My (extremely limited) understanding is that the F-22's are better.
But, if they can upgrade the fleet of F-15's for the cost of a squadron of F-22's.... So long as the F-15's are still good enough, I'm for it.
My question is, why not have both? Depending on the roles that each can fulfill.
Nothing to do with combat. FOLLOW the MONEY
It costs a lot to run a school house for each aircraft, maintain ranges, maintain logistics for each, train dedicated support people, etc. The F-22 and the F-15E have the same basic mission so with dwindling resources the AF will have to make a tough choice.
One of the big issues facing the military right now is manning. The AF manning is at its lowest point since the AF was created in 1947. There aren’t enough pilots and support personnel for the airplanes we have in the inventory, let alone new ones.
I was the Superintendent of the F-15 pilot training schoolhouse 20 years ago and I have nothing but respect for the plane. The F-15 is a very capable aircraft and would be effective against most potential threats. It’s much cheaper than the F-22s, but from what I’ve gathered from talking to the pilots that have flown both - the F-22 excels in several key areas. It’s stealthier and it’s more maneuverable. In a one-on-one engagement the F-15s can’t survive against the F-22.
The F-15s are 1970’s technology. They’re a great airplane, but not as good as the newer fifth generation fighters.
Thanks. And that’s a good question, one that i’m ill equipped to answer!! :)
We gave both. But we aren’t getting any more 22’s. They shut down the production line and put it in mothballs. The F-15 line is still active (mostly from foreign sales). So what we have, we are stuck with. So why not make them the best they can be. Upgrades are good.
We have both. But we aren’t getting any more 22’s. They shut down the production line and put it in mothballs. The F-15 line is still active (mostly from foreign sales). So what we have, we are stuck with. So why not make them the best they can be. Upgrades are good.