Should Your Country Buy F-16 Or F-35 Jets? | DCS Capability Comparison

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  • čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
  • Today we compare the F-16 Viper to the F-35 Lightning II and attempt to answer the question; which of these is the best for a country to buy?
    Mods: • Free DCS Mods (download links in the relevant video)
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    0:00
    0:27 Cost
    1:01 Stealth
    2:36 SEAD Capability Details
    6:11 F-35 SEAD Capability Test
    8:50 F-16 SEAD Capability Test
    14:34 Air Superiority Capability
    18:34 BVR/Dogfight Capability Details
    20:40 BVR/Dogfight Capability Test
    28:37 Final Summary
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    #DCSQuestioned #GR #F16 #F16C #F35 #F35A #Stealth #5thGen #DCSWorld #GRDCSTesting #DCSTesting #DCS
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Komentáře • 231

  • @Flojer0
    @Flojer0 Před 2 dny +76

    I don't have my own country yet, but I'll keep these recommendations in mind

    • @BonejanglesTV
      @BonejanglesTV Před 2 dny +8

      No big deal, buy them for your private mercenary force :)

    • @steveman1982
      @steveman1982 Před 2 dny +3

      "yet" well aren't you the optimist!

    • @jpteknoman
      @jpteknoman Před dnem

      there is always the internet country of Kekistan

    • @daszieher
      @daszieher Před dnem

      ​@@BonejanglesTVthere was a game in the 90's where you headed a mercenary force equipped with a flight of F-16s and a C-130 brought up the rear. Interesting gameplay!

  • @JMArm97
    @JMArm97 Před 2 dny +70

    F-35 is surprisingly affordable when it comes to 5th gen, especially considering its overall technological capabilities

    • @cjjk9142
      @cjjk9142 Před 2 dny +7

      Economy of scale. $85 million. Really is bonkers. Quite expensive per flight hour but still

    • @kdaltex
      @kdaltex Před 2 dny +17

      Better than losing several planes due to air defense vs them surviving to fight another day. Stealth pays in war time. Flight hour cost stings in peacetime but its necessary to have the capability to fight, win and come home

    • @totalNERD-eo7wx
      @totalNERD-eo7wx Před 2 dny +8

      @@cjjk9142 Since 4 F-35s would cost $160,000, that same budget would only support about 6 F-16s. Considering all the advanced weapon options that the F-35 has, how much better it is overall, and the fact that the aging F-16s will only increase in maintenance costs, the F-35 is a much better deal than the F-16 and we may see a new king of Exports soon.

    • @garreth629
      @garreth629 Před 2 dny +8

      Yeah, I'm amazed at how close in purchase price they actually are. Plus, as production continues, new block variants usually have maintenance costs fall.
      At least that's what happened with many 4th gens. One big expense is the stealth coating on the current stealth fighters. However, there's the new ceramic ram coating, which will be more durable, which should drop costs on maintenance and hold up to supersonic flight. Current coatings can be damaged by bad weather.
      As for the range while stealth. Don't forget they are working on stealth drop tanks and pylons that break away with effecting stealth when dropped. I think I've even heard the break away pylons may be usable for some weapons. Their primary use will be for the raptor but will be useful for the F-35 as well.
      I'm not saying the external tanks and weapons won't reduce stealth while being carried. However, when you drop the tanks, the pylons will break away clean, returning it to full stealth while in flight. Sandbox did a story on it.

    • @adamtheninjasmith2985
      @adamtheninjasmith2985 Před 2 dny +2

      ​@@garreth629yeah don't be surprised the they start doing the same with the missile pylons. With the range the aim260 is going to have its more than feasible that a stealth fighter could use them up first from a distance where their stealth isn't as important and then head in clean. Could you imagine locking a "dirty" f35 only for it to return fire and disappear?

  • @Ikbeneengeit
    @Ikbeneengeit Před 2 dny +53

    *Me, who controls a total budget of €10:* I definitely need to research this video.

    • @jakobholgersson4400
      @jakobholgersson4400 Před 2 dny +4

      You should consider Gripen. Your budget would be sufficient to operate of a fleet on one Gripen for an entire 5 seconds.

    • @jonathanshaw6784
      @jonathanshaw6784 Před dnem

      You never know: maybe the next election will be fought along F-16 Vs F-35 lines.

    • @limitlessLtd
      @limitlessLtd Před dnem +1

      Me when buying a car: But does it protect me from supermanouverable 5th generation stealth aircraft? (BosnianApeSociety does some great reviews)

  • @Mooman117a
    @Mooman117a Před 2 dny +9

    As a UK citizen, I've heard we are going with the Sopwith Camel option. Would have been a spitfire but the remaking machining tools would have been cost prohibative.

    • @travistiffany5585
      @travistiffany5585 Před dnem

      Fabric and wood, near the same radar cross section as the F-35

    • @Mooman117a
      @Mooman117a Před dnem

      @@travistiffany5585 Exactly, I'm sure no one will notice the great hunk of metal attached to a propellor up front

  • @Mav09
    @Mav09 Před 2 dny +19

    Thank you so much for doing my request! I appreciate this so much. You are truly amazing! 🇺🇸

    • @EnglishScripter
      @EnglishScripter Před 2 dny +4

      I remember reading your comment, but I thought he said he would not do it? Nice to see though.

