Short list of forgotten cold war jets

[Nathan]

I compiled a short list of cold war era jet aircraft that I think are somewhat forgotten in aviation history. Nothing really scientific about this list and it is NOT comprehensive. It's just through observation of what get's discussed on the various aviation forums on the net, and that I see a definitive lacking in topics and subjects regarding these aircraft(both internet and literature). It's just that some types get more publicity then others, for whatever reason that is. It is my hope that perhaps this list will start a discussion on these types. But that's at the viewer's discretion.

Regarding cold war era U.S. aircraft:

1. F-101 Voodoo
2. F-84 Thunderjet
3. F-94 Starfire
4. F-89 Scorpion
5. FJ-1/2/3/4 Fury aircraft
6. F9F Panther
7. F-86H
8. F-86D/L
9. F-84F Thunderstreek
10. F3H Demon

I almost wanted to include the F-102 and F-106. Perhaps the F-102 IMHO is less remembered then the F-106. Since the fact is the F-106 was still in service till the mid-80's. It's still fresh in peoples mind. Anyway, I decided to leave them out.

-Nate

[K5DH]

A few Navy jet types that I don't see talked about all that much:

A-5 Vigilante
A-3 Skywarrior
F3D Skyknight
F4D Skyray

[sandiego89]

Looks like a good list so far, turning to some US heavies:

B-45. Perhaps really just a short lived, unremarkable aircraft, but had some interesting service, especially probing Soviet airspace.

B-47. Considering the number made and numer is squadron service, really not that much is written out there. I find the date of first flight of 1947 incredible. It looked light years ahead of the medium bombers of WWII just a few years before.

B-57. Gets attention as the Canberra in UK service, but seems overlooked in US service.

A-6. One good book (and movie adoption), but overshaddowed by the F-4, A-4, etc. Likely marginal for this list (like the F-102/106)

F-11 Tiger. Largely forgotten except as a Bue Angels bird.

[Nathan]

The B-45 and B-57 are the two most forgotten bombers of the cold war. Both very interesting though!

The Grumman S-2 Tracker, E-1 Tracer, and C-1 Trader also very forgotten.

And Perhaps I left out a few more Cold war jets but in honestly they are somewhat before the cold war was the FH-1 Phantom and F2H Banshee. But yeah they could be included as well.

I'd say make a list for transports too. But most never get noted anyway. To most....a cargo plane is a bit dull.

[Matt Gunsch]

You might find this site of interest
http://www.millionmonkeytheater.com/ForgottenJets.html

[daviemax]

Saab J-29
English Electric Lightening
Mirage series

I'm sure there are many, many more. The list could be quite extensive.

[DB2]

Supermarine Swift and Scimitar

[sandiego89]

English Electric Lightening

I would not include the EE Lightning on this list. Plenty of books, articles, etc and a few ground runners, and an off and on again flying program (S. Africa and others). It is legendary in UK enthusiast circles- go on a UK heavy site and bash it a bit and stand by for incoming....

The Grumman S-2 Tracker, E-1 Tracer, and C-1 Trader also very forgotten

Not jets.... althought I agree they are overlooked. Plenty of nearly forgotten piston cold war aircraft.

[JohnB]

The Navy (rather like the UK) bought a lot of aircraft that had short lives...the Demon, Cutlass and Skyray head up that list.

Was it the technical issues of making early jets carrier capable or did they have looser procurement practices than the Air Force (so they bough more semi-dogs)?
The only jet that served in the USAF for a very short period was the F-94, even the ANG got rid of them by 1959. Even the F-89 managed to hang around well into the 60s...so the taxpayers got their money out of that design.

[Rauhbatz]

Two quick comments:

+ I won't forget the A5 Vigilante for all the times they zoomed over my house while growing up as a kid in Columbus Ohio...

+ After completing the F-4C in Newark and the F-105B in Zanesville...we know of an F-101 at the old Wilmington AFB that needs some help....so maybe an example of this aircraft wont be forgotten that long if we can figure out what to do w it...

[ktst97]

Douglas B-66 Destroyer (and the RB-66 versions).

I spent 26 months in France during the Cold War and only one B-66 stopped on our Transient Ramp.

[sandiego89]

The Navy (rather like the UK) bought a lot of aircraft that had short lives...the Demon, Cutlass and Skyray head up that list.

Was it the technical issues of making early jets carrier capable or did they have looser procurement practices than the Air Force (so they bough more semi-dogs)?n.

Johnb, all of those Navy jets you mention, and others, were largely let down with poor and/or underpowered engines. I do not think it was a looser procurement process, but almost every jet program in the late 1940 to mid 1950's suffered with engines that could not meet thrust requirments, had poor spool up times, and was made worse with planes that got heavier or were overweight. This was especially critical in carrier aviation. You may be able to get away with lower thrust in a land based aircraft, but carrier aviation has les margin. The P-59 and F-84 and others were real gound grippers and required lots of runway.

[Cking]

English Electric Lightening

It is legendary in UK enthusiast circles- go on a UK heavy site and bash it a bit and stand by for incoming....
.

Have you a death wish??

It would be like going onto an American forum and say anything about American football, gun control and healthcare!

Rgds Cking

[airknocker]

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum at Schenectdy County Airport has decent collection of Cold War types:
http://www.esam.org/Misc%20html%20Files/exhibits.html
And shots from Eric Dumigan:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/th965fnmdzr5w5p/tft0sxHXfK

[Tailspin Turtle]

The Navy (rather like the UK) bought a lot of aircraft that had short lives...the Demon, Cutlass and Skyray head up that list.

Was it the technical issues of making early jets carrier capable or did they have looser procurement practices than the Air Force (so they bough more semi-dogs)?
The only jet that served in the USAF for a very short period was the F-94, even the ANG got rid of them by 1959. Even the F-89 managed to hang around well into the 60s...so the taxpayers got their money out of that design.

The Demon deployed on carriers between 1957 and early 1964. Hardly a short period. The Skyray had a shorter career in the Navy with fewer deployments between mid 1958 and mid 1962 but served somewhat longer in the Marine Corps. The Cutlass and the Tiger were also rans, deploying for two years and three years respectively. The Tiger served a lot longer in the training command and with the Blue Angels, of course. The Cutlass might have gotten a longer career if angle-deck carriers had been available earlier...