Why was the MiG 23 so bad?

Why was the MiG 23 so bad?

The MiG-23 was not only notoriously difficult to operate, but suffered from numerous technical failures. Its R-29 engine, for instance, had a short lifespan and tended to overheat, while the fuel tank system was held back by design flaws that were fixed only on later MiG-23 models.

Which is better F-16 or MiG-29?

Below 200 knots, the MiG-29 has incredible nose-pointing capability down to below 100 knots. The F-16, however, enjoys an advantage in the 200 knot-plus regime. At higher speeds, we can power above them to go to the vertical. And our turn rate is significantly better.

Why is the F-16 unstable?

The YF-16 became the world’s first aircraft to be aerodynamically unstable by design. With its rearward center of gravity, its natural tendency is to nose up rather than down. So level flight is created by the elevator pushing the tail up rather than down, and therefore pushing the entire aircraft up.

Was the MiG 23 a good aircraft?

On paper the MiG-23 had an impressive performance, and when in the hands of experienced pilots in the 1980s it could outperform Soviet fourth generation fighters in mock engagements.

Is the F-16 stable or unstable?

Negative stability and fly-by-wire The F-16 is the first production fighter aircraft intentionally designed to be slightly aerodynamically unstable, also known as relaxed static stability (RSS), to improve maneuverability.

Is F-16 a good fighter?

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the world’s most successful and combat-proven military aircraft to ever fly. F-16s in operation with militaries worldwide have now collectively taken part in more than 400,000 combat sorties and have logged a combined 19 million flight hours.

What is the difference between the F-16 and F-18 fighter jets?

The F-18 is both longer and wider than the F-16, noticeably. However, the F-16 is slightly taller than the F-18. Due to this, the F-16 is actually more stealthy than the F-18, although not like the F-22 or F-35! Most F-16 variants require only one crew, where many original F-18 variants require two crew (one pilot, one WSO).

What are the best fighter jets in the world?

The F-16 is not only one of the most common fighter jets, but it is also one of the best fighter jets. Throughout its history, the F-16 has proven to be one of the most adaptable fighters in history. Many of the newer F-16 variants are painted in a radar-absorbent paint that helps to keep it stealthier than other aircraft.

Why do aircraft components weaken over time?

Much like any metal vehicle, heavy use and wear weaken aircraft over long periods. Any time an aircraft is flown, it endures fatigue. Pressure is the main cause of weakened metal components.

How does the MiG-15 compare to the F-86?

Whilst it appeared in many ways similar to the F-86, the MiG-15 was the superior aircraft, both according to Soviet and American pilots. Even when second generation jet fighters came into service during Vietnam, the MiG-15 was still in service, often besting them in one-on-one combat.