Thread: F18 dogfighting
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Old March 25th 06, 02:11 PM posted to rec.aviation.military.naval
Doug \Woody\ and Erin Beal
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Default F18 dogfighting
On 3/24/06 3:00 PM, in article
, "FatKat"
wrote:


John C wrote:
IS the F18 as good a dogfighter as the F14?


The question speaks to turning engagements in the visual arena.
Objectively, the F/A-18 is a better turning fighter than the F-14A, but the
thrust to weight of the B/D makes it a more difficult opponent.

Depends on the circumstances of the fight - they are different
aircraft, and each possesses unique advantages over the other. In a
weapons-free environment, it's hard to see F-18 drivers surviving
against swarms of AIM-54's. One can't be said to be a better dogfghter
than the other because there are probably so many different ways an
engagement can be fought.

Will F14 aviators transistion over to the F18?

Doubtless some already have.


Most F-14 squadrons are getting full transitions from Tomcat to F/A-18E/F.
Of course, some aviators are always left on the table during the transition.

--Woody