Originally posted by slimjimSorry slim, but air force phantom pilots had an admirable kill ratio over the mig-21 in viet nam.
The F-4 was fast but it couldn't compete with the MIG 21 in close air to air combat.
"The MiG-21 is not known for its radar or hauling capabilities, nor for its target acquisition equipment or range, but its known that in many ways it was a pilot's plane. It doesn't have any computers or fancy navigation equipment. It very much depends on the pilot and his (hopefully) good training and experience. That, we all know now, was the MiG-21's Achilles verse in many of the wars it had to fight, and is responsible for the not so impressive combat records that it actually deserves.
A shock to Phantom pilots when it arrived in the skies over Vietnam, was overcome by superior USAF training and a change in rules of engagements.
Originally posted by General PutzerWhat do you define as close combat? The Mig could outmaneuver the Phantom at close range. 80% of the kills that the Phantom had was with missiles. Yes the MIG was a pilot plane due to its lack of electronics. The Phantom was faster by far. It could out run the MIG cause its speed was close to Mach 2. Lots of time the phantom would speed away from the MIG turn around and deploy its missiles to shoot down the MIG. Also the 4 to 1 ratio was the highest ratio. At one time it was only 2 to 1. I'm not knocking the Phantom. It was a fine plane. I'm just pointing out its flaws.
Sorry slim, but air force phantom pilots had an admirable kill ratio over the mig-21 in viet nam.
"The MiG-21 is not known for its radar or hauling capabilities, nor for its target acquisition equipment or range, but its known that in many ways it was a pilot's plane. It doesn't have any computers or fancy navigation equipment. It very much depe ...[text shortened]... s over Vietnam, was overcome by superior USAF training and a change in rules of engagements.