Our friends over at Ares are weighing the merits of the F-22 versus the Su-37, and others. The discussion was prompted by the video that’s been posted here and elsewhere of the F-22’s recent performance at Langley, AFB. Here’s a taste:
This demonstration is interesting, particularly the low-speed, low-altitude 360 degree somersault, but it was nowhere near as exciting as the Russian displays I saw at the Moscow air show a few years ago. The reverse sweep Su-47 Berkat, was literally doing somersault after somersault at low speed and low altitude. (That’s where the Russian air defense engineers told us they had the pieces of the F-117 that was shot down in Serbia.) I know the F-22 can do some incredible maneuvering, but most of their work is done at altitude and involves quick vertical and horizontal changes in direction (see Aviation Week & Space Technology Jan.8, 2007 special report on J-turns, high-alpha turns and the Cobra with the F-22). They’re not doing that at the air shows — so far, anyway. In the operational squadrons there is a lot of emphasis on doing what the aircraft is supposed to do operationally and not on developing an air show routine. Also, you won’t see what the F-22 is capable of as long as it’s at low altitude.
Go over and read the whole thing, which includes a link to this spectacular video of the Su-37 performing at a Russian air show. And while we’re on the subject of airshows…make sure you keep an eye on THE WORLDWIDE STANDARD during the week of June 18-22, we’re headed to Paris!
