QOTW: Quality or Quantity?

VS.

(Sorry about the haphazard updates lately.  Summer is here, the weather is too nice, and great outdoors beckons.)

My last Question of the Week (or so) looked at the potential for using a bomber platform as an air-superiority asset.  A resounding 64% of you think I might need mental health counseling for even asking the question

Fair enough.

This week (or so)'s question revolves around the need to balance numbers with capability.

In most cases with fighter aircraft, you get what you pay for.  Top-notch fighters like the F-22 earn their "air-superiority" classification thanks to their speed, agility, and powerful sensor suite.  The ability to out-run, out-maneuver, and out-shoot an opponent does not come cheap, however.  The F-22 was an incredibly expensive aircraft to develop and build, and it has more than triple the cost-per-flight-hour (CPFH) of the F-16C.

Needless to say, during the post-Cold War era of declining defense budgets, purchasing and operating high-end assets means buying less of them.

So how do we prioritize capability versus cost?

Obviously, a certain level of capability is needed.  Canada cannot simply replace its CF-18s with second-hand Cessnas sporting .50 calibre machine guns duct-taped on.  A "reference threat" is needed  to be benchmarked, with any new fighter being required to exceed that threat.

But how far should we exceed that goal?

More capable and more expensive assets have the advantage of being more "future proof".  These fighters are not only capable of dealing with what is out there now, but will likely be able to handle what may come down the road.

F-15C.  Still deadly.

The F-15C is an example of this.  Despite being a 40-year-old design, the Eagle is still a very capable air-superiority fighter thanks to its impressive performance and a slew of upgrades over the years.  It is safe to say that the F-22 Raptor will likely follow suit.

The F-15C was (and still is) a very expensive aircraft, however.  It costs nearly twice as much to fly as the F-16C.

Saab Gripen.  A little less capable, but a LOT more affordable.

The biggest argument against high-cost, high-capability fighters like the F-15 and F-22 is that more affordable fighters like the F-16 and Gripen offer slightly less capability at a greatly reduced cost.

This was not always the case.  Years ago, smaller fighters like the F-5 Freedom Fighter lacked the speed and BVR capabilities of their larger, costlier counterparts.  Smaller fighters have now caught up, however and fly just as fast while carrying the same BVR missiles.  Their size limits their maximum payload and fuel, but they should no longer be seen as inferior.

Thanks to reduced costs, these fighters can be bought in greater numbers.  Not only that, but training hours can be extended, and more spares can be kept.  This allows more "wiggle room" later on.

F-35.  Blurring the lines on what makes an "affordable" fighter.

The verdict is still out on where the F-35 Lightning II lies on this spectrum.  While it does seem to offer a great deal of capability, its CPFH will likely land mid-way between the F-16C and F-15C.  The big question is is whether its vaunted abilities make it worth that much more than fighters like the Typhoon, Rafale, and Super Hornet.  Its operating cost certainly stretches the limit of what is considered an "affordable fighter".

So what works best for Canada?

Do we buy the best fighter we can afford, but at reduced numbers and reduced flying hours?  Or do we buy a "less-capable" fighter, but keep (or maybe even increase) our current numbers and flying hours?

Published: By: Unknown - 6:55 AM

Fighter Jet Fight Club: Typhoon vs. Silent Eagle!

When the UK, Spain, Germany, and Italy got together to design the Eurofighter Typhoon, one wonders why they simply did not decide to procure the F-15 Eagle instead.  Instead, they decided to to go one better and develop a new medium-sized multirole fighter.  In theory, this had the benefit of both producing a fighter for the 21st century (hence the "Eurofighter 2000" moniker) as well as keeping the European aerospace industry up to date.

Did they succeed?  In a word...  Yes.  But not without difficulty.  The Typhoon program has been beset with cost overruns, maintenance issues, and dissent among the partner nations.  Much of this is due to simple timing.  With the Cold War ended, many questioned the need for a cutting edge fighter. In recent years, economic concerns have led to austerity measures.  Now, the Eurofighter partners are looking for foreign buyers to help breath new life into the Typhoon.

