnoreply@blogger.com