    • @grimreapers
      @grimreapers  Před 20 hodinami +3

      Yeh I changed my mind at last minute :)

    • @Mav09
      @Mav09 Před 18 hodinami

      @@grimreapers I appreciate it!

  • @wadewilson6628
    @wadewilson6628 Před 2 dny +30

    Well I talked to my Prime Minister and he's going to go with the Mig 17. Were not a very rich country...

    • @grimreapers
      @grimreapers  Před 20 hodinami +1

      Mig-17 has character.

    • @trentvlak
      @trentvlak Před 16 hodinami

      @@grimreapers I'd love to see a cost vs cost fight F35 vs Mig17. It would be like 20:1 haha.

  • @JoeD-sd1ep
    @JoeD-sd1ep Před 2 dny +13

    Depends. How many F-35s can I get for £1.37 and a two year old packet of salt'n'vinegar crisps? That's about all we've got left in the budget.

  • @ur_quainmaster7901
    @ur_quainmaster7901 Před 2 dny +9

    The question is more F15EX vs F-35, especially for countries like Japan, Canada, and Australia who cover vast areas of interest. Easier decision for most of Europe.... though one could argue GB could use a couple squadrons of F-15EX to do what the Tornado GR4 once did. No more heavy bombers, no more Tornado strike aircraft... everything done by a Eurofighter or a F35B. Not a lot of flexibility there.

  • @Claudius_Nero
    @Claudius_Nero Před dnem +3

    You asked about range/endurance. This isn't really here nor there but an F-35A holds around 18,250 lbs of fuel internally while F-16 carries just 7,000lbs internally. FWIW, Wikipedia lists the effective combat range as over double for the F35 vs F16 on a similar mission profile. Something not mentioned is besides the bag/fuel tank options, some F16s have been fitted with CFTs. Still, I'd give the F35 the edge in range no matter what band-aid the F16 uses.

  • @alexv3357
    @alexv3357 Před 2 dny +3

    This question is like asking if a country should buy tricked-out P-51 Mustangs or F-16s. The F-35 is so much more advanced than every other jet in production that the only reason not to replace everything with them is because we can't build and and supply them with spare parts fast enough. Yet.

  • @ashblythe9598
    @ashblythe9598 Před 2 dny +2

    It's been quite some time since it was $30K an hour for the F-35 per GAO reports.

  • @user-ho1fg8xm3i
    @user-ho1fg8xm3i Před 2 dny +6

    Very interesting. as a Brit, we don't have enough planes to defend Isle of Wight, so would be happy if we had F16 as a second string force.

    • @chrisk_nfl4120
      @chrisk_nfl4120 Před 2 dny +1

      I don't know about that, obviously hyperbolic but we have 107 active Typhoons with the ability to build more if needed.
      Plus the UK is big on being able to develop, upgrade and build planes themselves, can't do that with the F-16 (tho Japan did)

    • @jonathanshaw6784
      @jonathanshaw6784 Před dnem

      That's not true, we have a spitfire flying out of Gosport most days. That worked well enough last time.

  • @Lyndonberg_Gaming
    @Lyndonberg_Gaming Před 2 dny +1

    16:08 easy way to test would be same scenario which clears field quests and loiters after longest which is more deadly, and could continue to the next fight or two

  • @saltyfloridaman7163
    @saltyfloridaman7163 Před dnem +2

    irl the F-35A has a 34% better lift to weight ratio and has a similar thrust to weight ratio in combat load with the F-35A having better rate of climb and better acceleration due to the massive size and thrust of the engine being able to push against a larger square area of air. Block 3F also made the F-35A more agile in the 2 circle fight as well as being much better in the 1 circle, its drag is also over 40% less than the F-16 in combat load due to internal bays and complex vortex generators greatly reducing surface drag. the only time the f-16 ever had a chance in a dogfight was when the F-35A was still a prototype with a highly unoptimized FCS

  • @GG-dj5op
    @GG-dj5op Před 2 dny +6

    Im currently in the market for a fighter jet. Thanks for the video

  • @wastool
    @wastool Před 2 dny +4

    Haven't watched the engagement yet. My prediction is that in a fair BVR fight the F-35 takes it every time, but if you were to equip a larger for with F-16s, to simulate a nation's ability to to field more aircraft for the same cost, I believe it would begin to even out

    • @DefaultProphet
      @DefaultProphet Před 11 hodinami

      1 F35 would need to cost 6x as much as an F16 for that to math

  • @djuice1701
    @djuice1701 Před 2 dny +1

    I noticed that you are using the default DCS PAC-2 system, in game it has a default reflection_limit = 0.049, making it unable to target any objects with less than 0.049 RCS. You could try using Currenthill's PAC system, it has a 0 reflection RCS limit, so it should be able to target and shoot down your "stealth" aircrafts at a much reduced range.

  • @simba1113
    @simba1113 Před dnem +1

    Block 70 has a build in jammer.and a missile avoidance system. This would have greatly increased its ability to launch harms.