The F-15 had no such issues.  As the USAF's "golden child" it has received plenty of funding and upgrades over the years.  Plenty of foreign sales have resulted in the F-15 becoming the "big stick" of western airpower.  Its undefeated combat record speaks volumes, and when F-22 production was cut short, the mighty Eagle has continued its air-superiority role.

The Eagle's halcyon days are coming to an end, however.  The USAF sees the F-35 as its future, with the F-15 taking more of a supporting role.  Boeing would very much like to keep the Eagle flying, so it has come up with a "last hurrah" variant in an attempt to keep production going just a little longer.

Both of these aircraft have been overshadowed by newer "5th generation" fighters, but how do they compare with each other?

Once again, here are the rules.

Air-to-ground:  

Interdiction/Penetration:  The Typhoon was designed with an eye towards reducing its RCS.  This was done by using lots of non-metallic materials in its construction.  It also uses plenty of active countermeasures, like towed decoys and the like.  It is not a "stealthy" aircraft, but it does not light up enemy radar like a Christmas tree, either.

The Silent Eagle has been thoroughly "stealthified" by adding radar absorbent material, internal weapon carriage, and a few other tricks.  This only works from the front aspect however.  From the sides and from the back, the F-15SE is still rather unstealthy.  

Since ground radar is likely to first see an approaching aircraft from the front aspect, the F-15SE has an edge here.  Advantage:  F-15SE

Deep Strike:  When it comes to range, both fighters make out quite well.  Both have options of conformal fuel tanks or external drop tanks.  

The F-15SE is a bigger fighter, however, able to carry more fuel both internally and externally.  It also has the advantage of being one of the first fighters to utilize CFTs.  Its system has been well proven whereas the Typhoons is still in development.  Advantage:  F-15SE

Payload:  This category has almost always worked out in the Silent Eagle's favor, and today is no different.  The Silent Eagle, like the Strike Eagle it is based on, is big fighter-bomber in the same category as the FB-111 and others.  No surprise here.

The Typhoon does carry up to 16,500lbs worth of bombs, but that is only enough to beat out the smaller Gripen.  Against the 23,000lbs payload of the F-15SE, it is simply outclassed.  Advantage:  F-15SE

Close air support:  Let us be clear, neither of these aircraft would make for good close air support were it not for targeting pods.  Without them, these aircraft would be playing "best guess" from over 30,000ft with 500lb bombs.  Not exactly optimal when troops on the ground are "danger close".  

With the targeting pods, these aircraft have a much better chance of putting its ordinance where it needs to be.  But what about the ordinance itself?  With the addition of low-collateral damage Brimstone missiles, the Typhoon can take out targets effectively without the blast radius of bigger bombs or missile like the AGM-65 Maverick or even the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.

Sometimes, it is preferable to drop a bullet with the bad guy's name on it instead of a bomb inscribed "to whom it may concern".  Advantage:  Typhoon

Air to ground winner:  There really should not be much of a surprise here.  While the F-15 may have started out as a "not a pound for air-to-ground" fighter, it has evolved into a potent strike aircraft.  The Typhoon simply does not have the Silent Eagle's size advantage, nor RCS reduction measures.  Winner:  F-15 Silent Eagle

Air to air:

First look, first kill:  From the front, the Silent Eagle keeps a low profile with its missiles tucked away inside it conformal weapon bays.  It also happens to have a huge AESA radar tucked under that huge nosecone.  This low RCS profile drops with the angle of approach, as the F-15SE is still very much an F-15 when viewed from the sides.

The Typhoon keeps its BVR missiles external but they are not exactly hanging in the breeze.  They are stored conformally to reduce drag and radar cross section.  In its nosecone, the Typhoon mounts a CAPTOR-E AESA radar that is similar in size to the F-15SE's.  The CAPTOR-E has the extra benefit of a rotating mechanism that gives it a wider field of view, however.

The Typhoon likely has inferior RCS from the front.  It has a distinct advantage from the sides thanks to its swiveling radar, however.  This big advantage here more than makes up its disadvantage from the sides, giving it the nod here.  It is close, however.  Advantage:  Typhoon

Beyond visual range:  The F-15 has become a legend with its over 100-0 win/loss record in air to air combat.  Many of these victories were beyond visual range.  Keeping that in mind, we realize that the F-15SE truly is the one to beat here.

