Originally Posted by
megan
Looking at figures in such a manner doesn't give any indication as to a particular aircrafts capability. Yes, a F-111 will do 2.5M, but only above 50,000 feet, decreasing linearly to 1.2M at sea level. The F-18E/F 2.0M above 35,000 feet decreasing linearly to 1.1M at sea level. Then those numbers are for basic aircraft which change with aircraft configuration, it takes real in depth analysis to gauge which aircraft is the better for the mission you desire it to fly.
Unfortunately all this talk of M2+ is operationally irrelevant, and also a bit inaccurate (good luck seeing M2.7 in an F-15 or M2.0 in a Super Hornet). None of the types mentioned are going to be doing those sort of speeds with any sort of useful offensive loadout. The 111 was a fine and capable machine right up to the point it was retired, but keeping it going was a big ask, and not just a simple matter of money. Really, its time was up and the game has changed- and that’s speaking as someone who was a big fan of it and spent a fair while flying it.