The Royal Air Force Would Have Been Better With MiG-21s
The article examines a hypothetical swap of the RAF’s English Electric Lightning with the Soviet MiG‑21, focusing on late‑1950s to mid‑1960s interceptor variants. It compares climb performance, speed, simplicity, and weapons load, arguing that the MiG‑21’s rapid climb and lower operating costs could have matched or exceeded the Lightning’s point‑defence role. Interviews with former Lightning and MiG‑21 pilots, plus expert commentary, highlight the Lightning’s iconic status versus the MiG‑21’s pragmatic design. The piece ultimately suggests that, absent political constraints, the RAF might have fielded a more economical and equally capable interceptor in the MiG‑21.
The Case for the Messerschmitt Bf 109 Being the Greatest Fighter of the Second World War
In this episode, host Jim Smith argues that the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the greatest WWII fighter, citing its groundbreaking 1934 design, superior performance in early campaigns, and sheer production numbers. He compares the Bf 109E to the early Spitfire,...