US Air Force As The Most Powerful

Though a “misunderstood event” in US history, the Vietnam War was a time when the US had the most powerful air force. Air force advisors were even sent to South Vietnam with a variety of planes on which to train the South Vietnamese Air Force in aerial tactics and techniques.

In 1965, jet aircraft arrived in South Vietnam with the Republic F-105 Thunderchiefs, large fighter-bombers with limited maneuverability as the first. They were soon replaced by McDonnell F-4 Phantom IIs which descended from the McDonnell FH-1 Phantom.

When electronic warfare became extremely important in Vietnam, the United States used numbers of laser and television-guided bombs to hit difficult targets. So when the North Vietnamese began to build a massive surface-to-air missile (SAM) arsenal in 1965, America’s response was the Wild Weasels. Originally modified F-100 Super Sabres but later F-4Gs, the Wild Weasels carried equipment to detect electromagnetic energy in order to identify and destroy SAM sites.

With airborne warning and controls system (AWACS) planes becoming an essential component of the air war, the Lockheed EC-121s were used. While in Vietnam, EC-121’s mission changed to finding enemy fighters, through radar and interrogating radio transponders, to determine location and nationality of each plane. EC-21s also directed US aircraft to aerial refueling tankers and guided rescue planes to downed pilots.

These aircrafts that served varied purposes like search and rescue mission, infantry support, and bombing campaigns are relived through model replicas by many companies like Mastercraft Collection. Bringing these aircrafts to life honors the many brave men who piloted them and saved lives.