Player Aircraft

P-51 Mustang

Year: 1942
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 437 mph (380 knots)
Max G-loading: 8.3 G
Weapons: Six 0.50 caliber M2 machineguns with 270-400 rounds per gun, up to 10 5" HVAR rockets or 1,000 lb of bombs.

The P-51 (renamed F-51 in USAF service after 1948) was originally designed as a ground-attack fighter for the Royal Air Force in 1940. The RAF was impressed with the Mustang's long range, high speed, and maneuverability, but found its performance inadequate at high altitude. In 1942, the RAF mated the Mustang with the British Merlin engine for better high-altitude performance, turning it into an unmatched escort fighter. The long-ranged P-51 was able to escort the Allied bombers to targets deep within German territory, including Berlin itself, ensuring the Allied victory. After the war, Mustang proved its strategic value once again when the North Korea invaded the South and forced the USAF off the Korean peninsula - F-51 units could continue to attack North Korea from bases in Japan where short-ranged jet fighters could not. P-51 Mustang was cheap and easy to produce, with over 16,700 produced, and it served with air forces of more than 55 nations worldwide after the war. It continued to serve with some air forces until the 1980s.

P-51D [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 1]
The D model, entering service in 1944, is the definitive production version. Powered by Packard V-1650 engine (a license-built Merlin), P-51D has "bubble" canopy for all-around visibility out the cockpit, and armament increased to six 0.50 caliber M2 machineguns (from four in previous version).

Meteor

Year: 1944
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 580 mph (504 knots)
Max G-loading: 6.0 G
Weapons: Four 20mm Hispano Mk.2 cannons with 150 rounds per gun, up to 16 60-lb rocket projectiles or 2,000 lb of bombs.

The British Meteor was the Allies' first operational jet fighter, and the only Allied jet to see combat during the World War II. The design began back in 1940 as the Air Ministry Specification "F.9/40" for a turbojet-powered fighter, but due to the experimental nature of the early jet engine development, the aircraft did not become operational until 1944 when it was pressed into service to intercept German V-1 flying bombs. Single-seat Meteor, powered by two Rolls-Royce turbojet engines, became the standard RAF fighter immediately after the war. Meteors were also widely exported, with some 16 air forces using it, and it saw combat in Korea in the hands of Royal Australian Air Force and during the 1956 Suez Crisis where it was used by both Egyptian and Israeli air forces.

Meteor F.8 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 1]
The F.8 version is the definitive production version designed to keep the Meteor up-to-date with the new post-war aircraft developments while retaining much of the manufacturing tooling. It entered service in 1949 with uprated Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 engines and revised tail surfaces.

Hunter

Year: 1954
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 715 mph (620 knots)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: Four 30mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons with 150 rounds per gun.

Design for the Hawker Hunter began in late 1948 to fulfill the Air Ministry specifications for a second-generation jet fighter, and it is a classic example of British aircraft design with all the smooth curves and pleasing lines. It had very good handling characteristics, but even with the transonic swept-wing design and powered by then-new axial flow turbojet, it was unable to break the "sound barrier" in level flight. The Hunter replaced several fighter types in the Royal Air Force, including the Meteors, Sabres, Vampires and Venoms, to become the backbone of the fighter command from the mid-1950s to the end of 1960s. It was also widely exported, with no less than 19 countries operating the type. Hunter saw considerable action across the globe, including the crisis in Suez, Indonesia and Aden, civil conflicts in Chile, Somalia, Rhodesia and Zimbabwe, wars in the Middle East, and India-Pakistan war of 1971.

Hunter F.1 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The Hunter F.1 (Fighter, Mark 1), powered by Avon Mark 113 engine, is the first version to enter service in 1954. It suffered from several technical problems and was quickly withdrawn from front-line service after suffering high accident rates. In its short service life, 37 out of 113 F.1 built were lost in accidents, many of them simply running out of fuel during routine exercise.

Hunter F.2 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The Hunter F.2 (Fighter, Mark 2) is similar to F.1 and produced at the same time, but powered by an alternate engine, Sapphire 101 with more thrust.

Hunter F.4 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The F.4 (Fighter, Mark 4), entering service in 1955, is the next production version designed to address many of the problems found on F.1 and F.2. It has new wings with more internal fuel capacity, and it can also carry external drop tanks. It has distinct pair of blisters (called "Sabrinas" after a busty British pinup girl) under the fuselage to collect spent ammunition links to prevent airframe damage. The spent shells are still discarded normally since they are heavy enough to fall away from the aircraft.

Hunter F.5 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The F.5 (Fighter, Mark 5) produced at the same time as F.4 and is similar but with the alternate Sapphire 101 engine. Although Sapphire engine has more thrust and better fuel economy, it is not as reliable and has a shorter service life.

Hunter F.6 [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The Hunter F.6 (Fighter, Mark 6), entering service in 1957, is the definitive fighter version of the Hunter. It is powered by more powerful Rolls-Royce Avon 203 engine, and its outer wings have increased area giving them a distinctive leading-edge "dog-tooth". It can also carry four external drop tanks on underwing pylons.

Hunter F.6 (60) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
By 1960, many countries including the Netherlands began arming their Hunters with two AIM-9 missiles. The Royal Netherlands Air Force operated Hunter F.6 from 1957 to 1968, and had about half of its Hunters modified to carry Sidewinders starting in 1960.

Hunter FGA.9 [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The Hunter FGA.9 (Fighter Ground Attack, Mark 9) is the F.6 converted for ground-attack role. It is powered by Rolls-Royce Avon 207 engine, has further strengthened wings, and provisions to carry larger 1,044-liter drop tanks on inner wing pylons. FGA.9 entered service in 1960.

J 34 Hunter F.50 [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Hunter F.50, locally designated "J 34," is the F.4 exported to Sweden. J 34 entered service in 1955 and equipped 4 wings of Swedish Air Force.

J 34 Hunter F.50 (60) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Swedish Air Force upgraded their Hunters with outer pylons for carrying two AIM-9 missiles in 1960.

Hunter F.51 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The Hunter F.51 is the F.4 exported to Denmark.

Hunter F.58 [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Hunter F.58 is the F.6 exported to Switzerland after its indigenous P-16 design was abandoned. Delivered in 1959, Swiss Hunters had features that were later introduced on the FGA.9, including the ability to carry bombs on outer pylons.

Hunter F.58 (63) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
From 1963, about half the Swiss Hunters were modified to carry 2 Sidewinder missiles.

Hunter F.58A [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
Hunter F.58A is the reconditioned Hunters sold to Swiss in 1970 while they evaluated A-7 and Milan as their attack aircraft. But instead, they decided to purchase more reconditioned Hunter F.58As. F.58A is powered by uprated Avon 207 engine and generally similar to the ground-attack Hunter FGA.9.

Hunter FGA.59 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2 bonus with Strike Fighters 2]
The Hunter FGA.59s are ex-RAF F.6s updated to FGA.9 standard, exported to Iraq.

Hunter FGA.70 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2 bonus with Strike Fighters 2]
The Hunter FGA.70 is the FGA.9 exported to Lebanon.

Hunter FGA.73 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2 bonus with Strike Fighters 2]
The Hunter FGA.73s are ex-RAF F.6s updated to FGA.9 standard, exported to Jordan.

Hunter FGA.73 (75) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
In 1975, Oman purchased Hunter FGA.73 from Jordan and modified them to carry 2 AIM-9 missiles. These Hunters, mostly flown by ex-RAF mercenary pilots, were put to immediate use fighting the insurgents in the Dhofari region which were supported by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Soviets in South Yemen.

Hunter FGA.73 (82) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
Omani Hunters were further upgraded in 1982 with 2 additional pylons for AIM-9 missiles and ALE-40 chaff/flare dispensers. In this configuration, Omani Hunters would go on to participate in the Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as part of the Coalition Forces before retiring in 1993.

F-100 Super Sabre

Year: 1954
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 864 mph (750 knots)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: Four 20mm M39 cannons with 200 rounds per gun, four AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and up to 7,000 lb of ordnance on six underwing pylons.

The single-seat F-100 Super Sabre evolved from the famed F-86 Sabre, legendary in combat against the Soviet MiG-15s of the Korean War. The first of the "Century Series" of fighters, its design dates back to 1949 and is often considered the first production aircraft capable of supersonic speeds in level flight. It was originally known as the Sabre 45 because of the 45-degree angle of its low mounted sweptback wings. By 1954 the F-100A was entering squadron service to become the standard USAF front line fighter. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney J57 afterburning turbojet, the Super Sabre was originally designed for daytime aerial superiority, but was later tasked as a fighter-bomber and saw extensive use with the USAF in South-East Asia. The F-100D was the definitive version optimized for the air-to-ground strike role, capable of carrying an increased weapons load. More versions of the "D" were built than all other models combined before production was halted in 1959. The Super Sabre continued to serve well into the late 1970s.

F-100A [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
F-100A, entering service in 1954, is the first production version of the F-100. It is powered by J57-P-7 turbojet engine and armed with four 20mm M39 cannons with 200 rounds per gun. As with many contemporary fighters rushed into service, it suffered from various technical problems, including stability problems at high speed.

F-100A (58) [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
By 1958, F-100A is withdrawn from front-line USAF service and passed onto the Air National Guard (ANG) units where they are upgraded with Sidewinder capability. Tragically, the only confirmed air-to-air kill by US F-100 happened in 1961 when ANG F-100A accidentally fired a Sidewinder missile and shot down a B-52 in a friendly-fire incident.

