Originally Posted by
RVF750
I hate to say it, and sorry to be controversial, but none of the RAF's retired types were really world beating either by the time they were retired or even when introduced. The Eurofighter Typhoon is OK, as was the Lightning. Tornado, adequate. We'd have bene far better to buy a half dozen squadrons of F/A18s and upgraded to E/F models really. Could have deployed them on a carrier, and on land. A truly versatile aircraft. F15s are still better than the Eurofighter and they're 40 years old.
The Harrier was different, unique and specialised like nothing before or since. The Harrier II was a fine aircraft, once the wiring fires were sorted. But other than cost, we could have bought some A10s and had a far more potent beast.
Hate to say it, and credit where it's due, but the UK military industry really hasn't done something world leading since the Spitfire. Hope BAe's new baby kicks ass though!
Could you have written a more poorly balanced post?
When you say, "as was the Lightning," I presume you refer to the English Electric Lightning.
At the risk of every WIWOL on the forum hating me forever, no, it really wasn't 'ok' when put into historical context. It was neglected by the political class, and as a consequence it was out-classed by fighters capable of delivering RH weapons.
It had the potential, it just didn't have the investment and its IR weapons were old and dated - the later models of the AIM-9 in those days were a quantum leap in technology.
Maybe in the 60's, the Lightning really was top dog. When RH technology really started to pick up, anything that wasn't providing a similar capability was left behind.
Oh, and let's not even go there with regards to fuel...