The Typhoon seems up to the task however.  Not only does is mount a slightly better radar, but it mounts the MBDA Meteor, aka the "next big thing" in BVR missiles.  The Typhoon does not have the same Mach 2.5 top speed as the Eagle, but does have a faster climb rate and a the ability to supercruise.  Top speed is a nice gauge of fighter performance, but it really is academic as achieving that speed wastes fuel.  While the Typhoon can engage at Mach 1.5, the Eagle would be spending most of its time subsonic with several "sprints" breaking the sound barrier.

With a slightly better radar, better missiles, and a higher "real world" speed, the Typhoon wins this one.  Advantage:  Typhoon

Within visual range:  After fighters like the F-4 provided disappointing BVR performance over Vietnam, fighters like the F-15 went "back to basics" with a renewed emphasis on WVR combat.  The F-15 is highly maneuverable with a fantastic power to weight ratio.  The Silent Eagle adds HMDs and an IRST to make high-off-boresight (HOBS) missile targeting a snap.

The Typhoon has a similar HMD and IRST set up.  On top of that it is an absolute demon in close-combat with a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, lower wing loading, and a control canard setup that allows for near-instantaneous changes in pitch.  The Typhoon happens to be smaller as well.

The F-15SE is no slouch in WVR combat, but the Typhoon simply better.  Advantage:  Typhoon

Dogfight:  The F-15SE is bigger, tougher, and carries a lot more ammo for its 20mm vulcan cannon.

The Typhoon is smaller, more agile, and carries a bigger gun (27mm) with less ammo.

I am not exactly sure how these two would fare against each other.  What I do know is that such a confrontation would be epic.  Advantage:  Tie

Air to air winner:  The F-15 started out as a strictly "not a pound for air-to-ground" air-superiority fighter.  Through the years, it has evolved into a very respectable bomber.  In doing so, its air-to-air prowess has become less of a priority.  While fighters like the Su-35 have gotten thrust vectoring and other features to improve performance, the F-15 has to make do little more than an AESA radar upgrade.

The Typhoon has kept its focus on air-superiority with strike capability secondary.  Thrust vectoring is being studied for it, but some believe it is not even needed given its already impressive performance.  Add impressive missiles like the Meteor to the mix and you have a true world-beater.  Need more proof?  Two words:  "Raptor Salad".  Winner:  Typhoon

Versatility/Logistics:

Versatility.  If you are looking for a carrier-capable fighter, look elsewhere.  Do you need STOVL capability?  Move along.  Do you need a dedicated EW platform?  Nothing to see here.  These fighters are capable of air-to-air combat and air-to ground combat.  That is it.  

The Silent Eagle does have its limited "stealth" configuration, and it does have a slightly better selection of ECM pods like the AN/ALQ-131(V).  The Typhoon has more options when it comes to weapons, however, capable of carrying the IRIS-T, ASRAAM, and other non-American ordinance.

Neither of these aircraft really knock it out of the park.  Advantage:  Tie

Logistics:  The F-15 is found in use all over the world, as well as the largest standing air force, the USAF.  Its cost and complexity keep it from being a ubiquitous as the F-16 however.  Thankfully, avoids "hangar queen" status like the F-22, but it really is only usable by large air forces with big budgets.  Adding "stealth" to the equation likely results in more maintenance headaches.  

The Typhoon is a little easier to live with, but not much.  It is the preeminent fighter for most of Europe, but parts shortages and high operating cost have been worrisome.  It does require a shorter runway than the F-15SE, and it does use less fuel.  

Again, neither of these aircraft stand out enough to declare a winner.  Advantage:  Tie

Versatility/Logistics winner:  Both fighters can perform air-superiority and strike roles, but that is about it.  They also have a few challenges when it comes to operations.  While this will not concern militaries with lots of resources, it would likely be a challenge for those with smaller ambitions.  Winner:  Tie

Final Result:

Air-to-ground:  Typhoon = 1  -  Silent Eagle = 3

Air-to-air:  Typhoon = 4  -  Silent Eagle = 1

Versatility/Logistics:  Typhoon = 2  -  Silent Eagle = 2

Final Score:  Typhoon = 7  -  Silent Eagle = 6

Both of these aircraft are very good at what they do.  Out of the aircraft competing in Fighter Jet Fight Club, the Silent Eagle is possibly the best strike platform.  The Typhoon is likely the best air-superiority platform.  Neither of them really stand out in versatility and logistics however.  