F-100C [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
F-100C is the fighter-bomber version with "wet" wings for increased internal fuel capacity and two extra stores pylons for up to 2,000 lbs of bombs and rockets. It incorporates many other improvements, including uprated J57-P-21 engine, better yaw damper, and air-to-air refueling probe. F-100C began entering service in 1955.

F-100C (65) [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
F-100s, rushed into service due to Cold War pressure, had hundreds of in-service field modifications, making it so no two F-100 are exactly the same. In mid-1960s, a major standardization program, project "HIGH WIRE", was launched to ease the maintenance problem. The process to refit all 700 F-100 in service would take over 10 years, and all F-100C are brought up to similar standard as F-100D, with a tail hook for emergency landing and ability to carry a wider range of conventional weapons, including Sidewinder capability. The first F-100C returned from from refit in 1965.

F-100D [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The F-100D, entering service in 1956, is the dedicated fighter-bomber version of the F-100. It is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J57-P-21/21A afterburning turbojet engine, and is armed with four 20mm M39 cannons, four Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and 6 underwing pylons for up to 7,000 pounds of bombs and rockets.

F-100D (64) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
Starting in 1964, all F-100s were subjected to project "HIGH WIRE", a major standardization program to ease the maintenance problem. All F-100D are standardized with a tail hook for emergency landing, additional fuselage pylon, and capacity for a wider range of conventional weapons.

F-100D (68) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
By 1968, APR-25 "Vector" RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning) display has become more commonly available, and one is placed inside the F-100D cockpit even though most F-100Ds spend their time in South Vietnam and out of danger of SAM threat.

Mystère IV

Year: 1955
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 695 mph (605 knots)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: Two 30mm DEFA cannons with 150 rounds per gun, and up to 2,000 lb of ordnance on four pylons.

Mystère IV is part of the first series of jet fighters produced by France after the World War II. The series began in 1947 as a private venture by Marcel Dassault, without French government contract, as a straight-wing Ouragan (Hurricane) and then evolved into swept-wing Mystère II (Mystery). The rapid pace of aircraft evolution was such that Mystère IV design started in 1952 before the first Mystère II could enter service. Despite its name, Mystère IV is a total re-design of Mystère II, with new fuselage, new thinner wings with greater sweep, and new tail surfaces, giving it overall shape and performance of the U.S. F-86 Sabre. It remained in service with the French Armée de l'Air until the 1970s, and it also saw extensive combat in the hands of Israeli and Indian air forces.

Mystère IVA [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 1]
Starting from the second production batch in 1956, Mystère IV is powered by more powerful Hispano Verdon 350 engine. The elevators are also replaced with all-moving stabilators to give it much better pitch control at transonic speed.

A-4 Skyhawk

Year: 1956
Role: Attack
Max Speed: 595 mph (517 knots)
Max G-loading: 6.0 G
Weapons: Two 20mm Mk 12 cannons with 100 rounds per gun, two AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and up to 8,200 lb of ordnance on five pylons.

The A-4 Skyhawk, originally designated A4D, was designed to meet a US Navy requirement for a carrier-borne medium attack aircraft in the early 1950s. The Navy's specification called for an aircraft weight of approximately 30,000 lb but Edward Heinemann submitted a design that was remarkably light, weighing only half the specified amount. At first, the Navy couldn't believe such a light aircraft could meet the range and payload specifications, but this small jet not only met all the requirements, it also proved to be extremely versatile and effective. The A-4, also known as "Heinemann's Hotrod" and the "Bantam Bomber", began entering service in 1956 and remained in frontline service with the Navy and Marines into the 90's, seeing a number of engine and avionics revisions. It has a conventional cruciform tail section and a delta-shaped wing with distinctive air intakes close to the canopy glass. The A-4 Skyhawk can carry a wide variety of external weapons on two wing-mounted pylons and one under the fuselage, and is as maneuverable as many jet fighters of the day.

A-4B [Strike Fighters 2]
The A-4B (A4D-2), entering service in 1957, is the initial full-scale production version of the Skyhawk. It is powered by a single Wright J65-W-16 turbojet engine. A-4B is armed with two 20mm Mk 12 cannons with 100 rounds per gun, and 3 pylons for external stores.

A-4B (65) [Strike Fighters 2]
To counter the ever increasing threats from enemy Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM), A-4B received ALQ-51 ECM and a chaff dispenser under project "SHOEHORN" in 1965. Due to limited internal space, the black box for the ECM is placed in cannon ammo box, reducing the ammo capacity to 20 rounds per gun.

A-4C [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The next Skyhawk production version is the A-4C (A4D-2N). It is equipped with AN/APG-53 ground radar for limited night/adverse weather attack capability. The A-4C entered service in 1960, and is armed with the same two 20mm cannons with 100 rounds per gun and 3 pylons for external stores as the A-4B.

A-4C (65) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
A-4C received ALQ-51 ECM and a chaff dispenser under project "SHOEHORN" in 1965, with the same reduction in ammo capacity to 20 rounds per gun.

A-4E [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The A-4E (A4D-5), entering service in 1962, is an upgraded version with 2 additional pylons, one under each wing, for a total of 5 pylons. It also has an uprated engine, Pratt & Whitney J52-P-6A, which has 27 percent lower fuel consumption than the Wright J65. The internal armament remains the same two 20mm cannons with 100 rounds per gun.

A-4E (65) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
A-4E also received ALQ-51 ECM and a chaff dispenser under project "SHOEHORN" in 1965, with the same reduction in ammo capacity to 20 rounds per gun.

A-4E (67) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
A-4E is retrofitted with "humpback" avionics bay with more advanced ALQ-100 ECM, first used on A-4F, in 1967. APR-25 "Vector" RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning) display is added to the cockpit to help locate and attack enemy radars. Re-location of the ECM restores its cannon ammo to the original 100 rounds per gun.

A-4E Ahit [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Israel is one of the major users of the Skyhawk, where they are given Hebrew name Ahit (meaning Vulture). To supplant the slow rate of delivery of the newly built A-4H, Israel purchased Navy-surplus A-4E in 1971. A-4Es exported to Israel are similar to the early A-4E model with no ECM and chaff dispenser.

A-4E Ahit (73) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
During the Yom Kippur War of 1973, Israeli A-4Es were upgraded with the latest avionics to combat the Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) threats they were facing while providing close-air-support to the troops on the ground. The tailpipe is also extended to reduce their vulnerability from heat-seeking missiles.

A-4F [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The A-4F, ordered as replacement for losses during the Vietnam War, is equipped with more powerful J52-P8A engine and wing landing spoilers. It entered service in 1967, and is equipped with ALQ-100 ECM in "humpback" avionics bay, chaff dispenser and APR-25 RHAW display. It is armed with the two 20mm cannons with 100 rounds per gun and 5 pylons for external loads.

A-4F Ahit [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
In October 1973, middle of the Yom Kippur War, a batch of A-4F were rushed off the US carriers and sent to Israel as an emergency replacement for the heavy losses they had suffered in the opening days of the conflict. These A-4Fs have the standard avionics of USN A-4F, including the ALQ-100 ECM and RHAW.

A-4F (74) [Strike Fighters 2]
In 1974, in response to a range of new air and surface threats emerging after the Vietnam war, A-4F is further upgraded with ALQ-126A ECM.

A-4G [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
A-4G is the export version of Skyhawk used by the Royal Australian Navy. A-4G is based on A-4F but optimized for air-defense role with four AIM-9 missiles and with downgraded avionics. It provided fleet defense aboard HMAS Melbourne from 1967 to 1982. After decommissioning of the carrier, all surviving A-4G were sold to New Zealand, where they operated as A-4G from 1984 for about a year before they were all converted to the New Zealand's A-4K standard.

A-4H Ahit [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Israel had always shown interest in purchasing US warplanes, but the US government had refused such sales in order to appear neutral in the region. However, US reversed its course when Soviet Union started exporting high-performance fighters to the Arab neighbors. A-4H, given Hebrew name Ahit (meaning Vulture), arrived in Israel at the end of 1967 to became the first US-built jets to be sold to Israel. A-4H is based on A-4F, but with downgraded avionics and engine.

A-4H Ahit (70) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Starting in 1970, Israeli A-4 had their two 20mm cannons replaced with heavier 30mm DEFA cannons used by other French fighters in Israeli service at that time.

A-4H Ahit (72) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Israeli A-4 fleet was continuously upgraded locally throughout the years, and by 1972, they had upgraded engine and expanded capabilities to carry guided weapons such as AIM-9, Walleye, and AGM-45.

A-4H Ahit (73) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
During the Yom Kippur War of 1973, A-4Hs were upgraded with the latest avionics to combat the Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) threats they were facing while providing close-air-support to the troops on the ground. The tailpipe is also extended to reduce their vulnerability from heat-seeking missiles.

A-4K [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
A-4K is the export version of Skyhawk used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It is based on A-4F but with downgraded avionics - even though it has the "humpback" avionics bay, no actual ECM is provided due to budgetary reasons. A-4K, entering service in 1970, replaced Canberra in maritime strike role, and is also capable of performing secondary air-defense role using four AIM-9 missiles.

