VWR vs. BVR.

This is coolbert:

That American F-22 Raptor as has been noted not faring too well in DACT exercises.

NOT an inferior aircraft for the air superiority role but nonetheless NOT so overwhelming superior either.

When piloted by top-of-the-line pilots that top-of-the-line warplane [so touted] only about equal to the Eurofighter Typhoon or the French Rafaele.

That performance of the F-22 somewhat disappointing, the F-22 as originally heralded thought be omnipotent now and for anytime into the near future but this obviously not so?

I think [?] I have a better appreciation of how American military planners intend to employ F-22 Raptor in combat.

Those Visual-within-range [VWR] DACT exercises the type of mortal combat as NOT as envisioned for the F-22?

The F-22 in the air superiority role more than likely to fight it out in the stand-off mode, beyond-visual-range [BVR]?

As it was envisioned for the F-14 Tomcat so will it be too for the F-22 Raptor?

The F-14 Tomcat as originally designated and the role envisioned as a stand-off air superiority warplane, engaging and destroying simultaneously an multiple number of enemy aerial targets using the Phoenix long-range missile to do so.

F-22 air superiority combat also not in the VWR mode. Stand-off, BVR!

That F-22 also able to acquire, track, target, engage and destroy enemy warplanes in the BVR mode while at the same time due to stealth design NOT BEING acquired, tracked, targeted engaged and destroyed by the adversary?

That combination of F-22 organic and passive radars combined with the capability of the AMRAAM missile able to destroy enemy warplanes at a distance in excess of 50 miles [80 kilometers], BVR?

And since only a very limited number of F-22 exist now and will EVER exist, VWR operations not only undesirable but to be eschewed? Foolish engagements at close-range and the loss of a single F-22 aircraft not acceptable. That F-22 too precious to lose?

F-4 Phantom being flown remotely and NOT apparently not maneuvering or using any sort of electronic counter measures being used as targets for F-22 and AMRAAM fired at a distance, not VWR, shoot-down of the target YES but not a given and "done deal".

"The F-4 proceeded out over the gulf [Gulf of Mexico]. The first aircraft [F-22] fired its missile [AMRAAM]."

"The ground controller monitoring the telemetry radioed the air crews: 'No hit.'”
   
"The Phantom flew on."

"The four F-22 Raptors spread out. Each launched a missile [AMRAAM]."

"Over the radio we heard 'Fox-four'—all shooters had fired."
   
"Then: 'Splash.' A direct hit.
   
So that combination of F-22 and AMRAAM does work. But in combat we can expect the same? Hold your breath but not for too long!

coolbert.