When it comes to air combat, we know that two factors stand out in importance when it comes to how effective one will be against an able adversary:
1) The Aircraft being used
and
2) The Pilot's skill at using that particular craft.
Now my question is, what percentage of the (likely success) equation do each of the above factors account for? How much can a pilot's skill make up for what lacks in their craft and vice versa?
For example, if a Mig23 were to have to face off with a F-35, would it be nearly impossible to find a pilot who would be capable of using the Mig in such a manner that it would actually present the F-35 with a viable thread? Or would the destruction of the Mig23 really be a foregone conclusion and, for all intents and purposes, impossible to avoid?
Help a newbie out guys.
1) The Aircraft being used
and
2) The Pilot's skill at using that particular craft.
Now my question is, what percentage of the (likely success) equation do each of the above factors account for? How much can a pilot's skill make up for what lacks in their craft and vice versa?
For example, if a Mig23 were to have to face off with a F-35, would it be nearly impossible to find a pilot who would be capable of using the Mig in such a manner that it would actually present the F-35 with a viable thread? Or would the destruction of the Mig23 really be a foregone conclusion and, for all intents and purposes, impossible to avoid?
Help a newbie out guys.