[yarddog]

I was just thinking of when I was a kid they had fighters which were just as fast as what we have now.

In 1963, 50 years ago, the F-104 would do 1500 mph.

[Still Thinking]

My vote for all-time coolest-looking goes to the F-111.

[Sirius Lee]

In 1963, 50 years ago, the F-104 would do 1500 mph.

Just don't try to turn.

[omega4179]

1500mph cant outrun a missile in any decade though.

[blueunicorn6]

I saw a documentary where a guy was trying to set the low level speed record in a jet. He was using a stripped down F-104. They tried to film his speed run, but the camera couldn’t keep up. When the camera finally finished panning left, all there was to see was dust. The guy had run it into the dirt. They sent some rescue vehicles out and I can remember thinking “That guy is a goner”. They found some pieces about the size of dinner plates. Then, they found the guy in his ejection seat. I think he had a broken leg and that was it. I believe they thought he hadn’t ejected, but just rode it in. Amazing.

[Nowhere Man]

I was just thinking of when I was a kid they had fighters which were just as fast as what we have now.

In 1963, 50 years ago, the F-104 would do 1500 mph.

I know, I think with the exception of electronics, we have reached a plateau in jet fighter technology around 1960 or so. I get in trouble for saying this but I think if you add in some avionics upgrades to an F-4, F-14 or even a MiG-21, it can do most of what an F-22 or a Sukhoi-30 can do today. I always admired the more, cheaper fighters like the F-5/F-16/F-20 as well.

Same with firearms, we basically hit a plateau about 75 or 100 years ago with the exception of plastics. I'm sure you could make an M-16 or M-4 with a wooden stock and grip using 1930's technology although it would be somewhat heavier to lug around.

The only downside of an F-16 is that it cannot be operated from a carrier but that's what we have the F-18's of various mods and marks for, although we should have kept the F-14.

[editor-surveyor]

>> “I was just thinking of when I was a kid they had fighters which were just as fast as what we have now.” <<

.
There are real world limitations on how fast a manned aircraft can travel.