A-4L [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
A-4L is an upgraded version of A-4C with similar ECM and RWR as the later A-4E/F models. The upgrade included an uprated J65-W-20 engine, "humpback" avionics bay, and wing landing spoilers, but the number of weapons pylons remained at 3. It was originally ordered to replace the A-4 losses suffered during the Vietnam War, but by 1970, the rapid fleet introduction of A-6 and A-7 had resulted in fewer A-4 squadrons, and the A-4L served mostly with reserve squadrons and did not see any combat.

F-8 Crusader

Year: 1957
Role: Fighter
Max Speed: 1,225 mph (Mach 1.6)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: Four 20mm Mk 12 cannons with 144 rounds per gun and four AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles.

The F-8 Crusader (originally designated F8U) is a single-engined, carrier-based fighter aircraft, designed to replace the F7U Cutlass. It is the US Navy's first supersonic fighter, capable of reaching then records setting Mach 1.6. Although it is armed with rockets and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, it is most famous for its four 20mm cannons - the Crusader is known as "the Last Gunfighter", the last U.S. fighter designed with guns as its primary weapon. The US Navy F-8s were first to engage MiGs over North Vietnam in 1965, and with its aircrews trained for dogfighting (as opposed to F-4 Phantom II aircrews trained for interceptions using long-range missiles) F-8 would score the highest kill-ratio of any aircraft of the Vietnam War. It remained in service through most of the Vietnam War, operating mostly from smaller Essex class carriers where F-4 could not due to its weight. The Crusader was not an easy aircraft to fly, and its accident rate was relatively high compared to other aircraft. Most of the F-8s were retired shortly after the Vietnam War, but some photo-recon F-8s continued to serve for another decade until 1984.

F-8C [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The F-8C (F8U-2) entered service in 1959. F-8C is powered by J57-P-16 afterburning turbojet and can reach speed of Mach 1.6.

F-8C (66) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
In 1966, F-8C received ALQ-51 ECM and chaff dispensers under project "SHOEHORN", after A-4 and F-4 were upgraded. The cannon ammo capacity is reduced slightly to make room for the ECM black box.

F-8D [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The F-8D (F8U-2N) was the all-weather interceptor version, entering service in 1960. It is equipped with AN/APQ-83 radar and more powerful J57-P-20 engine.

F-8D (66) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
F-8D also received ALQ-51 ECM and chaff dispensers under project "SHOEHORN" in 1966. The cannon ammo capacity is reduced slightly to make room for the ECM black box.

F-8E [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The F-8E (F8U-2NE), entering service in 1962, was the final production version of the Crusader. It is equipped with better AN/APQ-94 radar, and two underwing pylons for air-to-ground ordnance.

F-8E (66) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
F-8E also received ALQ-51 ECM and chaff dispensers under project "SHOEHORN" in 1966. The cannon ammo capacity is reduced slightly to make room for the ECM black box.

F-8E(FN) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The F-8E(FN) is the French Aeronautique Navale version of the F-8 armed with Matra R.530 missiles. Nicknamed "Le Crouze" by the French crew, it operated off Clemenceau-class carriers from 1964 to 1994 until they were upgraded to F-8P standard. F-8E(FN) introduced many of the features, such as double-hinged leading edge flaps and drooping ailerons, that were later incorporated into remanufactured F-8J for the US Navy.

F-8H [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
Starting in 1967, F-8Ds were remanufactured as F-8H, with improved AN/APQ-149 radar, ALQ-51 ECM, and the same underwing pylons as F-8E.

F-8H (69) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
F-8H is re-engined in 1969 with more powerful J57-P-420 engine. It also has improved ALQ-100 ECM in a larger pod, and full cannon ammo capacity restored.

F-8J [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
F-8J is a remanufactured F-8E with improved AN/APQ-149 radar, ALQ-51 ECM, and other improvements such as double-hinged leading edge flaps and drooping ailerons. However, its performance has suffered significantly due to increases in its weight.

F-8J (69) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
To restore lost performance due to increased weight, F-8J is re-engined in 1969 with more powerful J57-P-420 engine. It also has improved ALQ-100 ECM in a larger pod, and full cannon ammo capacity restored.

F-8K [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
F-8K is the F-8C airframes rebuilt to extend their service life starting in 1969. It is updated with the same underwing pylons as F-8E, but it did not receive any engine or avionics updates. By this time, F-4 Phantoms have largely replaced F-8 in the fleet service, and F-8K was used mainly by the Marines squadrons in the States and did not see any combat.

F-105 Thunderchief

Year: 1958
Role: Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 1,420 mph (Mach 2.1)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: One 20mm M61 Vulcan with 1,028 rounds, four AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and up to 14,000 lb of ordnance on five pylons.

The design for F-105 Thunderchief began in 1950 as a simple follow-on to the F-84F Thunderstreak fighter-bomber. It was designed for high-speed, low-level penetration nuclear strike, with secondary air-to-air capability. As the largest single-seat, single-engined fighter ever built, the Mach 2.0 capable F-105 could carry a greater bomb load than the any of the four-engined, 10-man strategic bombers of the World War II. Although designed for nuclear strike role, the F-105, known simply as the "THUD" by its crews, is best known for its conventional bombing over North Vietnam, flying over 20,000 sorties during the early part of the Vietnam War. The low-altitude attacks and dive bombing often brought the F-105s into the range of North Vietnamese anti-aircraft fire, and F-105 suffered very high loss rates - of 610 F-105s built, over half of them were lost in combat. F-105s were replaced by F-4 Phantom II as a strike bomber, but its specialized Wild Weasel version remained in service until 1982.

F-105D [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The F-105D, entering service in 1960, is the definitive production version. It has all-weather capability from AN/ASG-19 "Thunderstick" fire control system, and is powered by single J75-P-19W afterburning turbojet.

F-105D (66) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
By 1966, F-105D had APR-25 "Vector" RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning) display added to the cockpit, and other modifications such as additional armor and backup control systems to improve its survivability.

Lightning

Year: 1960
Role: Fighter
Max Speed: 1,320 mph (Mach 2.0)
Max G-loading: 5.0 G
Weapons: Two 30mm ADEN cannons, two Firestreak or Red Top heat-seeking missile.

The Mach 2.0 capable Lightning is the first and the only supersonic fighter to be developed solely in Britain. The origin of its design goes way back to 1943, when "E.24/43" specification called for a supersonic aircraft to break the sound barrier. The project was cancelled when the American X-1 broke through the sound barrier first, but the general design concept was used again to meet the 1949 specification "F.23/49" for a supersonic research aircraft. When the prototype easily exceeded Mach 1.2 even without the afterburning engines, a production order was placed as an operational interceptor. By this time, 1957 British Defense White Paper had regarded all manned aircraft to be obsolete and be replaced by missiles, and Lightning entered service only as an "interim solution". Ironically, the missiles failed to replace manned aircraft, but with all the other fighter programs cancelled, the Lightning remained in front-line service for 28 years until it was finally retired in 1988.

Lightning F.1 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The Lightning F.1, entering service in 1960, is the first operational version. Powered by two Avon 201 engines with single-stage (on/off) afterburner control, it has a top speed of Mach 1.7. The F.1 is armed with two 30mm ADEN cannons in the nose and an interchangeable fuselage weapon pack containing either two more cannons, 48x 2" micro-cell rockets, or 2 Firestreak air-to-air missiles.

Lightning F.1A [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
Production quickly switched to F.1A version in 1961 with several minor revisions including air-to-air refueling probe and better radio equipments.

Lightning F.2 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The F.2 entered service in 1962, and is externally identical to F.1A but features improved cockpit layout with new navigation systems. It also features Avon 210R engine with better afterburner control. The option for rockets is removed, the only available armament options for fuselage pack are the cannons and Firestreak missiles.

Lightning F.2A [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
F.2A is the designation for re-built F.2 with aerodynamic improvements introduced in F.3 and F.6, including new wings, tail, and larger ventral fuel tank. It retains the nose cannons and Firestreak armament of F.2, as well as the Avon 201R engine. The F.2A entered service in 1968.

Lightning F.3 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The F.3, entering service in 1964, is the next production version after F.2. It features improved Red Top missiles, improved radar, uprated Avon 301 engines, and new vertical tail for better stability, but the nose cannons deleted. The maximum speed is increased to Mach 2.0.

Lightning F.6 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2]
The F.6 is the last Lightning version for the RAF, it features new wings with "kinked" outer panels for better low-speed handling and a larger ventral fuel tank for increased range. Two over-wing pylons are also added for additional fuel tanks, and the internal cannons are re-introduced in the ventral pack. The F.6 entered service in 1966.

Lightning F.53 [Strike Fighters 2 Expansion Pack 2 bonus with Strike Fighters 2]
The F.53 is the mutli-role Lightning for export, used by the air forces of Saudi Arabia and Kuwaiti. It features additional under-wing pylons for bombs and rocket pods. The fuselage pack also has the option to carry 44x 2" micro-cell rockets instead of Red Top missiles.

Mirage III

Year: 1961
Role: Fighter
Max Speed: 1,430 mph (Mach 2.1)
Max G-loading: 6.7 G
Weapons: Two 30mm DEFA cannons with 125 rounds per gun, one Matra R.530 radar-guided missile, and two AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles.

