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5 Fighter Jets the US Built for Air-to-Air Combat, But Ended Up Using as Bombers

Have you ever wondered what happens to old fighter planes? Some are retired or passed on to other countries, while others undergo a role change and start dropping bombs instead. In this blog post, we'll take a look at five fighter jets that the US originally built for air-to-air combat but ended up using as bombers.

North American F-86 Sabre

The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1949 to 1962. It was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, and it saw combat in the Korean War, where it proved to be superior to the Soviet MiG-15. After the Korean War, the F-86 was used by the United States Air Force as a bomber in the Vietnam War.

North American F-100 Super Sabre

The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1979. It was the first fighter aircraft capable of exceeding the speed of sound in level flight. The F-100 was used in the Vietnam War, where it was primarily used as a bomber.

F-4 Phantom II

The F-4 Phantom II is a supersonic fighter-bomber aircraft that served with the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps from 1960 to 1996. It was one of the most successful fighter aircraft of all time, and it saw combat in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Kosovo War. The F-4 was also used as a bomber in the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

F-14 Tomcat

The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic fighter aircraft that served with the United States Navy from 1974 to 2006. It was designed as a carrier-based interceptor, but it was also used as a bomber in the Gulf War.

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a supersonic fighter aircraft that has served with the United States Air Force since 1976. It is one of the most successful fighter aircraft of all time, and it has seen combat in the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, and the War in Afghanistan. The F-15 has also been used as a bomber in the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.

These are just a few examples of fighter jets that the US originally built for air-to-air combat but ended up using as bombers. These aircraft have played a vital role in American military history, and they continue to be used by the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps today.