  • @Beldoras
    @Beldoras Před 2 dny +2

    Much appreciated, just ordered 100 f35's thanks to this video. 👍

  • @spectreplays9
    @spectreplays9 Před 2 dny +1

    Endurance issue can be solved by the fact that the F-35 can carry more missiles. 12 missiles means it can fight for longer before it needs to go home.

  • @richrickyc107
    @richrickyc107 Před 2 dny +1

    anti radar coating accidently discovered when harrier leading edges were sprayed with WD40 reduced the radar signature

  • @castlekingside76
    @castlekingside76 Před dnem +1

    The new Block 4 F35 has a 90 range aesa radar now.

  • @ghansu
    @ghansu Před 2 dny +6

    FInland evalueted 8 years Gripen, Raphale, Typhoon, Superhornet with growlers and F-35. And they made a decision to buy 64 F-35s because none of those other 4g+ fighters wouldnt stand a chance against F-35.

    • @AdamMi1
      @AdamMi1 Před 2 dny +1

      That was a great choice!

    • @saltyfloridaman7163
      @saltyfloridaman7163 Před dnem

      the F-35s were unbeatable in dogfights too

    • @ghansu
      @ghansu Před dnem

      @@saltyfloridaman7163 F-35 dont get in dogfights and if that happens its in range of sidewinders without other plane even knows its there. Dont think that umerica spended all that money to make it worse than planes that it will replace.

  • @brobsonmontey
    @brobsonmontey Před dnem +1

    I wonder to what extent the total lower cost of ownership (purchase price + operating cost) of the F16 overcomes all other advantages of the F35. That, if countries A & B had the same budget (for aircraft, for purchase & operation), that country A could put more F16's in the air than country B could put F35's, meaning at some point the equal budgets mean that the F16's can swarm the F35's to overcome the technological differences. As a historical example I site that during WW2 Germany had the vastly superior tank technology, but Russia could put enough lower tech tanks onto the battlefield to overcome the difference.

  • @sdghtjsdcgs
    @sdghtjsdcgs Před 2 dny +1

    That cost difference isn't nearly as close as I thought it would be. F35 is cheaper than I thought, and F-16 is way more expensive.

  • @TheGeocacheHunter
    @TheGeocacheHunter Před 2 dny +1

    For future reference, the F-35 has 2 hardpoints in each weapon bay, but one in each (Station 5 and 7) can ONLY carry the AIM-120 (and I'm assuming the AIM-260 in the future). Station 6 is between the bays and is only used on the B and C models (gun pod) as you already know.

    • @TheGeocacheHunter
      @TheGeocacheHunter Před 2 dny

      Also, for the F-35, if it wanted to go full A/A mode, in the near future, I do believe it will be able to carry 14 BVR and 2 sidewinders. (non-stealth of course)

    • @saltyfloridaman7163
      @saltyfloridaman7163 Před dnem

      the aim 260 is already being carried at Lakenheath Afb

  • @steffenjespersen247
    @steffenjespersen247 Před 2 dny +19

    I think a country should either wait or go with the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
    The cost per flight hour is extremely important for smaller countries and the Gripen is only $6K per hours.
    And we have learned that if you are a smaller country expect your airfields to be hit within hours and only the Gripen (of those jets) is made to fly from any good road.

    • @simonb4757
      @simonb4757 Před 2 dny

      YAAAS GRIPEN!

    • @michaelbarnard8529
      @michaelbarnard8529 Před 2 dny +3

      Pretty sure that $6k is with free conscript labor.

    • @scruboak17
      @scruboak17 Před 2 dny +2

      F-35s and F-16s pilots practice flying from roadways all the time.

    • @scottgalbraith7461
      @scottgalbraith7461 Před 2 dny

      Ah, then let me show you the F-35 C.

    • @sdghtjsdcgs
      @sdghtjsdcgs Před 2 dny

      Lots of jets use roads/highways. I've seen pictures/videos of A-10, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-35 and Eurofighters using roads.

  • @pogo1140
    @pogo1140 Před 2 dny +1

    You can reduce the F-16 RCS even further by using the supersonic diverterless intake (the F-35 intake) and reduced RCS afterburner outlet. Enough to reduce detection range to 20 miles or so

  • @Doodelz02
    @Doodelz02 Před 2 dny +1

    I watch for the science! 🤓
    (While that was meant to be amusing, on reflection, it's at least partly true too!!)
    Really liked the premise! Great video.

  • @grosey11
    @grosey11 Před dnem +1

    The answer I guess is a mixture. I’ve seen a few of our F-35s fly around the air base nearby. They seem to slide through the air with a ripping sound, that’s the best how I would explain it. Compared to our F-18 growlers. 🇦🇺

  • @AndyFromBeaverton
    @AndyFromBeaverton Před 2 dny +6

    How many actual dogfights have there been around the world this century? The investment should be in missiles and stealth.

    • @mk4_supra339
      @mk4_supra339 Před dnem

      This way of thinking already existed in the 1970s. They figured out they still need some dogfight abilities. That is why a cannon was added on the F4E.

  • @alexmendez6311
    @alexmendez6311 Před 2 dny +1

    This helped me make my decision whenever I buy fighter jets for my country.