The French Mirage III is one of the most successful aircraft designs of the Cold War era; it grew out of 1953 French Armée de l'Air specification for a lightweight all-weather interceptor with a top speed of Mach 1.3 in level flight. Dassault's response was the "Mystère-Delta 550", a sporty little jet fighter with a delta-wing configuration. The delta wing has a number of limitations, including long take-off run, high landing speed, and limited maneuverability, but it is a simple design, with plenty of space in the wing for fuel storage, and most importantly, has a very low supersonic drag. In fact, as the design matured with a larger engine, the Mirage III would become the first European aircraft to exceed Mach 2 in level flight. Armed with two 30mm DEFA cannons and a single Matra R.530 radar-guided missile for bomber-interception, the production version Mirage IIIC was delivered to Armée de l'Air in 1961 and remained in service until 1988. It is also widely exported to air forces around the world, and some are still using the Mirage III or its variant as front-line equipment even today.

Mirage IIIC [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The first production version of the delta-winged series, the Mirage IIIC (C for Chasse - Interceptor) is the interceptor version for the French Armée de l'Air. It is equipped with Cyrano I radar and Atar 9B turbojet engine, and it entered service in 1961.

Mirage IIICJ Shahak [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
The Mirage IIICJ is the version exported to Israel, where it was given Hebrew name Shahak (meaning Skyblazer). These Mirages were delivered to Israel starting in 1962, and even though it was originally designed as pure interceptor, Israeli Air Force used their Mirage III as a multi-role fighter-bomber with deadly efficiency; it formed the main bomber force in the opening attacks of the 1967 war. In the air-to-air arena, Israeli pilots would score over 280 kills in their Mirages.

Mirage IIICJ Shahak (71) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Starting in 1971, Israel began replacing the troublesome Atar 9B engine with more powerful and more reliable Atar 9C engine used by Mirage 5 and Nesher.

Mirage IIICZ [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Mirage IIICZ is the export version of the Mirage IIIC for the South African Air Force (SAAF). It was used by the No.2 Flying Cheetahs squadron from 1963 until 1990, and was used extensively in the "Border War" against Angola.

Mirage IIIEL [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
Mirage IIIEL, armed with a single Matra 530 missile and two 30mm cannons, is the Mirage IIIE exported to Lebanon in 1968. It saw limited combat action against the PLO, the last sorties taking place in 1978. During the Lebanese Civil War, they were all put into storage with the intention of bringing them back after the war. However they never flew for the Lebanese Air Force again - they were all sold to Pakistan instead in 2000.

Mirage IIIO(A) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Mirage IIIO(A) is the attack version of the Australian-built Mirage IIIE. Armed with 2 Sidewinder missiles and doppler air-to-ground radar, it entered RAAF in 1967 and equipped 2 squadrons.

Mirage IIIO(F) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Mirage IIIO(F) is the fighter version of the Australian-built Mirage IIIE. Armed with 2 Sidewinder missiles and 1 Matra R.530 radar-guided missiles, it entered RAAF service in 1965 and equipped 2 squadrons. From 1969 to 1979, they were all converted to a common Mirage IIIO(F/A) standard with improved weapons capabilities.

Mirage IIIO(F/A) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Mirage IIIO(F/A) is the upgraded version of the Australian-built Mirage IIIE. Over the years, Australian Mirages had additional weapons capabilities added, including the ability to use Matra R.550 Magic heat-seeking missiles and Paveway laser-guided bombs. The type was finally withdrawn in 1988, and later sold to Pakistan.

F-4 Phantom II

Year: 1962
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 1,430 mph (Mach 2.1)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: Four AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles and four AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missiles, up to 16,000 lb of ordnance on five pylons, and one 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 640 rounds on F-4E model.

The twin-engine, two-seat F-4 Phantom II was originally designed as a fleet-defense interceptor for the US Navy and can fly at over Mach 2. Armed with advanced radar and missiles, it was one of the first fighter aircraft not to carry an internal cannon, though operational experience saw this redressed in subsequent versions. Its performance proved so successful that, in an almost unprecedented move, the USAF adopted the Phantom II straight from the Navy's design. It is immediately identifiable by the drooping horizontal tail mounted high on the aft fuselage to avoid hot jet exhaust, and by its conspicuous wings with positive dihedral angle outer panels. Widely used as a ground attack aircraft as well as an air superiority fighter, it could carry up to 16,000 lb of assorted external stores, including eight air-to-air missiles. Known for its brute power, the Phantom II saw extensive use in South-East Asia, and with constant upgrades to avionics, it is still present in many modern air forces today.

F-4B [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The F-4B, entering service in 1961, is the initial production version for the US Navy and Marines. It is designed as missile-armed, Mach 2 capable fleet interceptor, and is equipped with AN/APQ-72 radar. F-4B can be armed with up to 8 air-to-air missiles, but lacks internal cannon.

F-4B (65) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
In 1965, F-4B received ALQ-51 ECM under project "SHOEHORN".

F-4B (67) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
F-4B is further upgraded with ALQ-100 ECM and chaff dispensers in 1967. APR-25 "Vector" RHAW display is added to the cockpit to help locate the enemy radars.

F-4C [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The F-4C is the initial US Air Force version, externally similar to F-4B but with different avionics that are better suited for its tactical strike role, such as the AN/APQ-100 radar with ground mapping capability. F-4C entered service in 1964.

F-4C (67) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
In 1967, APR-25 RHAW display is placed inside the F-4C cockpit. In contrast to USN/Marines F-4s, USAF F-4s do not receive any internal ECM. Instead, USAF F-4s carry external ECM pods, which in theory are more flexible.

F-4D [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The F-4D, entering service in 1966, is an improved version for the US Air Force. It is designed to fix many problems encountered by the F-4C during its first operational year in Vietnam. It also has upgraded radar, AN/APQ-109, and a lead-computing sight for aiming with external gun pod, such as SUU-23/A Gunpod.

F-4D (67) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
F-4D also received APR-25 RHAW display in 1967. The upgraded F-4D can also carry new laser-guided weapons.

F-4D (75) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
After Vietnam War, F-4D is upgraded with ALE-40 chaff and flare dispensers in 1975.

F-4D (78) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
In 1978, F-4D is upgraded with ALR-69 RWR that can better locate and identify radar types based on their emission characteristics.

F-4E [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The F-4E, entering service in 1967, is the definitive USAF version. Combat experiences over Vietnam have shown the need for a gun, and as a result, F-4E is armed with an internally mounted 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 640 rounds of ammo. It also has improved AN/APQ-120 radar and APR-25 RHAW display.

F-4E (72) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
In 1972 under program "AGILE EAGLE", F-4E is equipped with leading-edge slats to improve stall characteristics and enhance its maneuverability. The slats are retrofitted to older aircraft as well as new production aircraft.

F-4E (75) [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
F-4E is further upgraded with ALE-40 chaff and flare dispensers in 1975.

F-4E (78) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
F-4E is upgraded with ALR-69 RWR in 1978.

F-4E Kurnass [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
The F-4E is known as Kurnass (Hebrew for Sledgehammer) in Israeli service. The first F-4Es were delivered to Israel starting in 1969 under Operation "Peace Echo I". Its arrival immediately shifted the balance of power in favor of Israel - unlike the previous point-defense interceptors and tactical fighter-bombers, it was the first truly strategic fighter-bomber in Israeli service capable of reaching out and striking any targets in the region, all without the need for any escort. Even though it was assigned to bomber squadrons, Israeli F-4E would go on to score 116 air-to-air kills as well.

F-4E Kurnass (73) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
F-4E with leading-edge slats and more advanced avionics were delivered to Israel under Operation "Peace Echo IV" in 1973 before the Yom Kippur War.

F-4E Kurnass (75) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
By 1975, Israeli F-4Es were updated with locally-developed avionics as well as chaff and flare dispensers.

F-4E Kurnass (78) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Israeli F-4Es have been heavily modified throughout the years to fit the local needs, and by 1978, these modifications included a non-retractable in-flight refuelling probe, latest RWR display, and internal EL/L-8230 ECM jammer.

F-4EJ [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The F-4EJ is a version of F-4 license-built in Japan. It is based on the USAF's gun-nosed but non-slatted F-4E, but due to treaty restrictions prohibiting Japan from acquiring any offensive weapons, F-4EJ cannot carry any air-to-ground weapons and lacks air-refueling capability. F-4EJ entered service with the Japan Air Self Defense Force in 1972 with six interceptor squadrons (hikotai) replacing the F-104J.

F-4F [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The F-4F, entering service in 1974, is the version of the F-4E built for the West German Luftwaffe. It is lighter than other F-4Es, it had simplified electronics and all the Sparrow equipments removed as cost-saving measures. It also can not carry any air-to-ground guided weapons, and has no in-flight refueling capability.

F-4F (80) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
Starting in 1980 under Operation "Peace Rhine", Luftwaffe F-4F had restored some of the capabilities initially removed for economic reasons, including the air-to-ground guided missiles capabilities and in-flight refueling receptacles. The electronics were also updated to include locally-built RWR display and ALE-40 decoy dispensers.

F-4J [Strike Fighters 2, Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The F-4J, entering service in 1966, is the definitive US Navy and Marines version, similar to the Air Force's F-4E. It is equipped with AN/AWG-10 fire-control system with AN/APG-59 radar, ALQ-100 ECM, chaff dispensers, and APR-25 RHAW display. However, unlike the USAF F-4E, the Navy F-4J is not fitted with internal cannon, 20mm Mk 4 Mod 0 gun pod can be carried externally instead.

