The Ultimate Fighter Jet Showdown: F-14D vs F-15EX vs F-16E vs F/A-18E - Performance Unveiled Across Air Combat Scenarios

BACKSTORY

1. F-14 Tomcat

Legendary Stories:

- Gulf of Sidra Incident (1981): Two USN F-14s downed 2 Libyan Su-22s.

- Second Gulf of Sidra Incident (1989): Two USN F-14s downed 2 Libyan MiG-23s.

- Operation Desert Storm (1991): Single USN F-14 downed 1 Iraqi Mi-8 helicopter.

- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): Iranian F-14s achieved numerous kills against Iraqi aircraft, showcasing their dominance despite challenging conditions.

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Notable Losses:

- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): Four Iranian F-14s were downed by Iraqi Mirage F1s using low-altitude tactics.

- Operation Desert Storm (1991): An F-14B was shot down by an SA-2 missile over Al Asad Air Base.

Summary:

- Total Air-to-Air Kills: Approximately 65-75 (conservative estimate).

- Total Air-to-Air Losses: Virtually none in air-to-air combat engagements, approximately 4.

- Total Surface-to-Air Losses: 1.

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2. F-15 Eagle

Legendary Stories:

- Operation Opera (1981): Israeli F-15s provided air cover for the strike on Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor.

- Bekaa Valley (1982): IAF F-15s dominated Syrian aircraft, claiming multiple kills without losses.

- Desert Storm (1991): USAF F-15s dominated Iraqi aircraft, claiming 13 kills without losses.

- Operation Allied Force (1999): USAF F-15s shot down 4 Serbian MiG-29s without losses.

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Notable Losses:

- None in air-to-air combat: The F-15 boasts a perfect air-to-air kill record of 104 to 0.

- Operation Desert Storm (1991): 2 USAF F-15s were shot down by various Iraqi SAMs.

Summary:

- Total Air-to-Air Kills: 104.

- Total Air-to-Air Losses: None.

- Total Surface-to-Air Losses: 2.

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3. F-16 Falcon

Legendary Stories:

- Operation Opera (1981): IAF F-16s destroyed Iraq's Osirak reactor.

- Operation Southern Watch (1992): USAF F-16s Engaged and defeated 1 Iraqi MiG-25.

- Operation Deny Flight (1994): USAF F-16s downed 4 Serbian J-21s.

- Operation Allied Force (1999): RNAF F-16 downed a Serbian MiG-29 and a USAF F-16 downed a Serbian MiG-29.

Notable Losses:

- Operation Desert Storm (1991): 3 USAF F-16s were shot down by various Iraqi SAMs.

- Operation Deny Flight (1995): 1 USAF F-16 was shot down by a Serbian SAM.

- Operation Allied Force (1999): 1 USAF F-16 was shot down by a Serbian SAM.

- Kashmir (2019): 1 PAF F-16 was shot down by a Indian MiG-21 missile.

Summary:

- Total Air-to-Air Kills: 76.

- Total Air-to-Air Losses: Virtually none in air-to-air combat engagements, approximately 1.

- Total Surface-to-Air Losses: 5.

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4. F/A-18 Hornet

Legendary Stories:

- Gulf War (1991): USN F/A-18s downed 2 Iraqi MiG-21s.

- Operation Southern Watch (1992):

- Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003): Lt. Nathan Miller downed an Iraqi MiG-29.

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Notable Losses:

- Operation Desert Storm: 1 USN F/A-18 was shot down by a Iraqi MiG-25 missile and 2 USN F/A-18s were shot down by various Iraqi SAMs.

?Summary:

- Total Air-to-Air Kills: 7.

- Total Air-to-Air Losses: Virtually none in air-to-air combat engagements, approximately 1.

- Total Surface-to-Air Losses: 2

1v1 Dogfight Stories

?1. F-14 Tomcat vs. F-15 Eagle

Scenario: Hypothetical engagement over the Gulf of Sidra.

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Outcome: The F-15's superior radar and agility give it an edge, allowing it to engage the F-14 at longer ranges and with more precision. The F-15's AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles would likely secure the kill before the F-14 could close for a fight.

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2. F-16 Falcon vs. F/A-18 Hornet

Scenario: Engagement during Operation Desert Storm.

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Outcome: The F-16's agility and speed provide an advantage in a close-range dogfight. However, the F/A-18's versatility and advanced avionics could equalize the battle. In this scenario, the F-16 narrowly secures the win due to its superior maneuverability.

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Strengths and Weaknesses Comparison

Aircraft Specifications Comparison Table

Thrust-to-Weight Ratio Analysis

?Calculation Formula:

1. Empty Weight with Full Internal Fuel:

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2. Combat Load with 50% Internal Fuel:

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3. Max Takeoff Weight:

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Summary

Based on the updated thrust-to-weight ratio analysis, performance metrics, and specifications, here are the overall ratings for each aircraft in different scenarios:

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Additional Performance Metrics

?Performance Envelope Diagrams

F-14D Tomcat

Figure 1: F-14D Performance Envelope

F-15EX Eagle

Figure 2: F-15EX Performance Envelope

F-16E Falcon

Figure 3: F-16E Performance Envelope

F/A-18E Super Hornet

Figure 4: F/A-18E Performance Envelope

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Summary of Performance Envelope Diagrams

These performance envelope diagrams provide a visual comparison of the capabilities of each aircraft. Here’s a quick summary based on the envelopes:

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- F-14D Tomcat: Excels in high-speed engagements and long-range interception missions.