Therein lays the cold, hard reality of aircraft design.  While newer technologies have allowed for designs that perform a myriad of roles, compromises still need to be made.  There is no "perfect" multirole fighter.  Sooner or later concerns about weight and cost come into play, and there is often no repealing the laws of physics or economics.  

The Typhoon gets the nod hear because it is a better fighter to the F-15SE's better bomber.  Both are damn good, however.  There really is no "loser" here...  On the condition that a force can afford to operate and support these expensive fighters.

Only one more FJFC to go...  Let me know what you think!

Published: By: Unknown - 7:17 AM

Fighter Jet Fight Club: F-35 vs. Silent Eagle!

In this week's edition of FJFC we look at a classic scenario pitting an up-and-coming star against a grizzled old veteran.  The Lockheed-Martin F-35 is the new kid in town, looking to make a name for itself.  A product of the Xbox generation, this kid played Call of Duty on a plasma screen, not Cops and Robbers in the backyard.  While its being promoted as "the next big thing" in fighter aircraft, many remain unimpressed. Some say that it has only gotten this far due to "friends in high places" and a few greased palms.

Unlike the new kid, many think the F-15 Eagle's best days are behind it.  Despite many years as the reigning champion, it has been surpassed by another prizefighter, the F-22.  This, despite the fact that the F-22's fights have all been fixed and real challengers ignored.  Some even say that the F-22 has issues that make it impossible to work with.

The F-15 has not been sitting idly by, however.  The Boeing Bruiser keeps going to the gym and has learned new techniques.  It has changed with the times and has managed to reinvent itself, not once, but twice.  When times called for a heavyweight fighter-bomber to replace the F-111, the F-15 gulped down some raw eggs and beefed up to become the F-15E Strike Eagle.  Now, with stealth all the rage, the F-15 has spent some time in the meat locker punching up sides of beef, still hungry for a fight.  Now billed as the F-15SE Silent Eagle, is it ready to relive some of its previous glory?

Everyone should know the rules by now.  Everything works as advertised and costs don't really matter.

In this corner...  Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, weighing in at 29,000 pounds (empty)...  THE LIGHTNING KID!

And in this corner...  Hailing from Saint Louis, Missouri...  Weighing in at 31,700 pounds (empty)...  THE BOEING BRAWLER!

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!

*DING!*

Air-to-ground:

Interdiction/Penetration:  To put it simply, this will always be the F-35's category.  It was made for this.  It is very likely that the only platform to outscore it here would be the B-2.  The F-22 may be stealthier, but its ground attack ability is quite limited.

Against any other fighter, the Silent Eagle might come out on top here.  It is said to be nearly as stealthy as the F-35 from the front (the angle most likely to be pointing at the enemy).  From the sides, top, bottom, and rear...  No so much.  Being "almost" as stealthy as the F-35 from the front does not equal "as stealthy" as a F-35 all over.  

The JSF wins this one.  Being sneaky is its "killer app".  Advantage:  F-35

Deep Strike:  Like the prizefighter who refuses to retire, the F-15SE has endurance.  Even without external fuel tanks, the Silent Eagle's combat radius more than enough to get the job done in "stealth mode".  When that is not enough, the ability to add extra fuel by way of CFTs or external drop tanks make sure that the F-15SE can go the full twelve rounds.  

Lockheed-Martin marketing materials like to play up the F-35's range compared to fighters like the CF-18 and F-16.  While this is certainly the case, fighters like the CF-18 and F-16 were always meant to be short range aircraft, acting alongside longer-legged fighters like the F-14 and F-15.  When compared against newer fighters like the Typhoon, Rafale, and Super Hornet; the JSF's range is about average.  What really hurts the F-35 here is the lack of any sort of external fuel carriage.  Older style tanks were found to have "separation issues" (meaning they crash into the aircraft when released).  A newer bowling pin shaped tank did little to solve the problem in wind tunnel tests.  

