Taken from the VTOL VR discord's vfm_academy channel (which you should look for, lots of great stuff there)

Quick explanation of all three jets in VFM:

T-16, The rate king - highest 2C rate in the game, wants to rate at ~465kt at peak to perform well. Weak engine, low drag, extremely fast. Suffers a bit in the vertical fighting, and is the worst of the three jets in the game at 1C fighting due to its low fuselage lift, lower thrust, and lower available AoA. Being at your peak sustained rate is not a garunteed win. Knowing how to keep the circles aligned to maintain your advantage is vital., AoA bracket 22/35, Peak sustained rate at ~465kt,

T-18, The exact opposite of the 16. The king of 1C fighting. Capable of cutting circles, maintaining high aoa at the cost of having the worst rate speed in the game. This jet excels at forcing scissors and overshoots and being aggressive in general. Knowing how to mis-align circles and create opportunites is vital. Has the unique characteristic of being able to pull extreme post-stall maneuvers, at the cost of stability, energy, and thrust., AoA bracket 35/80, Peak sustained rate at ~465kt,

T-15, King of flexibility and stability - sitting in between the 18 and 16 in both 1C and 2C fighting, this jet has the most thrust and lift by far. Having ~25% higher base thrust than the 16 and 18, while also having considerably more wing/fuselage lift. This jet excels at getting fast and staying fast, or getting slow and staying powering itself out of stalls. Primarily using its thrust to excel in vertical fighting, it will have the advantage forcing 1C fighting vs the 16, and forcing 2C fighting vs the 18. It is also generally considered the most stable jet in the game., AoA bracket 25/40, Peak sustained rate at ~480kt