I think what Nightflyer was trying to say is that their are the numbers that are published in Janes, then there the actual numbers and capabilities of the airframes. If one starts discussing tactics and ordnance than one may be crossing the line. As far as supersonic goes, the legacy hornet could not break the sound barrier at sea level unless it was in a dive. The Tomcat could do it in level flight 100 ft off the deck. Saw it at sea many times. The Tomcats with the newer engines could do well in a fight according to those who flew them. You never really know which one is better as the pilots who fly them will pound their chests and boast about their platform vs any other. What it really comes down to is the skill level and experience of the individual pilot. Fighter pilots say the airplane itself is only about 30% of the fight. My 2 cents.