  • @torjones1701
    @torjones1701 Před 2 dny +1

    I suspect that the stealth eagle and stealth tomcat would do better than their normal 4th Gen counterparts.

  • @bpop2148
    @bpop2148 Před 16 hodinami +1

    Can you guys do a similar video where you compare the Gripen and F-35? This is based on Norway choosing F-35 over Gripen.

  • @user-sz4hg1zx3v
    @user-sz4hg1zx3v Před 2 dny +1

    He did in an F16 what AI did in an f35. That's impressive. Good job!

    • @chady1229
      @chady1229 Před dnem

      No it’s not the ai is horrible

  • @smarty_7997
    @smarty_7997 Před 2 dny +1

    What DCS can’t replicate the awesome EW capability and situational awareness the f-35 has for SEAD missions. F-35 is easily the best publicly acknowledged SEAD jet in the world .

    • @saltyfloridaman7163
      @saltyfloridaman7163 Před dnem +1

      its like having an even better growler for free in an aircraft that combines the best of the f-16 and super hornet with none of their drawbacks into a hyper agile 5th gen stealth fighter airframe

  • @mikecook8712
    @mikecook8712 Před 2 dny +1

    My country builds them and sells them both....sooooo both ah heck sprinkle a 22 and grandpa buff too...

  • @tomriley5790
    @tomriley5790 Před dnem

    Reading on this I discovered Iran operates a 747 air refueling tanker - now that would be cool to see in DCS!
    (Aparently it lost out to the KC10 extender for the USAF and was then sold to them)

  • @FerNando-ys5hc
    @FerNando-ys5hc Před 2 dny +1

    Depends on your budget

  • @canadianbreeze8733
    @canadianbreeze8733 Před 2 dny +1

    We are still operating the CF-18 Hornet. Let's get some F-16 E's please lol. 🇨🇦🍁🇨🇦

  • @bubbaray_1968
    @bubbaray_1968 Před 2 dny +1

    Most air battles today will be BVR. Reduce it down to a dogfight with infinite ammo and all pilots of the same skill level and i think the Falcons come out on top every time.

  • @ChordRunner
    @ChordRunner Před dnem

    I think that Poland is looking to purchase additional wing of fighters. The most probable options are F-35, F-16, F-15EX, Eurofighter, KF-21, i think. HOWEVER, while Poland is thinking and considering these options, more and more countries take potential places in the queue...

  • @shtorm2616
    @shtorm2616 Před dnem +1

    Ngl this is so skewered to the F-16's favor. I could make a more realistic setup if you want. Well at least as realistic as possible considering DCS doesnt model some of the Lightning's best features.

  • @debivort
    @debivort Před 2 dny +1

    I'm not sure it would change the outcome, but given the title of the video, I think the comparison should have been set by the same cost (to your country) of F-16s vs F-35s. I.e. 2x as many F-16s.

  • @harrisonpeck130
    @harrisonpeck130 Před 2 dny +1

    When you have to handicap one of the fighters by taking away long range missiles in a BVR right, the winner should be obvious.

    • @harryspeakup8452
      @harryspeakup8452 Před 14 hodinami

      Depends whether you want to compare the missile or the aeroplane.

    • @harrisonpeck130
      @harrisonpeck130 Před 14 hodinami

      @@harryspeakup8452 trying to separate the two is a bit silly since they are designed around one another. The F-35 is designed around the ability to fire long range missiles before it’s ever close enough to be seen. Removing those long range missiles (which the F-16 could’ve also carried) is literally handicapping the plane.

  • @chrisk_nfl4120
    @chrisk_nfl4120 Před 2 dny +1

    The fact is, the F-35, whilst being more expensive, will likely be a contemporary super-weapon for many years, and the F-16, as amazing as it is, is just not exceptional enough for the next 10-25 years for a country that has an air force purely in case WW3 kicks off. Many European countries still had MLUs/Block 50s or even older F-16s until this year.
    Even the runway issue, where F-16s and Gripen are likely designed to be able to operate from roads, could be worked around if a country decides to procure F-35B/Cs with the S/VTOL or bulkier landing gear. Norway has landed F-35s on a road, after all.
    But there's things the F-35 has over the F-16 which weren't mentioned - Alternative carrier-based variants, DAS etc. Also feel like air-ground should've been tested, as well as robustness of each airframe (how many planes are operational at one time and maintenance timings)
    What's more fascinating is the fact France, a foremost European power, isn't interested in a Stealth design until Gen VI with their Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. Instead claiming the Rafale is a 'stealth killer' and is basically near stealth. Considering the UK, Germany, Poland etc are getting F-35s, it's something to monitor.

    • @darylbas8216
      @darylbas8216 Před 15 hodinami

      The French opting out of the F-35 isn’t so much that they are not interested in stealth, but rather that they are willing to sacrifice it in order to continue to develop and invest in their own domestic fighter industry. The Rafale is a good plane. But it is not a 5th gen aircraft by any stretch of the imagination and it’s actually more expensive than F-35a, at around 115 million. The French idea of strategic independence has rendered this a political issue and they have opted for a demonstrably inferior airframe as a result. That doesn’t mean it’s the wrong choice, but they have definitively sacrificed something to make it.
      This same idea will cause and is causing a problem with FCAS. See the French want FCAS to be carrier capable, since they have a carrier. The other partner countries in FCAS do not. This conflict has already delayed FCAS, according to some accounts, out past 2040. This means the French might be stuck with the Rafale for another 20 years.