Even without external tanks, the Silent Eagle wins this one.  The ability to mount CFTs and drop tanks make this entirely lopsided in favor of the old veteran.   Advantage:  F-15SE, clear winner

Payload:  The F-35 can certainly punch well for its weight class.  It can carry a respectable 18,000lbs worth of ordinance on 10 hardpoints.  Each of its two internal weapon bays can carry up to a 2,000lb JDAM.  If you need to fit a "bunker buster" into a medium size fighter, the JSF is just about your only option.

The Silent Eagle is only able to carry a 1,000lb JDAM in each conformal weapon bay (CWB), so its sneak attack does not have the same authority as the F-35.  When not being sneaky, the F-15SE can carry a 23,000lb barrage.  When the JSF is done for the day, the Silent Eagle still has plenty of fight left.  

While the Boeing Brawler might not have a better sucker punch than the Lightning Kid, it can keep the punches coming all day.  Advantage:  F-15SE

Close-air-support:  The F-35 is slated to replace the A-10.  A lot of people think this is not a good idea.  While the F-35 is equipped with precision targeting capability, most would agree it is not a very robust aircraft.  In fact, in an effort to shave 11 pounds from the aircraft, the JSF is now quite vulnerable to ground fire.

By contrast, the F-15 has been know to make it home literally on a single wing and prayer.  

Yeah...  This one is no contest.  Advantage:  F-15SE, clear winner because it doesn't explode when shot with small arms fire.

Air-to-ground winner:  If being sneaky is what you need, than the F-35 really is the best thing going.  If, however, you need to blow a lot of stuff up, really far away, while getting shot at yourself, the Silent Eagle is the way to go.  Winner:  F-15SE Silent Eagle. 

Air-to-air:

First look, first kill:  This is another round that is going to favor stealthy aircraft.  The F-35 looks like it could make a comeback after a quick motivational speech by its trainer at the corner.  The Lightning Kid comes out with quick uppercut before the Boeing Brawler even has its gloves up...

The F-15SE knows this trick.  It has its own stealth treatments, especially on the front where it counts.  While it may not be as stealthy, it makes up for it with a bigger AESA radar.  The F-35 will have an easier time finding the Silent Eagle, but it will have to sneak past the F-15SE radar and IRST in order to get a shot off, at which time it will more than likely give away its position.

The F-15SE mounts an AN/APG-82 AESA radar that is basically the AN/APG-79 used in the Super Hornet with a much larger "dish".  While the F-35's AN/APG-81 might be more "advanced" it is roughly the same size as the AN/APG-79 and seems doubtful it can overcome the size difference.  The JSF's EOTS and DAS are roughly equivalent to the Silent Eagle's Sniper XR pod and IRST.  Advantage:  Tie

Beyond visual range:  The F-15 has an undefeated streak of over 100 to nothing.  Most of it coming from BVR knockouts.  Time for the Lightning Kid's trainer to give it some advice:  Throw in the towel while you still have a chance.  

The F-15SE flies substantially faster and higher.  It carries the same amount of AMRAAMs internally as the F-35, but missiles launched with more energy (i.e.: faster and higher) have a much better probability of kill (pK).  When not limited to internal storage, the F-15SE can carry enough AMRAAMs to fire off two at a time and still have plenty left over.  

If the F-35 shows up on the Silent Eagle's scope, its going to have a bad time.  It certainly cannot outrun the Mach 2.5+ F-15SE, nor outfly it or outshoot it.  Advantage:  F-15SE

Within Visual Range:  The original F-15 was designed using the lessons learned over Vietnam.  Those lessons came as the price of hubris, thinking that BVR AIM-7 Sparrow missile would render close-combat obsolete.  Instead, it was found that BVR missiles missed far more often than they hit.  Fast but clumsy fighters like the F-4 and F-105 were simply not as superior as they should have been to much cheaper MiG-17s and MiG-21s used by the North Vietnamese.  

