Super Hornet shoots down Syrian SU-22

[GW8345]

1 hour ago, 11bee said:

Was reading about the engagement. sounds like they used the AIM-120D.   I haven't followed this too closely, wasn't aware that the D version was in frontline service yet.   

 

There are some interesting pics out there of Bush's SH's in Air to Air configuration with nothing but a targeting pod, external tank, 6 AIM-120D's and wingtip AIM-9's.  Nice change of pace from a modeling standpoint instead of just wall to wall bombs. 

 

 

The D version is out but the AMRAAM used was a C variant.

[11bee]

1 minute ago, GW8345 said:

The D version is out but the AMRAAM used was a C variant.

That’s interesting.  Got the impression they  were only using D’s.  Wonder if the C model is complementary to the D for certain missions?   

 

[Waco]

There's a hell of a lot more 120Cs in inventory than 120Ds, and they have excellent shelf-life and captive carry hours remaining.  In a theater where you don't NEED the latest and greatest advancements (because there really isn't much in the way of air-to-air threats) you don't want to burn out your 120D airframes.  Hell, I'm surprised they're not carrying Bs.

 

[11bee]

10 minutes ago, Waco said:

There's a hell of a lot more 120Cs in inventory than 120Ds, and they have excellent shelf-life and captive carry hours remaining.  In a theater where you don't NEED the latest and greatest advancements (because there really isn't much in the way of air-to-air threats) you don't want to burn out your 120D airframes.  Hell, I'm surprised they're not carrying Bs.

 

Figured since there were other nations flying higher end aircraft in the same area that they might be using the latest equip.  Wouldn’t that be why they have Raptors occasionally deployed or do the F-22’s really add that much to other non-a2a missions?

 

Wonder how the -120 holds up on those outward canted SH underwing pylons?  

[Waco]

The Raptors add significant capability in theater, period.

 

And again, there's just not that many Ds in service compared to Cs.

[habu2]

47 minutes ago, Waco said:

The Raptors add significant capability in theater, period.

 

And again, there's just not that many Ds in service compared to Cs.

 

And by the same logic, there's just not that many F-22s in service compared to F-15s.   

[Waco]

Failing to see the point....you're correct.  There are not many Raptors in service.  Although, comparatively, it's not that much lower than the number of combat coded F-15Cs left in service. 

Not the same as a new munition that's in the early stages of being fielded.

 

Combatant Commander has requested capabilities that only the F-22 can provide, so F-22s are sourced to fulfill the request.  Not sure what this has to do with the proliferation of munition types carried by USN fighters.