Designed for the Kill

With few exceptions, fighters designed during the 'fifties and 'sixties fell into one of two categories. These were the interceptor, intended to counter the nuclear armed bomber penetrating at high speed and altitude, and the tactical fighter to deliver tactical nuclear weapons on the modern battlefield. The former were designed for the top right-hand corner of the performance envelope, with a high rate of climb to reach the bomber's altitude quickly; very high speed in order to intercept an intruder as far out as possible; and homing missiles with a high percentage probability of killing the target at stand off ranges with a single shot. The latter had to be fast at lower levels in order to survive the counter-air defences of the day; and long-legged in order to achieve a reasonable operational range. For both these categories, manoeuvre combat between fighters was hardly considered. Long range radars and 'magic' missiles would render manoeuvre unnecessary. Even guns were widely considered to be unnecessary. Then came a spate of limited wars, and to the surprise of many, fighters were once more engaging in close combat. It rapidly became obvious that close combat was not only possible but essential, and from this moment, the accent changed. The next generation of interceptors and air superiority fighters were designed for the kill.