The NATO allies had a rude awakening after the crash of a Mig 29 at the Paris air show many years ago. The French recovered the Migs IRST set up almost intact, along with several other electronic and computer related items. This was the first indication the west had concerning how far ahead the then Soviets were in aircraft IR tracking and shoot up/down ability. Many years later, the Russians still are. The west does not built the equivalent of the Mig 29. Make no mistake. When it comes to best all around dog fighting aircraft. The Russians have it. We don't. A supersonic, ground skiming Mig 29 using its IRST system, will still get the first shot off everytime. NATO and U.S. pilots have been rotating through German Mig 29 units on evaluation and comparison flights for the last five years. National pride aside, most agree, the Mig 29 is the best dog fighter. Also this is flying a model of the Mig 29 that has since been upgraded several times, with enhanced avionics and a more powerful engine. I won't even mention the Su-27 or it's successor. Don't discount the Russians or what they build, that's dangerous. |