    • @chrisk_nfl4120
      @chrisk_nfl4120 Před 13 hodinami

      @@darylbas8216 Fair points that I agree with. But I will mention this didn't stop the likes of Japan, UK and South Korea from showing interest or purchasing F35s. But I'm not one to judge on French foreign policy with procurement!
      That's pretty humourous, because those exact things with FCAS happened with the Typhoon project. France wanted a carrier compatible air frame, and at this time the UK were scrapping catapult carriers

  • @WardenWolf
    @WardenWolf Před dnem

    Considering the price per unit of the F-35A is only about 25% higher than the F-16, it's a pretty clear choice. The F-35 has a proportionally much-higher return on investment.

  • @lordsqueak
    @lordsqueak Před dnem

    hmmm, it's probably not equal to compare the same loadout, as each plane would have it's own typical loadout. some planes might carry more missiles, but that would be an advantage of that plane. I think it might be better to figure out what the typical loadout would be for a plane and mission.

  • @nevisstkitts8264
    @nevisstkitts8264 Před 2 dny +1

    The scenario does not appear to support F35 countermeasures (which would thwart the AIM120cs...).

  • @dirreeN
    @dirreeN Před 2 dny +1

    Well neither, mine makes the Gripen! ;)

  • @photodan24
    @photodan24 Před 15 hodinami

    There isn't any controversy about air superiority. In the vast majority of situations, no F-35 pilot would let themselves get within radar detection range of a non-stealth fighter.

  • @MB-mr4ek
    @MB-mr4ek Před dnem

    Should of done JF-17 too, built as an F-16 competitor..

  • @Asrock73
    @Asrock73 Před dnem

    Hey cap if you ever do another mission involving U.S. forces from Okinawa:
    NEW: US Air Force will upgrade its presence at Kadena Air Base in Japan by deploying 36 F-15EX Eagle IIs to replace 48 F-15C/D Eagles. Misawa Air Base will be upgraded from 36 F-16 Fighting Falcons to 48 F-35A Lightning I

    • @grimreapers
      @grimreapers  Před 20 hodinami

      Got something similar planned yes.

  • @cjjk9142
    @cjjk9142 Před 2 dny +7

    $85 million for f35 is once in a lifetime bargain

  • @coreymoyers
    @coreymoyers Před 8 hodinami

    The f-16 has always been about adding the volume of planes at a lower price.

  • @mattmcbee7109
    @mattmcbee7109 Před 2 dny +1

    Man, I hate how the AI stealth aircraft charge in like idiots.

  • @tomriley5790
    @tomriley5790 Před dnem +1

    The answer to this is going to vary by country.
    How is your poliitical relationship with the US - if they wont sell you the F35 you can't buy it.
    What is your threat? And predicted threat? If you're not facing advanced GRAD or Electronic warfare environment then you likely don't need the F35, of course this could chnage and there is an advantage to forcing your enemy to up its game - especially as it's likely to in time of war. For most African countries there's literally no need to operate the F35 for example.
    What is your militaries capability at maintenance, the F16 is realtively difficult to maintain but the F35 depends on maintaining radar absorbant materials etc.
    Strong points of the F35 are stealth - so if you have competent enemy radars to defeat it's likely worth it (as your F16s will be much more vulnerable)
    F35 has much better radar, sensors and network warfare capability - does your country have a network it's capable of integrating with (or an aspiration to be part of one), can you use the sensors.
    In all honesty a mix of both types is probably optimal - you can use the F35 for missions where the threat is high enough and to take out air defence radars and sam systems and the F16s to do lower threat targets where you just need something to move the bombs....
    Overall though if you are operating in a high threat environment the F35 may well end up being cheaper to opeate in that it's so much more surviviable and an F16 that's shot down and needs replacing is an awful lot more expensive than an F35 that returns to base, conversely if what happens to Ukraines Su27s recently happens and your enemy spots them on the tarmac of an airbase they are equally vulnerable to a bomb or missile....
    I'm not sure range/endurance is the only thing for an air superiority fighter - by that metric bombers would be brilliant at it. But yes there is a difference between an interceptor and an air superiority fighter. By all acounts that I've read the F16 and F35 have roughly equivalent capabilities kinematically.
    Air to air refueling would only be important if the country buying it had tankers (which is very few countries)
    Certainly mentioned if you are a small country trying to maximise your contribuation and all round capabilities for not many airframes/pilots then an F35 defintiely gives you more bang for your buck.

  • @LeonAust
    @LeonAust Před 2 dny +1

    In believing the F-35 is currently the best multirole fighter in existence, the type of countries that would buy F-16 instead of F-35 are as:
    1) Those that are not on the trusted Allie list of the West/US thus are barred from purchasing the very capable F-35.
    2) Those who are potential enemies of the West/US
    3) Those who cannot afford F-35 with it's infrastructure setup.
    4) Those who are trying to build a stealth multirole but are willing to accept a less capable 4.5 gen even 5th gen fighter.
    Note: Lately so called other countries 5th gen fighters are being developed with no internal bomb bay thus negating stealth, and one cannot measure up to the US/ F-35 network centric web and weapon systems capabilities of the F-35 Block 4.

