I'm not military, but I thought this comparison of fast jet design and operating philosophies might interest some here, if it's not already well-known. Who knows what Stacy Keach is doing there...
NOVA | Transcripts | Top Gun Over Moscow | PBS (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/2315topg.html)
barnstormer1968
7th Jan 2010, 11:21
IMHO, it was a shame it was not written by someone with more real experience,
or more knowledge of the Russian aviation forces. The article stated the writer has experience of over 200 aircraft!, and that he flew the flight with a co pilot.
It sounded to me like he was a paying thrill seeker, and I wonder how many of
the 200 aircraft he is 'qualified on' rather than just taking control for a while.
This whole article seemed to be aimed at the 'youtube' type audience.
It did not explain why the U.S. made aircraft like the F16 if they only like to do
BVR stuff, and why the Russians had/have some very long range air to air
weapons, if they are so keen on purely dog fighting (Yak 28, Mig 25/31 anyone?)
I could not help feeling there is also a very good reason why western forces do
not do the cobra, as a combat manoeuvre (well two reasons, but one main one
being for combat reasons).
Just my two penneth worth.