- F-15EX Eagle: Superior in altitude and speed, making it ideal for air superiority missions.

- F-16E Falcon: Highly maneuverable with excellent climb rates, making it effective in dogfights.

- F/A-18E Super Hornet: Well-rounded performance with strong maneuverability and versatility.

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Overall Ratings Based on Performance Envelopes

These ratings consider the overall capabilities of the aircraft based on their performance envelopes and the scenarios in which they are most effective.

Performance Envelope Comparison and Combat Scenarios

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Scenario: Long-Range Engagement

In a hypothetical long-range engagement, four of the most advanced fighter jets take to the skies: the F-14D Tomcat, F-15EX Eagle, F-16E Falcon, and F/A-18E Super Hornet. Each is equipped with their respective long-range missiles and AIM-9X Sidewinders for close encounters.

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1. F-14D Tomcat

Equipped with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, the F-14D Tomcat boasts a formidable long-range engagement capability. With its AWG-9 radar system and powerful Phoenix missiles, it can engage multiple targets at distances exceeding 100 miles.

Engagement Strategy:

Using its powerful radar and long-range missiles, the F-14D would target the enemy aircraft well before they come into visual range. The Phoenix missile's long reach and speed make it a lethal threat in long-range combat.

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2. F-15EX Eagle

The F-15EX, equipped with the latest AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles, provides unparalleled air superiority with its advanced avionics and powerful engines.

Engagement Strategy:

The F-15EX would use its superior speed and altitude capabilities to engage from high altitudes, using the AIM-120D’s advanced targeting capabilities to take down threats from a significant distance.

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3. F-16E Falcon

With the F110-GE-132 engine and the latest AIM-120D AMRAAMs, the F-16E Falcon excels in agility and advanced avionics.

Engagement Strategy:

The F-16E would rely on its high maneuverability and advanced targeting systems to engage at medium to long ranges, ensuring quick and precise strikes with its AMRAAMs.

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4. F/A-18E Super Hornet

Armed with AIM-120D AMRAAMs, the F/A-18E offers a balanced approach to air combat with its multirole capabilities.

Engagement Strategy:

The F/A-18E would leverage its versatility and robust avionics to engage targets effectively at medium ranges, using the AIM-120D’s capabilities to secure kills before closing in for potential dogfights.

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Combat Ratings

Long-Range Engagement:

1. F-14D Tomcat: Phoenix missiles provide unmatched range.

2. F-15EX Eagle: Advanced AMRAAMs and superior altitude.

3. F-16E Falcon: Effective AMRAAM use with agility.

4. F/A-18E Super Hornet: Balanced approach with effective range.

Medium-Range Engagement:

1. F-15EX Eagle: Superior avionics and speed.

2. F-16E Falcon: High maneuverability and advanced targeting.

3. F-14D Tomcat: Strong radar and missile capabilities.

4. F/A-18E Super Hornet: Versatility and balanced performance.

Dogfight:

1. F-16E Falcon: High agility and superior roll rate.

2. F-14D Tomcat: Effective & agile in close quarters at low air speeds.

3. F-15EX Eagle: High thrust-to-weight and maneuverability in the vertical arena.

4. F/A-18E Super Hornet: Balanced performance in close combat.

Overall Ratings

This detailed performance comparison highlights each aircraft’s strengths and weaknesses across various combat scenarios, providing a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities. For exact performance envelope diagrams, you can refer to official military manuals or reputable aerospace sources.

Roll Rate

- F-14D Tomcat: 280°/s

- F-15EX Eagle: 240°/s

- F-16E Falcon: 270°/s

- F/A-18E Super Hornet: 360°/s

?Climb Rate

- F-14D Tomcat: 45,000 ft/min (229 m/s)

- F-15EX Eagle: 50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)

- F-16E Falcon: 50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)

- F/A-18E Super Hornet: 44,882 ft/min (228 m/s)

G Force Limits

- F-14D Tomcat: +7.5/-3.0 g

- F-15EX Eagle: +9.0/-3.0 g

- F-16E Falcon: +9.0/-3.0 g

- F/A-18E Super Hornet: +7.5/-3.0 g

Acceleration

- F-14D Tomcat: 0.86 Mach/min

- F-15EX Eagle: 0.90 Mach/min

- F-16E Falcon: 0.92 Mach/min

- F/A-18E Super Hornet: 0.82 Mach/min

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These additional performance metrics highlight the unique strengths of each aircraft. The F-14D Tomcat excels in long-range engagements, the F-15EX Eagle offers superior medium-range and overall performance, the F-16E Falcon is exceptional in dogfights with its agility and acceleration, and the F/A-18E Super Hornet boasts impressive roll rates and solid overall capabilities.