Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/2/2009

Question
One of the few pilots who have flown both the Raptor and the Typhoon is quoted as saying that comparing the two planes is like comparing a Formula 1 car with a NASCAR vehicle.
Can you explain what he means?  Is he trying to be tactful to the Europeans?

Answer
Hello Michael,

With out knowing who the pilot actually is so that I can gauge his personality it would be taking a shot at a grasshopper in the dark. Although I have been in the Air Force for as many years as I have, I dont keep track of general officers who have had opportunities that most in the Air Force only get to dream about or speculate its experience.

But from the caption that see that he's not being disrespectful towards Europeans but more or less describing what he thinks the differences of the two aircraft are. Now has this person actually drove both a formula one car and a NASCAR race car? WHo knows!!

What I can suggest to you is look up the stats on the two aircraft and make the determination for your self. I dont know much about the Eurofighter, but the Raptor currently has a 40-0 kill ratio against several different fighters from across the world. I cant tell you if the Eurofighter was in that test or not. I read that in an article once.

I wouldn't read too much into what one pilot says about an aircraft. Remember, these guys are pumped up on adrenaline most of the time much like NASCAR and formula one drivers!! They all think that THEIR plane or car is better than the next...even if they are identical!! I have been around both and I havent discovered much of a difference in the way a proffessional driver presents them selves that much different to a proffessional pilot. Most I find to be quite arrogant. But then If I had the ability to operate both race car and fighter jet....I believe that I would be an ass about it too!!

H