  • @Istandby666
    @Istandby666 Před dnem

    You have 2 different RCS for the F-35. One was 0.02 and the other is 0.002.
    The F-35A early version is 0.019.

    • @saltyfloridaman7163
      @saltyfloridaman7163 Před dnem

      irl its the size of a golf ball on radar, which would be 0.0009. the F-22 rcs is 0.0001, which is the size of a glass marble or honeybee

  • @doublebackagain4311
    @doublebackagain4311 Před 2 dny +1

    Additional questions:
    1. Life expectancy of airframes?
    2. Cost/time to train pilots?
    3. Cost of munitions? (old tech vs. new)

    • @Doodelz02
      @Doodelz02 Před 2 dny

      I'd add:
      4. Upgradability
      5. Inter-country integration
      As 🇨🇦, F35 makes so much more sense when considering those factors.

    • @grimreapers
      @grimreapers  Před 20 hodinami

      Good questions but I don't think I can answer any of them.

    • @Doodelz02
      @Doodelz02 Před 13 hodinami

      @grimreapers It's super-complex ... especially when you add "in-country politics" to the mix (and the "build local") notion. We bought our entire 4 vessel submarine fleet in 1998 for $750m from Britain as fix-er-uppers. (This was at least 90% "on us" imo).
      They had been decommissioned by Britain in 1993. Critically needed for northern defense ... replacing 3 1960's Oberon class subs.
      One caught fire on the initial surface travel to Canada, killing an officer. We've since apparently spent $billions on retrofits and with no spare part availability, they've been in dry-dock more than at sea. Retrofits included changing torpedo tube's so ours would work, and cannibilizing Oberon '60s tech in some cases.
      Not our finest hour, sadly. Main point stands ... these decisions are complex! Our gov't messed up badly and still hasn't fixed it (again, imo).
      NB: I'm no expert and would welcome knowledgeable dissenting feedback.

  • @deepat
    @deepat Před 2 dny +1

    Don't worry cap, the real AI that control flying weapons designed to kill people is more than smart enough to use tactics and advantages.

  • @Marcin79W
    @Marcin79W Před 2 dny +1

    Wow, Viper went expensive.

  • @kangaroohybrid5633
    @kangaroohybrid5633 Před 2 dny +1

    WD 40 would be cheaper as a Stealth Coating

  • @Master-im7jc
    @Master-im7jc Před 2 dny +2

    Capt, sorry I must disagree with your comments on the Falkland War, reading Sharky Wards excellent book, he stated the pilots on HMS invincible could loiter as directed but the pilots on HMS Hermies did not totally stick to the plan and got to Bingo fuel before they were replaced hence a gap in coverage.

    • @albird87
      @albird87 Před 2 dny +1

      There is some truth here, but also due to the Exocet missile fear, they kept the fleet further away and had the harriers fly low for a certain distance to avoid Argentina Radars so they couldn't find the fleet as easy, this meant that the harriers also didn't have as great a loiter time to stay and keep the Argentina aircraft at bay. They worked around this and were able to cause damage.

    • @grimreapers
      @grimreapers  Před 20 hodinami

      Thanks, I must admit I haven't read a proper book on the Sea Harriers yet.

    • @Master-im7jc
      @Master-im7jc Před 20 hodinami

      @grimreapers Capt, can I recommend Sharky Ward's excellent book it shows how he battled to get the Sea Harrier into squadron service and how as c/o on HMS Invincable he helped to fight the war, but told the commander of the fleet what he thought of his orders. Well worth the read !

    • @harryspeakup8452
      @harryspeakup8452 Před 14 hodinami

      @@Master-im7jc Ward was relentlessly his own PR man, and any account of his should be balanced against accounts by others present in the same theatre at the same time. They do not all align around his opinions

    • @albird87
      @albird87 Před 4 hodinami

      @@harryspeakup8452 agreed, the book on 809 squadron’s story on the falklands and the Atlantic conveyor is a very interesting read by Rowland White

  • @timblack6422
    @timblack6422 Před 2 dny +1

    It’s a GREAT DAY!

  • @verycursedplane6557
    @verycursedplane6557 Před dnem +1

    My country is replacing f16s of block 52 with f35a and b

  • @thetbnrtitanium007
    @thetbnrtitanium007 Před 2 dny +1

    Iirc, I have seen photos of newer F-16 blocks with dual or even triple missile launcher racks on its inboard missile pylon 🤔
    Let me know what you think about this

    • @jimnms
      @jimnms Před 2 dny

      That's was the F-16IN Super Viper that was proposed for India's new fighter. It had conformal fuel tanks, and was able to carry ten A-A missiles as well as external fuel tanks. India eventually picked the Dassault Rafale.

