Uncover the hidden gems of the Cold War era with our in-depth exploration of 7 forgotten jets that shaped aviation history. From experimental prototypes to production aircraft, discover the innovative designs and technological advancements that defined the eras military aviation. Explore the fascinating stories behind these obscure jets.
The Cold War era was marked by an intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, with both superpowers engaging in a technological arms race that produced some of the most iconic and advanced military aircraft in history. While many of these planes have become household names, such as the F-104 Starfighter and the MiG-25 Foxbat, there are others that have faded into obscurity. Here, we'll take a look at 7 forgotten Cold War jets that played important roles in the conflict.
1. The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter's Rival: The Republic F-105 Thunderchief
While the F-104 Starfighter is often remembered as the iconic jet of the Cold War era, its rival, the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, is often overlooked. Despite being the first U.S. Air Force jet to be designed from the outset as a multi-role fighter-bomber, the F-105 Thunderchief saw extensive service in Vietnam and was widely praised for its durability and firepower.
F-105 Thunderchief Specifications:
- Length: 64 ft 4 in (19.6 m)
- Wingspan: 34 ft 11 in (10.6 m)
- Height: 16 ft 1 in (4.9 m)
- Empty weight: 27,500 lb (12,474 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 52,500 lb (23,814 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W turbojet engine, 26,500 lbf (118 kN) thrust
2. The Soviet Union's First Operational Jet Fighter: The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9 was the Soviet Union's first operational jet fighter, entering service in 1946. Despite its relatively short service life, the MiG-9 played an important role in the early years of the Cold War, serving as a symbol of Soviet technological advancements.
MiG-9 Specifications:
- Length: 33 ft 5 in (10.2 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in (10.8 m)
- Height: 12 ft 2 in (3.7 m)
- Empty weight: 8,400 lb (3,810 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 13,230 lb (6,000 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × RD-20 turbojet engines, 1,700 lbf (7.6 kN) thrust each
3. The British Aerospace Industry's Best Kept Secret: The de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen
The de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen was a British jet fighter that served in the Royal Navy from 1959 to 1972. Despite its impressive performance and innovative design features, the Sea Vixen remains one of the most forgotten Cold War jets.
DH.110 Sea Vixen Specifications:
- Length: 51 ft 3 in (15.6 m)
- Wingspan: 31 ft 6 in (9.6 m)
- Height: 10 ft 9 in (3.3 m)
- Empty weight: 18,190 lb (8,250 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 26,000 lb (11,793 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Avon 208 turbojet engines, 11,000 lbf (49 kN) thrust each
4. The United States' First Operational Swept-Wing Fighter: The North American F-100 Super Sabre
The North American F-100 Super Sabre was the first operational swept-wing fighter in the United States Air Force, entering service in 1954. Despite its impressive performance and innovative design features, the F-100 Super Sabre is often overlooked in favor of its more famous contemporaries.
F-100 Super Sabre Specifications:
- Length: 49 ft 2 in (15 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft 10 in (11.2 m)
- Height: 16 ft 2 in (4.9 m)
- Empty weight: 18,400 lb (8,354 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 28,900 lb (13,125 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J57-P-21 turbojet engine, 16,000 lbf (71 kN) thrust
5. The French Aerospace Industry's First Operational Jet Fighter: The Dassault MD 450 Ouragan
The Dassault MD 450 Ouragan was the first operational jet fighter of the French aerospace industry, entering service in 1952. Despite its relatively short service life, the Ouragan played an important role in the early years of the Cold War, serving as a symbol of French technological advancements.
MD 450 Ouragan Specifications:
- Length: 37 ft 9 in (11.5 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft 1 in (11 m)
- Height: 12 ft 6 in (3.8 m)
- Empty weight: 9,700 lb (4,400 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 14,300 lb (6,486 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engine, 5,200 lbf (23 kN) thrust
6. The Soviet Union's First Operational Jet Bomber: The Tupolev Tu-12
The Tupolev Tu-12 was the Soviet Union's first operational jet bomber, entering service in 1947. Despite its relatively short service life, the Tu-12 played an important role in the early years of the Cold War, serving as a symbol of Soviet technological advancements.
Tu-12 Specifications:
- Length: 72 ft 2 in (22 m)
- Wingspan: 65 ft 7 in (20 m)
- Height: 23 ft 6 in (7.2 m)
- Empty weight: 35,700 lb (16,200 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 62,800 lb (28,500 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet engines, 5,200 lbf (23 kN) thrust each
7. The United States' First Operational VTOL Jet Fighter: The Convair XFY-1 Pogo
The Convair XFY-1 Pogo was the first operational VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) jet fighter in the United States, entering service in 1954. Despite its innovative design features and impressive performance, the XFY-1 Pogo remains one of the most forgotten Cold War jets.
XFY-1 Pogo Specifications:
- Length: 32 ft 5 in (9.9 m)
- Wingspan: 21 ft 8 in (6.6 m)
- Height: 16 ft 3 in (4.9 m)
- Empty weight: 13,400 lb (6,078 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 22,000 lb (9,979 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Allison YT40-A-14 turbojet engine, 7,500 lbf (33 kN) thrust
Cold War Jets Image Gallery
In conclusion, while many of the most iconic Cold War jets have become household names, there are many others that have faded into obscurity. These forgotten Cold War jets played important roles in the conflict, serving as symbols of technological advancements and showcasing the innovative designs of their respective nations. We hope this article has helped to shed light on some of these forgotten aircraft, and we invite you to share your thoughts and comments below.