F-4K [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Phantom FG.1 (Fighter Ground attack, Mark 1) is the version of F-4 for the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. It is powered by Rolls-Royce Spey afterburning turbofan engines with increased thrust and better fuel economy, but it has poorer high altitude performance despite the increased thrust as the new engines require larger intakes, increasing weight and drag. F-4K was operated by No. 892 Naval Air Squadron off the carrier HMS Ark Royal from 1969 to 1978. Since the carrier HMS Victorious and HMS Eagle were not upgraded as planned, additional F-4K were diverted to the Royal Air Force instead. The F-4K carries no internal cannon and it can not carry any gun pods.

F-4K (75) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
By 1975, F-4K had received a series of upgrades including Marconi ARI.18228 RWR display. When the HMS Ark Royal was decommissioned in 1978, all its F-4Ks were transferred to the Royal Air Force where they served until 1989. In the RAF service, the F-4K were modified to carry SUU-23/A Gunpod.

F-4K (80) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
In 1980, F-4K is further upgraded with ALE-40 chaff and flare dispensers.

F-4M [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The Phantom FGR.2 (Fighter Ground attack and Reconnaissance, Mark 2) is the version of F-4 for the Royal Air Force. Entering service with RAF in 1969, it replaced the Hawker Hunter in both the ground attack and fighter reconnaissance roles. Like the F-4K, F-4M Phantoms are powered by Rolls-Royce Spey afterburning turbofan engines. The F-4M is not fitted with internal cannon, but is usually fitted externally with a SUU-23/A Gunpod.

F-4M (75) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
By 1975, F-4M had received a series of upgrades including Marconi ARI.18228 RWR display.

F-4M (80) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
In 1980, F-4M is further upgraded with ALE-40 chaff and flare dispensers.

F-4N [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
F-4N is the F-4B airframes rebuilt and modernized under project "Bee Line" to extend their service life in 1973. It has its ECM upgraded to ALQ-126 and dogfighting computer for when carrying gun pod.

A-7 Corsair II

Year: 1966
Role: Attack
Max Speed: 698 mph (606 knots)
Max G-loading: 7.0 G
Weapons: One 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 1,000 rounds (or two 20mm Mk 12 on A-7A/B with 340 rounds per gun), two AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and up to 15,000 lb of ordnance on six underwing pylons.

Affectionately called "SLUF" ("Short Little Ugly F-----"), A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light-attack aircraft designed to replace the A-4 Skyhawk. It was developed as a result of Navy's operational requirements for the 60s and 70s, which included all-weather weapons delivery. Because the Navy could not afford the cost or long development time for a new light-weight attack aircraft, they "suggested" using already existing design as starting point, and thus, A-7 design is based on F-8 Crusader. Its development period was one of the fastest and trouble free, it began its first Vietnam combat tour aboard aircraft carriers in 1967, less than two years after its first flight. Later model A-7s were the first combat aircraft to feature a modern Heads-Up Display (HUD) with computerized weapons delivery system. A-7 saw extensive action during the later years of Vietnam War, and the US Navy continued to operate A-7 until 1991, the last A-7 combat sorties were in Operation Desert Storm.

A-7A [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The A-7A is the first production version for the US Navy, armed with two 20mm Mk 12 cannons with 340 rounds per gun and external ordnance carried on six underwing pylons. It entered fleet service in 1966 powered by a single Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-6 turbofan.

A-7B [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The A-7B is the next production version, powered by a more powerful TF30-P-8 engine. It entered service in 1968.

A-7B (71) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
In 1971, A-7B is re-engine with uprated TF30-P-408 with increased thrust.

A-7C [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The A-7C is an interim version, entering service in 1969 due to delays in the deliveries of the new engines for A-7E. A-7C has all the changes planned for A-7E, including the advanced avionics package and 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon, but with the same TF30-P-8 engine as A-7B.

A-7C (71) [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
In 1971, A-7C is re-engine with uprated TF30-P-408 with increased thrust.

A-7D [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam, Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The A-7D, entered service in 1970, is the US Air Force version of the Corsair II. It is powered by Allison built Rolls-Royce TF41-A-1 engine of greater thrust, Heads-Up-Display with computerized weapons delivery system, and 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon. It is designed as a low-cost replacement for A-1 Skyraider in close-air-support role, and as such, it does not have any guided-weapons capabilities.

A-7D (75) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
A-7D is upgraded with additional guided-weapons capabilities and internal chaff and flare dispensers in 1975.

A-7D (78) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
By 1978, A-7D is further upgraded with ALR-69 RWR, Pave Penny laser-spot tracker for using laser-guided bombs, and AGM-65 Maverick missiles.

A-7E [Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam]
The A-7E is the final production version for the US Navy, incorporating all the advanced features introduced on the Air Force's A-7D, such as Allison TF41-A-2 engine, Heads-Up-Display, and 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon. A-7E entered service in 1970.

A-7E (74) [Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic]
In 1974, in response to a range of new air and surface threats emerging after the Vietnam war, the A-7E is upgraded with improved RWR and ALQ-126A ECM.

A-7H [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
A-7H is a version of A-7D/E Corsair II exported to Greece starting in 1975. Greek A-7 is assigned strike and secondary air-defense roles.

Harrier

Year: 1969
Role: Attack
Max Speed: 736 mph (640 knots)
Max G-loading: 7.8 G
Weapons: Two 30mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons with 100 rounds per gun and up to 5,000 lb of ordnance on five pylons.

The Hawker Siddley Harrier is one of the most remarkable aircraft of all time, highly flexible and versatile, it is revolutionary in that it does not require conventional paved airfield to operate. Its design originated in 1957 studies at the Hawker Aircraft for a lightweight V/STOL (Vertical and Short Take Off and Landing) strike reconnaissance aircraft. It started out as a private venture, initially not backed by the UK government, the support for the project coming instead from the US. The Harrier is effectively built around the Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine, with large intakes on each side of the aircraft and four rotating exhausts for directing its thrust downward for V/STOL maneuvers. Although no radar or electronic countermeasures are provided, a heads-up display (HUD) with computerized attack system is installed to make sure pilot do not have to look down during the critical maneuvers. The thrust available in the first generation Harriers did not allow for vertical take-offs with any useful warload, but its ability to operate from anywhere close to the battlefield proved extremely useful, and the aircraft became an important front-line asset for both the RAF and the US Marine Corps.

Harrier GR.1 [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The Harrier GR.1 (Ground attack and Reconnaissance, Mark 1) is the initial production version for the RAF powered by the Pegasus 6 Mark 101 engine. It entered service in 1969 to become the world's first operational V/STOL combat aircraft.

Harrier GR.1A [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
In 1971, the Harrier is updated with more powerful Pegasus 10 Mark 102 engine and redesignated Harrier GR.1A.

Harrier GR.3 [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The Harrier GR.3 is the upgraded version for RAF, with "laser ranger and marked target seeker (LRMTS)" on its nose giving it a distinct appearance, called a "Snoopy nose" by the pilots. It is powered by Pegasus 11 Mark 103 with more thrust and equipped with Marconi ARI-18223 radar warning receiver (RWR). The Harrier GR.3 entered service in 1973.

Mirage 5

Year: 1970
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 1,460 mph (Mach 2.2)
Max G-loading: 6.7 G
Weapons: Two 30mm DEFA cannons with 125 rounds per gun, two AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and up to 8,800 lb of ordnance on seven pylons.

The Mirage 5 was originally built in direct response to Israel's request for a simplified Mirage III without any all-weather capabilities. Removal of avionics allowed for increased fuel capacity and increased range, as well as lower cost and simpler maintenance and operation. Mirage 5 is powered by more powerful and reliable Atar 9C engine, and has two additional pylons added to the rear fuselage for increased bomb load. Ironically, French government placed an arms embargo on Israel after the Six-Day War, and the Mirage 5J built for Israel were delivered to French Armée de l'Air as Mirage 5F instead. Its low cost made it an ideal fighter for the export market; Mirage 5 was exported to about 20 countries, making it the one of the most exported jet fighters of all time.

Mirage 5BA [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Mirage 5BA, license-built in Belgium, is a ground-attack version of the Mirage fighter. Despite the "5" in its name, it is actually closer to Mirage IIIE in that it does not have the additional fuel cells carried in other Mirage 5's; instead, it has additional US-built navigational equipments in its avionics bay. And it also lacks the additional pylons on rear fuselage, leaving it with only 5 pylons as in Mirage III. Mirage 5BA replaced the F-84F in the Belgium Air Force service starting in 1970.

Mirage 5BA (80) [Strike Fighters 2 DLC]
The Belgian Air Force decided to develop its own ECM suite after studying the IDF Mirage performances in the 1973 Yom-Kippur War. In 1980, the resulting RAPPORT II system which includes RWR display, internal self-protection jammer, and chaff/flare dispensers are installed on their Mirage 5BA. Belgian Mirage 5BA participated in the Desert Storm before being retired in 1991.

Nesher [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
The Nesher is a copy of Mirage 5 built in Israel. After the Six-Day War, France refused to deliver Mirage 5J even though it was already paid for in cash. Because Israel had been working with Dassault to produce additional Mirage 5Js under license, Israel was able to build the aircraft themselves, with a little "help" form their intelligence agency obtaining parts and blueprint. It is given Hebrew name Nesher (meaning Eagle), and it has scored 115 air-to-air kills since its service introduction in 1971.