  • @madigorfkgoogle9349

    you are wrong in many parameters of F-16. Current Block 70/72 has radar is build on parts of F-22 and F-35 radars with similar specs, also it has Legion-ES EOS integrated in plane able to detect and track targets with low error. Meanwhile F-35 has EO *T* S which means it can be use not just for detection and tracking but also for targeting, which need of is given by the stealth ability of F-35 and is not really needed on F-16.
    Also the cockpit of latest Block 70/72 F-16 is very similar to F-35. Basically the F-35 is more expensive F-16 Block 70/72 with stealth capability and higher running costs when oversimplified.

  • @bladeslicemaster5390
    @bladeslicemaster5390 Před 2 dny +1

    fun!

  • @scottgalbraith7461
    @scottgalbraith7461 Před 2 dny +1

    Can we have both?

  • @bradleydysinger6906
    @bradleydysinger6906 Před 2 dny +2

    I was CSAR in the USAF and we had a running joke about the F-16 we called it the Lawn Dart as its only one engine issue from a hole in the ground

  • @richardnicklin654
    @richardnicklin654 Před dnem

    Yeah, approaching the Patriots at anything more than wave top height was simply an insult to our intelligence.
    Plus, JASSM would be the choice for something as big as a Patriot.

  • @Aquila-048
    @Aquila-048 Před 2 dny +1

    Grim Reapers, I have a favor to ask
    Is it possible for you to be able to do the Rafale in Indonesian Air Force livery in your next vid 😁😁 ?

  • @johnaikema1055
    @johnaikema1055 Před 2 dny +1

    .002 is not a thing with any external loadout.

  • @trentvlak
    @trentvlak Před 16 hodinami

    F16 did pretty good but with AIM260 it would have been far worse for them.

  • @ini_tials
    @ini_tials Před hodinou

    gripen vs f16 comparison next?

  • @VoltaireVoltaire-zq4zh
    @VoltaireVoltaire-zq4zh Před 2 dny +1

    Real costs are also totally unknown, it really depends on the whole package... the price quoted here is a public figure given for F35A (above 100 millions for B and C versions) but again this is meaningless. Full cost includes all the maintenance, availability per unit, equipment, cost per hour, training cost etc... and of course there is a massive negotiation element, according to customers, amount of planes, date of delivery... Overall, total cost of F35 is reputed to be very high but how much is hard to say. Nobody buys F35 for its price... it is first and mostly a political decision (you buy US support) and not really a military decision (no country beside the US really needs F35 except maybe Israel and Japan).

  • @davelabaton8901
    @davelabaton8901 Před dnem

    my country should buy grippens instead of f-16 (even 2nd hand). they got almost same capabilities and much cheaper operating costs

  • @AEFisch
    @AEFisch Před dnem

    I think you completely left out strike bombing capability? The F16 is frequently used in this role and my driveway definitely needs to have something with a 2000lb bomb.. SEAD,: wouldn't 4-F16 fly low behind horizon pop up and saturate with HARMs?

  • @krys5304
    @krys5304 Před dnem

    A quick video if ever you might be scratching your head for an idea.
    Are Grim Reapers faster than the Saturn rocket?
    czcams.com/users/shortsBOtHr2az0hU?si=GHwyntVjd4PB5IgY

  • @winelive5500
    @winelive5500 Před dnem

    AARGM-ER has a max range over 180miles so the F16s could send them out of range of the SAM

    • @grimreapers
      @grimreapers  Před 20 hodinami

      I think it's ability to fire them close in that makes them dangerous, while they are still moving very fast.

    • @winelive5500
      @winelive5500 Před 19 hodinami

      @@grimreapers yep sure they have much better PK. But a swarm could still make it through.
      Also to be fair to F16 there should also have been MALDs used. They are part of its SEAD doctrine

  • @JLH111176
    @JLH111176 Před 2 dny +1

    does the cost include training a pilot ?

    • @cjjk9142
      @cjjk9142 Před 2 dny

      To train a royal airforce pilot 🇬🇧. It’s about £950,000

  • @jackstheraptor2791
    @jackstheraptor2791 Před dnem

    In my country it would be F-35. twice the cost but much better SA, and 4 times more scary.

  • @timallison8560
    @timallison8560 Před dnem +1

    five 35's for every 20 16's.

  • @the_f35_man
    @the_f35_man Před 2 dny +2

    Hehe funny stealth dorito go amraam spam in TWS

  • @dace0326
    @dace0326 Před 2 dny +1

    There 5Th!!! Gen!!! Fighters!!

  • @superflyguy4488
    @superflyguy4488 Před dnem

    Just be like the Republic of Ireland and hope the UK will provide air assistance.

  • @j4s0n39
    @j4s0n39 Před 2 dny +2

    My country owns both already, as well as F-22s, F-35 Bs and Cs, F-15s, F/A-18s, etc.

    • @YankaBakasci
      @YankaBakasci Před 2 dny +1

      Hssard Lee Disagrees with you Junior.
      He flew F-16 now F-35.

    • @j4s0n39
      @j4s0n39 Před 2 dny

      @@YankaBakasci Are you illiterate? Where did Hasard (not Hssard) Lee say that the USA doesn't already own the F-16 and F-35, as well as the other aircraft I listed?

