Replicant the USAF from what I understand originally started their Link 16 crossover because the European nations were running them and all nations felt it was a needed system to coordinate effeciently.
Originally the JTIDS system was designed and though it was alot more capable and powerful the FDL system was chosen for it's realiability and maintenance costs. All USAF F-15s are being retrofitted with the new FDL system. Basically a Link 16 system with a bit lower watts and a few less gadgets.
Gixer I can assure you that it wasn't a "oops we forgot AWACs so we'll do with out it" scenario. If the USAF really wanted to prove that capability they'd have brought them. I can assure that technology is advancing in the F-15 systems. The F-15s are not slated to leave the active duty status till 2025. That includes both C/D and E variants. Our software and hardware packages constantly improve.
The IAF has accepted a invitation to take one of their SU-30MK1 units to a Red Flag exercise next year. So the USAF can have a crack at the front line fighter on their home turf.
I actually love to hear this kind of talk. For starters even Redflag scenarios involve the limiting of systems. I've been to many Redflags and have heard the gripes by aircrews about what they could and couldn't use. Also I can assure you that the SU will be in for a big surprise when it comes. It will probably have a F/A-22 shadowing it the whole excersize and never even know it. If not that scenario it will have the unfortunate task of having to compete against the F/A-22 in a setup scenario, much like the one in India.
Where I currently work we fly with and against F/A-22s on almost a daily basis. Though some of the information is only deemed sensitive I can assure you they will be highly suprised in the end. Especially since I know what the F-15 is capable of and what it can and can't do against a Raptor. In the end I hope India enjoys the sites while in Vegas. The only fun they may have is during their off duty time.
Oh and Raptor we do have our Top Gun style training. Everything from Weapons Academy, Combat Archer, and Red Flag. They also use to have a Green Flag training session. The F-15C is still one of our primary A/A fighters while the E is primarily a A/G airframe. They're missions can cross to an extent but with limited results.
In the end if folks can't see that some of these "excersizes" are also filling another purpose you may want to take off the blinders. Especially considering Raptor has been on the chopping block as far amount of numbers they will eventually produce. What better way to show that they are needed than to say our current top of the line fighter is completely inferior. Do you honestly think we would have kept the F-15 as our primary and spent as long as we have on the F/A-22 if the F-15 wasn't capable of defending our home lands or our allies? I'd have to say I highly doubt it.
