Historic Aviation > Warbirds
Best Plane
Webmaster:
Yes, but it never faced a Su-27... did it? And if it would be up against the opposition that the P-51 or Spitfire faced, the record would without doubt look different. That said, the F-15 is still one of the greatest fighters ever built.
Viggen:
I voted for Spitfire, but then you cant compare oldtimers with todays advanced fighters. Its like comparing Stirling Moss with Michael Schumacher, two diffrent eras.
But you can always try to imagin two legends meeting and settling the score. Spitfire Vs F16 Falcon or P51 Mustang Vs F15 Eagle, or why not let the 109 fight it out with a Mig29.. he he. :P
Webmaster:
You mean something like this? In formation flying the classics win, any slower and the jet begins to stall ;D
US Air Force photo:
Goose:
I voted for the Mosquito.
Being an avid aviation fan, pilot and history buff I will second the statement made by someone before that you can't compare modern and past aircraft. It is very difficult. Additionally whenever anyone asked me which was the best aircraft of all time I alway reply "the one which can perform it's intended role, and make the greatest impact." Galland when asked what he needed to defeat the English during the battle of Britain said "A squadron of Spifires!" Survivability and support requirements are also improtant factors. For example an F-15 and F-14 require much more maintenance than an F-16 or F-18.
The adaptability of the aircraft is also important. I didn't choose the P-51 since I think it is the best fighter of WWII. Ground attack was a minor role for it (A-36 Apache). Additionally it was better than the Spifire as an escort but equal as a dogfighter! See what I mean about intended roles. The Spifire was designed to intercept incoming German bombers over Britian not escort bombers to Germay. The mosquito is kinda like an F-4 Phantom, capable at everything. But the Phantom still wasn't the best dogfighter.
In the end as Galland said "ONLY THE SPIRIT OF ATTACK BORN OF A BRAVE HEART WILL BRING SUCCESS TO ANY AIRCRAFT NO MATTER HOW ADVANCED IT MAY BE".
Goose:
Eagle16 and Webmaster it is true that the Flanker and Eagle never met in actual combat but during exercises with India the USAF F-15C lost against Indian SU-30s.
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