  • @christiangerardocenar3849

    Philippines can only afford FA-50 jets. 😂

  • @EnglishScripter
    @EnglishScripter Před 2 dny +5

    Neither. $40,000 an hour? 💀

    • @KaiserLandsknecht
      @KaiserLandsknecht Před 2 dny +4

      I guess that number includes: Gas + Maintenance + other stuff

    • @EnglishScripter
      @EnglishScripter Před 2 dny

      @@KaiserLandsknecht Does not really matter what it is for, but its a huge amount.

    • @Power5
      @Power5 Před 2 dny +1

      That is flight time. Not sitting in hangar time.

    • @forzaelite1248
      @forzaelite1248 Před 2 dny +2

      ​@@Power5It's cumulative operating cost per hour for flight, Mx, cost of support programs, etc based on how often the US flew them. There's an ops cost study by the GAO from 2022 that goes into more detail

    • @johnsilver9338
      @johnsilver9338 Před 2 dny +2

      If I'm not wrong its around $35,000 right now. To compare, both F/A-18E/F and F-15E are around $30,000/hr.

  • @Spacestus
    @Spacestus Před dnem

    The DF-21 and DF-26 ASBMS
    Stopped 1941 Pearl Harbor
    Attack Please🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • @Stinger522
    @Stinger522 Před 2 dny +14

    This is like asking soneone if they want to buy a PS4 or a PS5.
    F-35 all the way.

    • @alexv3357
      @alexv3357 Před 2 dny +1

      It's more like asking someone if they want a PS5 vs an upgraded Atari 2600

    • @Stinger522
      @Stinger522 Před 2 dny

      @@alexv3357 Good one.

  • @nc1609
    @nc1609 Před 2 dny +1

    PAC-2 or 3?

  • @Short..
    @Short.. Před 2 dny +2

    Range & endurance: F-16> purely on the fact adding drop tanks wouldn't compromise its main features, unlike the f-35.
    Cost: As mentioned, Good luck convincing the US to *allow* you to buy one ( f-35 ) without major concessions & reliance on that partnership to continue operation.
    This is why some partners, turkey/South Korea/few european countries. are making their own ( they have experienced issues with this before).
    Not trying to go full john boyd here, excellent testing. Just believe the discussion of countries has a bit more depth than "its 4th gen vs 5th" or pure numbers
    ( unlike what it is sometimes simplified into )

  • @EricAero
    @EricAero Před 2 dny +1

    Hopefuly, My country doesn't need to buy one of these as we are building Rafale.

    • @totalNERD-eo7wx
      @totalNERD-eo7wx Před 2 dny +1

      That may be, but the Rafale will need to have many new weapon systems integrated in order to compete in the future

    • @EricAero
      @EricAero Před 2 dny

      @@totalNERD-eo7wx As I heard, the refit is under way.

    • @totalNERD-eo7wx
      @totalNERD-eo7wx Před 2 dny

      @@EricAero I hope that refit includes some good antiradiation missiles and a better antiship missile.
      Do you know if the French may buy the Spear 3 for the Rafale? That would certainly help it.

  • @superteaman1456
    @superteaman1456 Před 2 dny +1

    Mine has both lol

  • @kevinrobb86
    @kevinrobb86 Před 2 dny +1

    F16 for me

  • @robertmosher7418
    @robertmosher7418 Před 11 hodinami

    If you are an alli of the US and seeking aircraft for your air force, unless you partnered with the US in the F35 program, the F16 is the way to go. Because the F16 is still a very capable fighter and is cheaper than the F35 and the F35 also does not come with all the sensors and targetting electronics that we use. And, unless you plan on fighting the US, save your money and spend that on maintaining and training.

  • @kekehadao
    @kekehadao Před 2 dny +2

    I'VE HEAD THAT THE ROYAL NAVY IS WORKING ON 2 NEW FRIGETS (TYPE 31 & TYPE 32)
    TRY MAKING A VIDEO ABOUT THEM 😁👍

  • @bjornnordstrom
    @bjornnordstrom Před 2 dny +1

    Singapore bought an additional four F-35B in 2020. The price for these four was 2,75 billion dollars. So the price for one single F-35 is not 80 million, but 687 million dollars.

    • @ivorharden
      @ivorharden Před 2 dny

      What sane government would pay $687m for a jet? 😂

    • @forzaelite1248
      @forzaelite1248 Před 2 dny

      They didn't just buy the F-35s, but also spare engines, parts, logistics supplies such as tooling and computers for data, software, LockMart support, and so on along with various weapons and such. If you search the Czezh F35 sale document you can see the breakdown covers a lot more than just the planes.

    • @SlavicCelery
      @SlavicCelery Před dnem +1

      Those costs are for a whole lot more than just the Planes. There's additional parts, support for future upgrades, etc etc etc. We see total contract costs, not line item costs.

    • @bjornnordstrom
      @bjornnordstrom Před dnem

      @@SlavicCelery That sounds reasonable. Article at Defensenews , February 29, 2024:
      “Singapore ordered four F-35Bs in a 2020 deal worth an estimated $2.75 billion, then added eight more F-35B units in 2023. The aircraft are on track to arrive during the 2026-2028 time frame”