We pit old technology against new.
Round 1
English Electric Lightning (1959-88)
Versus
S-300 surface-to-air missile (1978-present day)
Which of these would be more effective at defending a target from enemy bombers?
Thomas Newdick: “The Lightning has met its match. Even in its most basic form, the S-300 system can detect a target (using the Tin Shield radar) at 360km, and a battery can engage a minimum of 4 targets (increasing to up to 36 with later versions of the system). Using shoot and scoot tactics, dispersed system components, and with mutual protection from Tor and Tunguska SAM and SAM/SPAAG, the S-300 presents a relatively low risk to the crew. It is reusable, of course. Altitude limits are from 25m up to 30,000m. A single battery should cost around $150 million.”
Winner: S-300
Top speeds: S-300 2,500-5,400 mph /EE Lightning 1500 mph