As good as the F-15 is at BVR combat, it is still one of the best WVR fighters in the world.  A massive power-to-weight ratio, low wing loading, and a fanatical devotion to John Boyd's energy-maneuverability theory clearly puts it above the F-35's timid performance.  The JSF's fancy HMD and DAS systems may give it an edge against older fighters, but the F-15SE comes equipped with IRST and HMDs to even the score.

This assumes that both aircraft are carrying similar weapon load-outs, but again, the Boeing Brawler has yet another trick.  The F-35 can only carry the ASRAAM internally.  Rail launched WVR missiles, like the AIM-9 Sidewinder, need to be carried externally.  The F-15SE can carry Sidewinders internally, thank to its extending rail feature.  The Silent Eagle wins this one hands down.  Advantage:  F-15SE

Dogfight:  The F-15 used to be an enforcer for the Fighter Mafia.  It can take a beating as well as dish it out.  Its bubble canopy gives the pilot an excellent view around the aircraft.  Its M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon may be a little old fashioned next to the F-35's 25mm GAU-22, but it carries nearly three times the ammo.  

The F-35's hunchback design makes it difficult for the pilot to "check their six".  While the fancy DAS and HMD give the pilot the ability to "look through" the aircraft, nothing quite beats the "Mark One Eyeball" in these situations.  The fragile F-35 is already at a huge disadvantage against the bigger, faster, more agile F-15; things do not get better when it is fighting with the equivalent of an eye swollen shut.  

This one is not even close.  Advantage:  F-15SE

Air-to-air winner:  It is not a close fight.  Like Tyson vs. Spinks, if you were late finding your seat, you may have missed the entire match.  The F-35's only hope is to get a quick sucker punch off, something much easier said than done.  Otherwise, the Boeing Brawler wins this one by a knockout.  Winner:  F-15SE

Versatility/Logistics:  

Versatility:  The Silent Eagle does not pretend to be a "Jack-of-all-trades".  It is a fighter, pure and simple.  It is not going to do your taxes or write a sonnet.  As I have noted before:  It blows stuff up.  If you want something else done, get a different plane.  

The F-35 may not be the best air-superiorty fighter, but it does at least attempt other missions.  With its stealth, sensors and data-links, it is actually a pretty good reconnaissance aircraft.  It is also available in different flavors:  The CTOL F-35A, the STOVL F-35B, and the carrier-capable F-35C.  

This round goes to the Lightning Kid.  Advantage:  F-35

Logistics:  Older versions of the F-15 are already in use all over the world.  It is not quite as common as the F-16, but with over 1,600 built, parts should be plentiful no matter where you go.  The Eagle has a long life ahead of it as well, likely flying well into the 2040s.  It does require a well equipped airbase and it does have a reputation for needing lots of attention.  For those willing to commit, the F-15 does offer a long lifetime of faithful service, however.

The F-35 sets out to replace all the F-16s and F/A-18s currently in service.  Even conservative estimates put sales well over 3,000 worldwide...  If everything goes as planned.  While this should give the F-35 a clear advantage here, the JSF's history really puts this in doubt.  Frequent groundings during development have made the F-35 a "no-show" at some events.  Its stealthy coating has troubles peeling off, especially when it goes supersonic.

Neither aircraft is exactly care-free, so this one ends in a draw.  Advantage:  Tie

Versatility/Logistics winner:  If you prefer more "multi" to your "multirole fighter" than the F-35 is the better bet.  Both aircraft demand a serious commitment, however, so you might need a few extra "handlers" to keep up with their demands.  Winner:  F-35

Final Score:

Air-to-ground:  F-35=1 -  F-15SE=3

Air-to-air:  F-35=1  -  F-15SE=4
Versatility/Logistics:  F-35=2  -  F-15SE=1

Final result:  F-35=4  -  F-15SE=8

For the first time here in FJFC, we have a decisive knock-out instead of a split decision.  The Lightning Kid really never had a chance.  The Boeing Brawler is simply a better strike fighter, being better at both striking and fighting.  The JSF is definitely stealthier, and has some cool gadgets, but the Silent Eagle sticks to the fundamentals and it shows.

The Boeing Brawler still has a long career ahead before it has to hang up its gloves.

Got any color commentary?  Please post it below! Published: By: Unknown - 12:01 PM