Originally Posted by avon1944

> USS
> A2A and A2G, which plane wins? Now and in the near future?
I would place my money on the Rafale! I say this because personally I feel the Rafale is more survivable. Its lower RCS and more important its active cancellation radar jamming system will great enhance its ability to remain undetected. The Rafale's radar is also less detectible being a LPI radar.
Yes the Su-30MKI has better avionics than the other Russian aircraft but, the avionics are not "fifth generation" avionics. The Su-30 carry a heavier weapons load, greater range and, due to the depressed economy in Russia the Suhkoi is cheaper.... you get what you pay for.

The Sukhoi's low speed performance is exceptional but, the low speed dogfight is "not" productive for high one sided kill ratios! The low speed dogfight and furball goes a long way to provide parity because in the furball most kills are made by the unseen shooter!

The Rafale is a true "omni-role" war plane, first class in all roles. It is not the fighter the Typhoon or Suhkoi are but, their advantage is slight and the many other roles of which these aircraft maybe require to fill is where the Rafale to excel. In the air combat role, the Rafale is designed to kill quickly and effeciently to avoid air parity. The avionics the Rafale has provides the pilot with greater situational awareness. This superior interface will provide the pilot with information without overloading the pilot with its workload.
The Rafale like the F/A-18E/F can be sent aloft with a variety of weapons and have the aircraft do any role.

I am not saying the Su-30MKI is not a good aircraft, it is just the F-22, Rafale and, Typhoon are true fifth generation aircraft. The Su-30 is a fourth and a half or modified fourth generation aircraft. I feel the same way when comparing the F-15K to the Rafale! The F-15K is basically an F-15E Eagle on a F-15C frame, complete with the Sidewinder-9X/HMDS and Slammer Missiles.

Adrian