(hypothetical) China invades Taiwan

Post by **Graham Kennedy** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 5:54 pm

It's not a matter of range, it's combat radius. Remembering that you have to go there and back, that you have to be carrying a full load of troops and cargo, that you can't necessarily carry a full load of fuel with all that, that you aren't necessarily going in a straight line, that you can't necessarily cruise at your nice pleasant economical speed and altitude, etc, etc, etc.

Book range means nothing.

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 6:11 pm

Okay, let's modify the scenario a little:

Somehow or other, China beats Taiwan in a war before the US can intervene. It just happens, full stop.

My question was more about what the US/UN would do if China actualy invaded Taiwan, not what the result of an actualy war would be.

So, now what happens?

Post by **Captain Seafort** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 6:17 pm

If the US was provided with a fait accompli, I can't see them doing much. If Taiwan was attacked and requested help, I could see a CVBG or two being sent to engage the Chinese, but not if they'd already been occupied.

Monroe · Post by **Monroe** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 7:15 pm

Another thing to remember is the F16 is like 100-0 for kill-loss ratio. I agree with Graham. Be hard for the Chinese to get over there.

Post by **Captain Seafort** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 7:33 pm

F-16s have never taken on Flankers - and the Chinese have got the bang up to date Su-30 version.

sunnyside · Post by **sunnyside** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 7:57 pm

Yeah while China is a little behind they'd be the closest thing to a peer war the US has had in a long time. Chinas only problem is that they have piles of old planes but not to many of the shiney new toys.