Quote:
Originally Posted by urmomma158
I got a higher thrust to weight ratio for the F 15 though
1.38 for the F 15 vs 1.14 for the F 22
I'm starting to think that althugh the F 22 is great for what we have right now I know it can outmaneuver the F15/16/18and Su 27/30 etc etc etc but I think some of the specs are overstated such as supercruise which would no doubt decrease its range.
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Some small problem with your calculations.
1. You assume the listed figure for F-22's total thrust is accurate. If I were the air force, I'd give you a low figure and let you speculate for a good long time.
2. Thrust to weight ratio isn't everything. Highseas showed that the Gripen can supercruise with a thrust to weight ratio of only 0.91 simply due to superior aerodynamics. Elegant and efficient design is as important as the brute force available.
3. Supercruise might decrease some range, but it can get you there a lot faster than not using it. The trade off is probably more than worth it. Supercruise just means hitting supersonic speed without using afterburners. Jet engines are quite efficient at military thrust. So supercruise might not decrease range enough to be a concern.