F-14 Tomcat

Year: 1974
Role: Fighter
Max Speed: 1,544 mph (Mach 2.3)
Max G-loading: 6.5 G
Weapons: Six AIM-54 Phoenix radar-guided missiles or AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missiles, two AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 940 rounds.

The F-14 was developed for the "Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX)" program, which called for a long-range fleet defense fighter equipped with the very large and powerful AWG-9 radar and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. It was the first of the American "teen-series" fighters designed with lessons learned from the Vietnam War, and as such, it was also required to be more agile than the F-4 Phantom it was replacing. To satisfy these conflicting demands, the design incorporates variable geometry wings, and the resulting F-14 is quite maneuverable despite the fact that it is the largest and heaviest U.S. fighter to ever fly from an aircraft carrier. Although the aircraft was designed with secondary air-to-ground capability, in practice, it is used exclusively in air-to-air role, as its ECM was deemed inadequate for its large size. In fleet defense role, the F-14 can detect, track, and engage multiple targets simultaneously at a range of almost 100 miles using the AWG-9 and AIM-54 missiles, a feat no other fighters can duplicate even today. It has scored 4 kills with no losses in two separate dogfights against Libyan fighters using the short-ranged AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Iran is the only other country to use the F-14 besides the US Navy.

F-14A [Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic]
The F-14A, powered by two TF-30 afterburning turbofan engines, is the initial production version for the US Navy entering service in 1974.

F-14A (77) [Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic]
The F-14 is upgraded with improved ECM and RWR by 1977.

Kfir

Year: 1975
Role: Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 1,516 mph (Mach 2.3)
Max G-loading: 6.7 G
Weapons: Two 30mm DEFA cannons with 140 rounds per gun, two AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and up to 8,800 lb of ordnance on five pylons.

The Kfir (Lion Cub in Hebrew) is the ultimate Israeli development of the Mirage, matching French designed airframe with US designed engine and Israeli designed avionics. The design for the semi-indigenous Israeli fighter began when Mirage 5J delivery was cancelled due to the French arms embargo, forcing Israel to develop its own aircraft industry. Israeli Air Force felt that Atar 9 engine was the weakest point of the Mirage design, and decided to re-engine it with more powerful and reliable J79 engine used on F-4 Phantom II . The cockpit was also modernized using Israeli designed systems including a heads-up display (HUD) with computerized weapons delivery system, and advanced avionics suites including Israeli-built ranging radar and electronic countermeasures. It entered service in 1975 as a second-tier multi-role combat aircraft when IDF was already preparing for introduction of the next-generation fighter, the F-15. The Kfir is also exported to Colombia, Ecuador, Sri Lanka and was used by the Aggressor squadrons in USN and USMC.

Kfir C1 [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
The Kfir C1 is the initial production version, externally similar to the Mirage 5 except the engine and additional ram intake. The original Kfir is renamed Kfir C1 after the Kfir C2 version entered service. Although Kfir has a higher thrust than Mirages, it is also heavier and less maneuverable, and it quickly became known as "Kfir Brick" by Mirage pilots.

Kfir C1 (77) [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
When the Kfir C2 entered service in 1977, the original Kfir was renamed Kfir C1 and received some of the C2 improvements, including the nose strakes. Because the fuselage structure does not have enough strength to carry the aerodynamic loads generated by canards, only small fences were attached in place of the canards. All four under wing pylons are wired to carry heat-seeking missiles as in C2. Kfir C1 with the aerodynamic fences is also called "Kfir Fence" by its pilots.

Kfir C2 [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
The Kfir C2, entering service in 1977, is the main production version with fixed canards, nose strakes, and larger outer wings with extended "dogtooth". These aerodynamic refinements give Kfir C2 enhanced maneuverability, improved take-off performance, and better low-speed handling. C2 also has two additional fuselage pylons for increased bomb loads, and all four under wing pylons are wired to carry heat-seeking missiles. Kfir C2 is also known as "Kfir Pirate" by its pilots.

F-15 Eagle

Year: 1976
Role: Fighter
Max Speed: 1,650 mph (Mach 2.5)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: Four AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missiles, four AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 940 rounds.

The design for F-15 evolved from the mid-60s USAF studies for "Fighter Experimental (FX)", a long-range air-superiority fighter to replace the F-4 Phantom. To engage and defeat enemy fighters at "beyond visual range (BVR)", twin-engined F-15 is equipped with the most advanced avionics at the time, AN/APG-63 radar with "look-down / shoot-down" capability, AN/ALR-56 radar warning receiver (RWR), and AN/ALQ-135 internal ECM jammer. Incorporating the lessons learned from the Vietnam War, the single-seat F-15 is also designed for "within visual range (WVR)" dogfight - high thrust-to-weight ratio for unmatched acceleration, large wings with low wing-loading for superb maneuverability, and a 20mm internal cannon. The F-15A's cockpit provides an excellent all-round field of view and features a head-up display (HUD) and "hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS)" controls, allowing the pilot to easily switch between BVR and WVR engagement without ever taking his eyes off the target. F-15 is still in service with the USAF, and it has unmatched kill-ratio among all jet fighters, with score of over 100 air-to-air kills without a single loss.

F-15A [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The F-15A, entering service in 1976 powered by two F100-PW-100 afterburning turbofan engines, is the initial production version for the USAF.

F-15A Baz [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Israel is the only foreign operator of the F-15A model, where they are known as Baz (Hebrew for Falcon). Israeli F-15As were delivered in 1976 under the Operation "Peace Fox", and they feature Israeli avionics and locally-built Python-3 heat-seeking missiles. Even though F-15A was designed as pure air-superiority fighter, Israel has adapted their F-15A for air-to-ground missions as well.

A-10 Thunderbolt II

Year: 1977
Role: Attack
Max Speed: 439 mph (380 knots)
Max G-loading: 7.3 G
Weapons: One 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon with 1174 rounds, and up to 16,000 lbs of ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylons.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known by it crews as the "Warthog", is a single-seat aircraft specifically developed to provide close-air-support to the troops on the ground. The aircraft is a result of 1969 USAF study for a low-cost attack aircraft designated "Attack Experimental (A-X)" The A-10 is designed around the massive 30mm GAU-8/A cannon, which fires armor-piercing depleted uranium rounds that can defeat any known armor on the battlefield. It is also designed with extreme survivability in mind - the pilot sitting in an armored "bathtub", control systems built with redundancy, two TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines mounted high on the fuselage to protect them from enemy ground fire, and twin vertical tails positioned to protect the engines from heat-seeking missiles. The A-10 replaced A-7D in USAF service, and despite being "retired" several times by the Air Force who preferred high-performance jet fighters, the A-10 is still in service as the combat experiences have proved it to be too invaluable to be replaced.

A-10A [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
The A-10A is the initial production version, entering service with the USAF in 1977.

A-10A (78) [Strike Fighters 2 Europe]
In 1978, soon after its introduction, A-10A is upgraded with ALR-69 RWR and Pave Penny laser-spot tracker for using laser-guided bombs.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

Year: 1978
Role: Fighter / Fighter-bomber
Max Speed: 1,320 mph (Mach 2.0)
Max G-loading: 9.0 G
Weapons: Six AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 500 rounds, and up to 20,450 lb of ordnance on nine stores pylons.

The F-16 design originated in 1965 as the USAF "Advanced Day Fighter (ADF)" studies for a small, lightweight fighter to out-perform MiG-21 in a dogfight. The concept evolved into "Lightweight Fighter (LWF)" project in 1972, calling for a simple, low-cost air-combat fighter to supplement the more expensive F-15 fighter already in development. In order to achieve superior maneuverability, the F-16 is intentionally designed to be aerodynamically unstable, and a quadruplex FBW (flight-by-wire) flight control system is required to keep the aircraft flyable. It was designed to withstand 9 G turns, has a thrust-to-weight ratio in excess of one for good acceleration and sustained turn ability, and the engine intake is placed on the belly of the aircraft to allow the aircraft to fly at high angles-of-attack. The F-16 also features a frameless, bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick and reclined seat to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot. Avionics suite for F-16 includes AN/APG-66 multi-mode radar and AN/ALR-69 RWR. The F-16, called "Viper" by its pilots, entered service with the USFA in 1978, and it has been a huge export success, with 4,400 aircraft built and in use by 25 nations.

F-16A Netz [Strike Fighters 2 Israel]
Israel received the F-16 starting in 1980 under Operation "Peace Marble I." Ironically, the F-16s were originally intended for the Imperial Iranian Air Force, but the demise of the Shah in 1979 allowed them to be diverted to Israel instead. Israeli F-16s feature a number of modifications, including chaff/flare dispensers and locally-built electronic countermeasures. In Israeli service, the F-16A is known as Netz (Hebrew meaning Hawk).

Non-Player Aircraft

Enemy Fighters

MiG-15 "Fagot"
The MIG-15, designed in 1947 to intercept enemy bombers carrying atomic bombs, is the first successful jet fighter developed by the Mikoyan-and-Gurevich Design Bureau (MiG OKB). It is a swept-wing fighter powered by a single Klimov VK-1, a reverse-engineered copy of the Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engine. It has an exceptional climb rate and a heavy armament of two 23mm and 37mm cannons, and due to its simplicity in design, it is also reliable and easy to maintain, earning the nickname "solider aircraft" from its crew. It became operational in remarkably short time, and its appearance in the skies over Korea in 1950 shocked the West. Over 13,000 MiG-15 were produced, the large production number leading to another nickname, "Aluminum Rabbit". It is widely exported to over 40 nations.

