Could the Mig 29 defeat the F16 in a Dogfight?

Question

Could the Mig 29 defeat the F16 in a Dogfight?

Answer 1

I'd rather be in an F-16, however assuming the MiG had made it in close past the AMRAAMS and it was a pure visual turning fight 1 v 1 where the limitations of the MiG radar aren't so noticable I'd bet on the Fulcrum. The Russian has the head mounted sight and can fire "across the circle" at the F-16. There isnt much difference in the turn rate between the 2 aircraft, so I'd say the Fulcrum's head mounted sight and ability to fire dogfight missiles in directions other than forwards would give it an advantage.

A German air force pilot who flew both aircraft following the merge of the 2 Germanies said he'd rather the F-16 overall, but for purely close in dogfighting he'd take the Fulcrum every time...

Answer 2

Yes, it conceivably could. Nowadays, the MiG would be fortunate to be able to even get in a position to create that scenario, given the information that I've been privy to watching various shows releasing tidbits of what our modern military arsenal is capable of. While the MiG is an agile and capable dogfight-er, I think the modern U.S. fighter jets have the capacity to take out opposing targets if they look at them the wrong way, and the Gov. likes to downplay how bad *** our modern military really is.

Answer 3

Not often.

Answer 4

an old Mig 29 would have a hard time against an F-16, but keep in mind that they are still in production, and the latest models are updated with the latest avionics, weapons and are more manouvrable as well, so I believe the new ones might have an edge there.

Answer 5

Mig 29 are more maneuverable than the F16. But I find the F16 more reliable and up to date. But I would take a Mig anyday over an F16. Now F18 is a different story.

Answer 6

If you had parts for the mig and good pilot no..US missiles are way better

Answer 7

depends on the version, and on the training received by both pilots. the MiG 29 piloted by the Iraqi pilots were easy prey for Coalition planes, including the F16. During the Seerbian bombardment the Serbs were too outnumbered to give a reasonable answer to your question. However in the model situation where there is only one vs one, or pair vs. pair with Russian pilots, or warsaw pact spearheads /Czech-Poles-Eastern German/, it would be a different story. The MiG29 is a capable plane with outstanding armament, yet it needs someone more dedicated to fly it rather than rely on the God's /allah/ intentions... the assistance of the awacs could be handy and could decide such an engagement.

finally I would like to highlight that the R27 missile, NATO code AA10 ALAMO has a longer range than the Amraam. thus the F16 would have to make it to the Fulcrums and not vice versa.

Answer 8

well yes it COULD it depends on the pilot... the mig is a very good aircraft

Answer 9

The F16 is a agile acft. but the MiG has a greater advantage for speed and maneuverability with a bigger fuel capacity. The disadvantage a MiG would have is almost all F16's are now in the Air National Guard and the Guards pilots gets more seat flying time & training. But it really comes down to who is a better flyer.