It’s not that impressive considering it came into service after Vietnam which is the last time the US faced an enemy with a real air force and effective air defenses. Not to mention the fact that the cheaper more numerous F16 has been the real work horse (and cannon fodder) of the USAF since then.
I am not aware of any F-15s having been shot down in any way before today. They blow up by themselves or snap in two sometimes but that’s par for the course for any fighter jet.
Just did a quick search, and it looks like a handful were shot down during desert storm. Interestingly, 1 was shot down via sidewinder accidentally fired by a wingman during training. So, I guess the true statement should be, “never lost a dogfight?”
Thanks, I didn’t know. I just sort of picked up that “never shot down” thing… like… maybe over the last few decades? And when I googled the AI vomited up all 5673 windshield incidents, etc
Vietnam had tons of them, enough to force F-4s to get gun pods since missiles were not ready.
Pretty sure there were dogfights in Iraq vs Iran and India vs Pakistan conflicts.
The lack of dogfights in USA’s last wars are due to overwhelming differences in numbers leading to the weaker air force trying to avoid confrontation in general.
If stealth really works it certainly will favor dogfights versus bvr combat.
Yeah the two gulf of Sidra incidents in 1980s are the only time US pilots have seen actual “dog fighting” since Vietnam.
Each fight lasted seconds and only involved only two aircraft on each side but because they’re the only aerial fight the US has had post-Vietnam these two incidents are treated like the Battle of Midway or something. lol
Entire fucking books have been written on them, tactical “strategies” and techniques developed on them. Even had goddamn movies (Top Gun) made to commemorate these shoot down incidents. lol
Holy fucking shit, the “never shot down in combat” streak of the F-15 is over?
It’s not that impressive considering it came into service after Vietnam which is the last time the US faced an enemy with a real air force and effective air defenses. Not to mention the fact that the cheaper more numerous F16 has been the real work horse (and cannon fodder) of the USAF since then.
That’s for air to air.
I am not aware of any F-15s having been shot down in any way before today. They blow up by themselves or snap in two sometimes but that’s par for the course for any fighter jet.
Just did a quick search, and it looks like a handful were shot down during desert storm. Interestingly, 1 was shot down via sidewinder accidentally fired by a wingman during training. So, I guess the true statement should be, “never lost a dogfight?”
Thanks, I didn’t know. I just sort of picked up that “never shot down” thing… like… maybe over the last few decades? And when I googled the AI vomited up all 5673 windshield incidents, etc
when was the last dogfight tho, ww1?
Vietnam had tons of them, enough to force F-4s to get gun pods since missiles were not ready.
Pretty sure there were dogfights in Iraq vs Iran and India vs Pakistan conflicts.
The lack of dogfights in USA’s last wars are due to overwhelming differences in numbers leading to the weaker air force trying to avoid confrontation in general.
If stealth really works it certainly will favor dogfights versus bvr combat.
Yeah the two gulf of Sidra incidents in 1980s are the only time US pilots have seen actual “dog fighting” since Vietnam.
Each fight lasted seconds and only involved only two aircraft on each side but because they’re the only aerial fight the US has had post-Vietnam these two incidents are treated like the Battle of Midway or something. lol
Entire fucking books have been written on them, tactical “strategies” and techniques developed on them. Even had goddamn movies (Top Gun) made to commemorate these shoot down incidents. lol