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From Fighter to Bomber: 5 Iconic Jets the US Repurposed for Bombing Missions
Some planes have a reputation for being deadly in air-to-air combat. These planes are built for speed and evasion, and they get faster and more evasive all the time.
But what happens to older fighters when they are no longer the best in their class? Some are retired, while others are passed on to other countries. However, some of these designs are so good that they last for decades. For example, the P-51 served in a military role until 1985.
Other planes undergo a little role change and start dropping bombs instead. Here are five iconic jets that the US built to be fighters but ended up using as bombers:
1. North American F-86 Sabre
The F-86 Sabre was one of the most successful jet fighters of the Korean War. It was fast, maneuverable, and heavily armed. However, by the end of the war, the F-86 was starting to show its age. It was no longer as fast as the newer Soviet MiG-15, and it was not as well-suited for air-to-ground missions.
In response, the US Air Force began to convert some F-86s into bombers. These planes were equipped with bomb racks and could carry a variety of bombs. The F-86 bomber saw action in the Vietnam War, where it was used to attack enemy targets on the ground.
2. North American F-100 Super Sabre
The F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic fighter that was developed in the 1950s. It was one of the first fighters to be capable of flying at speeds of over 1,000 miles per hour. However, the F-100 was also a very expensive plane to operate, and it was not as maneuverable as some of its contemporaries.
As a result, the US Air Force began to convert some F-100s into bombers. These planes were equipped with bomb racks and could carry a variety of bombs. The F-100 bomber saw action in the Vietnam War, where it was used to attack enemy targets on the ground.
3. F-4 Phantom II
The F-4 Phantom II was a supersonic fighter-bomber that was developed in the 1950s. It was one of the most successful aircraft of its era, and it served with the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The F-4 was used in a variety of roles, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
The F-4 was also used as a bomber in the Vietnam War. It was equipped with a variety of bombs and missiles, and it could carry a heavy payload. The F-4 bomber was very effective in attacking enemy targets on the ground, and it helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the United States.
4. F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat was a supersonic fighter that was developed in the 1970s. It was one of the most powerful and capable fighters of its era, and it served with the US Navy for over 30 years. The F-14 was used in a variety of roles, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
The F-14 was also used as a bomber in the Gulf War. It was equipped with a variety of bombs and missiles, and it could carry a heavy payload. The F-14 bomber was very effective in attacking enemy targets on the ground, and it helped to destroy Iraqi air defenses.
5. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a supersonic fighter that was developed in the 1970s. It is one of the most successful fighters of all time, and it has served with the US Air Force for over 40 years. The F-15 has been used in a variety of roles, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
The F-15 has also been used as a bomber in the War in Afghanistan. It is equipped with a variety of bombs and missiles, and it can carry a heavy payload. The F-15 bomber has been very effective in attacking enemy targets on the ground, and it has helped to destroy Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces.
These are just a few examples of jets that the US built to be fighters but ended up using as bombers. These planes have played a vital role in American military history, and they continue to serve today.