Why?

[Mobius]

Does anyone know why some attack aircraft have the identifyer /A and others don't.  e.g.  F/A-18, F/A-22 as opposed to F-16, F-15E.  Is it because the F-16, F-15, and others were originally designed as A2A fighters only and not strike aircraft.  

Thanks

Yarrrr!                                                                                                                      

[jimclarke]

I believe you are correct.  The F-15 and F-16 were designed as ATA and later adapted for ATG.

Jim

[beefhole]

Yup.

The "F" stands for fighter, and the "A" stands for attack.

For example, the F-16 was never meant as ATG strike aircraft, same with the F-15. The F/A-18 was designed with a dual role in mind, and yes lassies, I do think this is the best fighter aircraft currently available (will you brits stop it with the tornadoes )

Just a quick question to pose: Am I the only one that FREAKS when I see the Hornet labeled as the F-18 (it's F/A)? I go completely ape**** when I see that. Please tell me someone else does... I feel so alone...

[Nexus]

10 bucks to the guy who can solve the swedish acrynom in JAS-39 Gripen (Griffon)

[Mobius]

But why, for example did they not change it to F/A-16 or something, they changed the F/A-22 from F-22 a few years ago years after the started testing it.  It too was slated to be only a figher and not an attack aircraft but they changed the name when they changed the role.  Did the F/A-18 start out development as just the F-18 or as the F/A-18?

[SilverFox441]

Strangely, the F/A-18 started development as the YF-17.

Just had to throw that wrench into the works.

[Ivan]

there was a F/A-16 once... but the GAU-8 cannon damged the airframe and the speed wasn't suited for tankbusting

[Woodlouse2002]

I don't see anything special about F18's. Any Tornado would give it a whooping and time.

[C]

I don't see anything special about F18's. Any Tornado would give it a whooping and time.

, particularly at low level...

I think the we are very goog on this side of the pond. For example we've had...

FR
FGA
FGR
GR
GA
F
FA
FRS

and thats just on fighters...

Charlie

[C]

(will you brits stop it with the tornadoes )

The Tonka is a rubbish fighter, but a reasonable interceptor, that can outrun anything at low level (I think that would mean it could catch anything at LL too...), and is crewed by arguably the best trained crews in the world (we do have the oldest military flying training system in the world), who are used to fighting with technically inferior equipment...

[Woodlouse2002]

The Tonka is a rubbish fighter, but a reasonable interceptor, that can outrun anything at low level (I think that would mean it could catch anything at LL too...), and is crewed by arguably the best trained crews in the world (we do have the oldest military flying training system in the world), who are used to fighting with technically inferior equipment...

Oh I dunno. Some of the stuff we were making in the 60's still doesn't have anything that can really match it. Lightning, Buccaneer, Vulcan, Harrier etc. All of which could trounce the F18.

[C]

All of which could trounce the F18.

That's because the '18 is so blimmin' slow...

[Woodlouse2002]

I've always wondered why Yanks are harping on about the F22's super cruise as if it's something new in jet fighters...

[Craig.]

you two really like stirring the pot dont you:)

[beefhole]

Oh I dunno. Some of the stuff we were making in the 60's still doesn't have anything that can really match it. Lightning, Buccaneer, Vulcan, Harrier etc. All of which could trounce the F18.

Half of which we are proud owners (Vulcan, harrier). I've never heard of a brit hornet though, has anyone ever heard of one?