MiG-17 "Fresco"
The MiG-17 is an improved successor to the highly successful MiG-15 of the Korean War. Although its top speed remains subsonic in level flight, it is considered an excellent dogfighter and is highly maneuverable at low speed and low altitude. Deliveries of the MiG-17 first began in 1952 with total Soviet production estimated at 6,000 units, with others made under license by China and Poland. The MiG-17's mixed armament of two 23mm and 37mm cannons have low rate of fire, and are best suited for attacking heavy bombers.

MiG-19 "Farmer"
First revealed to the world in 1955, the MiG-19 is the first supersonic fighter to enter service with the Soviet Air Force. It is widely viewed as the Soviet counterpart to the F-100 Super Sabre or even better. Despite having a general shape similar to the earlier MiGs, the MiG-19 is actually a twin-engine design that produces a much higher thrust-to-weight ratio and rate of climb than its Western opposite. However, despite its high performance, it is considered very difficult airplane to fly and was not popular among pilots. The MiG-19S "Farmer-C" is armed with three powerful 30mm cannons.

MiG-21 "Fishbed"
With a production of more than 11,000 units, the MiG-21 is one of the most successful fighter designs in history. The delta wing, single-engine "Fishbed" is capable of flying at over twice the speed of sound and its many variants have been widely exported - some still in use today. The single-seat MiG-21F "Fishbed-C" entered service in 1960 carrying only two heat-seeking missiles and a single 30mm cannon with 30 rounds, but later versions can carry up to 4 heat-seeking missiles and rapid-firing GSH-23L twin-barreled 23mm cannon.

MiG-23 "Flogger"
The MiG-23 is the next in the series of successful tactical fighters designed by the MiG OKB. The original requirement was for an advanced air-superiority fighter with good short-field performance, and this lead to the use of variable-sweep geometry wing. The MiG-23 is given "beyond visual range (BVR)" interception capability by its Sapfir-23 radar and the R-23R ("AA-7 Apex") semi-active radar homing (SARH) missiles. In addition to the medium-range AA-7 missiles, MiG-23 can carry up to 4 short-range heat-seeking missiles and GSH-23L twin-barreled 23mm cannon. Built and put into service in large numbers, the MiG-23 can also carry wide array of air-to-ground stores such as bombs, rocket pods, and gun pods.

Su-7 "Fitter"
The Su-7 started its life as a Mach 2 capable tactical fighter to compete against the MiG-21, but the program was re-directed by the Soviet Air Force to produce a fighter-bomber instead. The Su-7B, the single-seat ground-attack version, entered service in 1961. The Su-7 enjoys excellent handling and a robust simplicity, noted for its high penetration speed and low-level stability. Despite a poor combat radius and a relatively light external weapons load for a plane of its size, it was well liked by its pilots. The Su-7 is armed with two hard-hitting 30mm cannons, and various external stores such as bombs, rocket pods, and gun pods.

Yak-23 "Flora"
The Yak-23 is a development of the earlier Yak-15/17 fighters, originally just a conversion of successful WWII Yak-3 piston-engine fighter, giving it a distinct look with jet engine in the front and under the cockpit. After WWII, Stalin ordered Yakovlev OKB to start a crash program to deploy jet fighters as quickly as possible by simply replacing the piston engine with a jet engine. Yak-23, entering service in 1949, is the final development in this series. By this time, more advanced design such as MiG-15 was nearing completion, and Yak-23 saw limited service with Soviet Air Force. However, it was cleared for export before the MiG-15, and the Yak-23 was the first jet fighters to be supplied to the newly formed Warsaw Pact air forces, including Poland and Czechoslovakia. It was well liked by the Warsaw Pact pilots - it was highly maneuverable and faster than the propeller fighters they were used to - and it remained an important fighter type of the fledgling Warsaw Pact air forces until it was replaced by MiG-15 in mid-1950.

Other Enemy Aircraft

Il-28 "Beagle"
The Il-28 was the first successful Soviet bomber to be powered by jet engines. It entered service in 1950, and was the primary tactical bomber of Soviet Air Force throughout most the Cold War. The Il-28 was a simple and robust aircraft - easy to build, maintain, and fly. The Il-28 has an internal bomb bay for up to 6,600 lb of bombs, and it is armed with two 23-mm cannon fixed in the nose and two 23-mm cannon in a tail turret. Its production is estimated at over 3,000 units; over half went to Warsaw Pact forces and other countries. It served with the Soviet Air Force well into the 1980s, and Chinese copies are still in service today.

Tu-16 "Badger"
The Tu-16 was originally designed as a replacement for aging Tu-4 (Soviet copy of the B-29) in the long-range strategic bomber role. It is powered by two powerful RD-3M turbojet engines, giving it high subsonic performance and a range of over 5,000 miles. The Tu-16 can carry up to 20,000 lb of bombs internally, and its defensive armament includes 7x 23mm cannons - in three twin turrets and one fixed forward. Entering service in 1954, the Tu-16 were produced in large quantity and served in wide range of roles, including bombers, missile carriers, torpedo bombers, antisubmarine warfare (ASW), reconnaissance and maritime surveillance, ECM platforms, in-flight refueling tankers, and various other experimental platforms.

Tu-22 "Blinder"
First unveiled in 1961, the appearance of the Tu-22 bomber that could reach Mach 1.5 shocked the West. It is immediately recognizable by its afterburning twin engines mounted high and above the rear fuselage, on either side of the vertical tail. It has sophisticated electronics and a capability of up to 10 tons of freefall bombs, or variants can be equipped with long-range cruise missiles.

An-12 "Cub"
The An-12 is a basic four-engine propeller driven cargo aircraft with a defended rear turret. It has a maximum payload of 20 tons and is used in different variants to carry troops, armored fighting vehicles, or supplies and has even been modified for electronic warfare and electronic intelligence gathering purposes.

Friendly Aircraft

B-57 Canberra
The B-57 light tactical bomber is based on a British design equipped with two US Wright J65 engines, first flying in 1953. The B-57B has a two seat tandem fighter-style cockpit, with 8 .50 cal. or four 20mm guns in the wings along with dive brakes. It employs an unusual rotating bomb bay door system in which ordnance is stored on the doors themselves, and also has wing pylons available. The B-57's maximum speed is a good 100 mph faster than the IL-28 Beagle at sea level, and was pressed into service in South-East Asia as it neared the end of its operational life. Its proven effectiveness there extended its days and led to variants for various roles, including as a night intruder and for high-altitude reconnaissance.

Player Weapons

Air-to-Air

Cannon

20mm Mk 11 (Mk 4 Mod 0 Gunpod)
The Mk 11 is a twin-barreled 20mm cannon used on the US Navy's Mk 4 Mod 0 gunpod. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,010 m/sec and a rate of fire of 4,200 rounds per minute (rpm). Mk 4 Mod 0 is the only gunpod designed to withstand the repeated shocks of aircraft carrier landings, and can be carried by the US Navy and Marines F-4 and A-4.

20mm Mk 12
The Mk 12 is the standard cannon armament used by the US Navy. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,010 m/sec and a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute. It has a reputation for being inaccurate and unreliable, yet is used on almost all US Navy fighter and attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk and F-8 Crusader.

20mm M39
The M39 is a twin-revolver type cannon developed for the US Air Force. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,030 m/sec and a rate of fire of 1,700 rpm. It is found on the F-100 Super Sabre.

20mm M61A1 Vulcan (SUU-23/A Gunpod)
The M61A1 Vulcan is an externally powered six-barreled rotary cannon firing at rate of 6,000 rpm. It is the current standard cannon armament for the US Air Force, and is mounted internally on the F-4E version of the Phantom II. The M61 Vulcan cannon is also available as an external gun pod, in the form of SUU-23/A gun pod.

30mm ADEN Mk.4
30mm ADEN (Armament Development Establishment) is the standard cannon used on British aircraft. It was designed in the late 1940s as a replacement for the older Hispano 20mm Cannon used in WWII. The 30mm ADEN first entered service with the Hunter, and used on almost every British fighters developed since.

30mm DEFA 552
30mm DEFA 552 is the standard cannon used on French aircraft. It was designed in the late 1940s and entered service starting in 1954. The 30mm DEFA is used on Super Mystère, Mirage and their Israeli derivatives such as Sa'ar, Nesher and Kfir, as well as Israeli variants of Skyhawk, the A-4H.

30mm GAU-8/A Avenger
The 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon is one of the most powerful aircraft cannons ever built, it is 7-barreled gatling cannon firing large depleted uranium armor-piercing shells at a rate of 4,200 rpm. Designed in the 1970s to penetrate and defeat all known armor at the time, it is the primary weapon of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Heat-Seeking Missiles

AIM-9B Sidewinder
The Infra-red (IR) homing AIM-9 missile is one of the most widely used air-to-air missiles in the world, with over 110,000 produced. It is simple, easy to use, and reliable; it is employed by a wide variety of Western fixed wing combat aircraft and helicopters. The performance of the AIM-9B, the first production version entering service in 1956, was unsatisfactory. Its launch load factor is limited to 2G, and its seeker head can be easily be fooled and locks onto false heat signatures. It has a range limit of 2.6 miles, and the missile is unable to follow MiGs turning at more than 5 G's. To score hits, the launching aircraft has to be properly positioned with great attention paid to closure rate and range.

AIM-9D Sidewinder
The AIM-9D, entering service in 1966, is a much superior version of the Sidewinder developed and used by the US Navy. It has a new seeker head and new motor for vastly improved range and performance.

AIM-9E Sidewinder
The AIM-9E is a slightly improved version of the Sidewinder used by the US Air Force. Its improvements over the original AIM-9B are limited - it has a new seeker head, but leaves warhead, fuse and motor untouched. AIM-9E's performance is well below that of US Navy's AIM-9D, despite the fact that AIM-9E entered service over a year later in 1967.

AIM-9E-2 Sidewinder
The AIM-9E-2 is a version of AIM-9E with a smoke reducing motor, making it less visible at launch. Otherwise, it has the same performance as the AIM-9E.

AIM-9F Sidewinder
The AIM-9F is a version of Sidewinder manufactured in West Germany for use by NATO forces.  It is based on AIM-9B body, but with the improved seeker head used on the AIM-9E.  It entered service in 1969, and is used by the West German F-4F Phantom II.

AIM-9G Sidewinder
The AIM-9G is a development of the AIM-9D Sidewinder used by the US Navy. First introduced in 1968, it has a more sensitive seeker head and much greater maneuvering capability, making it much more effective in aerial combat.

AIM-9H Sidewinder
The AIM-9H, entering service in 1970, is the next development of the US Navy's Sidewinder series, with improved reliability.

AIM-9J Sidewinder
The US Air Force continued to develop its own Sidewinder series independently, and AIM-9J, introduced in 1972, is their next version with improved reliability over the E model. Its performance is still below that of the Navy's AIM-9H Sidewinder.

AIM-9L Sidewinder
The AIM-9L, introduced in 1978 after being developed jointly by the US Air Force and the Navy, represents a major advance in the Sidewinder development - it is the first "all-aspect" Sidewinder missile, with ability to attack target from all angles, even from head-on. The pilots no longer have to maneuver behind the target for a missile shot, resulting in dramatic improvement in the effectiveness over the earlier models.

AIM-9M Sidewinder
Improved version of AIM-9 entering service in 1983 with a reduced smoke motor.

Firestreak
The Firestreak is a British-designed first-generation heat-seeking missile entering service in 1957. Designed primary to intercept bombers, its seeker head is slaved to the radar of the launching aircraft until released. It has maximum launch range of about 4 miles.

Python-3
Python-3 is the next generation of air-to-air weapon developed by Israel. Rushed into service in 1982 just in time for the Lebanon War, it had all-aspect capability like the AIM-9L version of the Sidewinder, but with superior speed, turning radius, and range.

Radar-Guided Missiles

AIM-7D Sparrow
The AIM-7 Sparrow III missile, first introduced in 1959, is a medium range air-to-air missiles with semi-active radar guidance. They are capable of attacking targets from all aspects, with maximum range of up to 20 miles but varying greatly according to target aspect and closing speeds. The launching aircraft must maintain radar lock and illuminate the target throughout the missile's entire flight for it to guide properly.

AIM-7E Sparrow
The AIM-7E, entering service in 1965, is the improved version of the Sparrow. It uses a new propulsion system, giving it better range and performance.

AIM-7E-2 Sparrow
The AIM-7E-2 Sparrow, so called "Dogfight Sparrow", is an AIM-7E missile modified for use in the short minimum-range and high-G firing required in dogfights. The Dogfight Sparrow entered service in 1970.

AIM-7F Sparrow
Improved version of Sparrow introduced in 1976, the AIM-7F has dual-stage rocket motor for longer range, solid-state electronics for improved reliability, and a larger warhead for increased lethality.

AIM-7M Sparrow
Much improved version of AIM-7 entering service in 1982 with higher reliability.

Skyflash
Skyflash is a British semi-active radar guided missile derived from the US AIM-7 Sparrow missile. It features improved seeker and electronics, making it less susceptible to enemy electronics countermeasures. The missile entered service in 1978, and is used on British Phantom FGR.Mk 2.

Air-to-Ground

Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARM)

AGM-45A Shrike
Entering service with the US Navy in 1965 and then with the US Air Force, the AGM-45A Shrike is a weapon used to destroy enemy Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) sites. Its anti-radiation seeker head homes in on the emitted signal from a ground radar installation and is completely self-guided. When a SAM site turns off its radar, the AGM-45A will lose its lock and does not have the capability to continue to target. Its maximum range is roughly 10 miles.

AGM-45B Shrike
Improved version of the original AGM-45A Shrike, with a new propulsion system giving it a much better range (about 28 miles). The AGM-45B began entering service in 1970.

AGM-78B Standard ARM
Produced in 1968, the AGM-78B is a anti-radiation missile based on US Navy's Standard Surface-to-Air Missile body. Its seeker head has a much greater overall field of view, and it has the capability to track many different frequencies of radar. It also has a basic memory circuit allowing it to continue to target even after the radar source stops emitting. Its maximum range is roughly 56 miles.

Electro-Optical (EO) Guided Weapons

AGM-65A Maverick
The AGM-65A Maverick is an electro-optically guided air-to-ground missile designed primarily for close-air-support. It provides stand-off capability against a wide variety of tactical targets, including tanks, air defenses, and other vehicles. The AGM-65A entered service in 1972, and its TV guidance system has maximum lock-on range of about 6 miles.

AGM-65B Maverick
The AGM-65B is an improved Maverick, with a scene magnification capability allowing it to lock-on to a target at a greater range of about 12 miles. It is available after 1975.

GBU-8/B HOBOS
The GBU-8/B HOBOS (Homing Bomb System) is an electro-optically guided bomb developed by the US Air Force. Entering service in 1969, it is essentially a standard Mk 84 2,000-lb bomb casing fitted with a TV guidance and control kit. The TV guidance has range of about 3 miles, but since the bomb is not powered and relies on the gravity, the maximum release range varies depending on the altitude.

Mk 1 Mod 0 Walleye I
The Walleye series of bombs are Electro-optically guided bombs developed by the US Navy. The Mk 1 Mod 0 Walleye I entered service in 1967, and its TV guidance has lock-on range of approximately 3 miles. The bomb has no propulsion unit, and the maximum range varies depending on the release altitude.

Mk 5 Mod 4 Walleye II
The Mk 5 Mod 4 Walleye II, entering service in 1974, is a larger warhead version of the Walleye. It also features an improved TV guidance unit, giving it an increased lock-on range of about 4.5 miles.

Laser-Guided Bombs (LGB)

GBU-10/B Paveway I
The Paveway series of bombs are laser-guided bombs developed by the US Air Force. The GBU-10/B Paveway I, entering service in 1968, is a standard Mk 84 2,000-lb bomb casing fitted with a laser-guidance and control kit, and it has lock-on range of about 4.5 miles. Like other guided bombs, Paveway LGB's are not powered, and its maximum range varies depending on the release altitude.

GBU-10C/B Paveway II
The GBU-10C/B Paveway II is an improved version entering service in 1977. It has an enhanced seeker head with higher reliability and increased range of about 5 miles.

GBU-12/B Paveway I
The GBU-12/B Paveway I is a version of Paveway I based on a smaller Mk 82 500-lb bomb. Entering service in 1968, it has the same seeker head as the GBU-10/B, and it has the same range of 4.5 miles.

GBU-12B/B Paveway II
The GBU-12B/B Paveway II has the improved seeker head of GBU-10C/B mated with a smaller Mk 82 500-lb bomb. It entered service in 1977 and has range of 5 miles.

Unguided Rockets

LAU-3/A Rocket Pod
The LAU-3/A Rocket Pod carries nineteen 2.75" unguided rockets with explosive warheads.

LAU-10/A Rocket Pod
The LAU-10/A Rocket Pod carries four 5" unguided rockets with explosive warheads.

Unguided Bombs

M-117 Bomb
The M-117 bomb is a conventional general-purpose bomb weighting 750 lb.

Mk 80 Series
The Mk 80 Series of bombs (Mk 81, 82, 83, 84) are the standard low-drag, general- purpose bombs.

Mk 82 Snakeye Retarded Bomb
The Mk 82 Snakeye is a 500-lb bomb that is equipped with special fins that open up and extend behind the bomb like an umbrella, slowing it down dramatically. Used in low-altitude level bombing, this allows the launching aircraft time to be clear of the bomb's blast radius.

Mk 20 Rockeye Cluster Bomb
The Mk 20 Rockeye Cluster bomb is a free fall weapon that carries hundreds of small bomblets that can be spread across a great area upon release. Individual bomblet has shape charged warhead that are set to explode on impact. The Rockeye is effective against both hard targets like armor and soft skinned targets.

BLU-1 Napalm
The BLU-1 Napalm bomb is an aluminum canister filled with fuel gel. Tumbling end over end when released, as it strikes a target or the ground the container will rupture, spreading highly flammable napalm that sticks to most structures. Upon impact, fuses rapidly ignite the fuel gel. Napalm is effective against personnel, light structures and vehicles.