Alerts Sign-up
The US Air National Guard, known as the Air Guard, serves as a federal reserve force for the US Air Force. Throughout its history, it has operated various iconic aircraft that have played significant roles in military operations.
The North American Aviation F-86 Sabre was among the first jet fighter aircraft produced at the onset of the Cold War. It entered service with the US Air Force in 1949 and quickly became a primary fighter during the Korean War. Michael Hankins, curator of Air Force history at the National Air and Space Museum, noted that while its ten-to-one kill ratio is often considered inflated, a five- or six-to-one ratio against MiG-15s is more plausible.
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief initially designed for nuclear attack missions took its first flight in 1955 and entered service in 1958. During the Vietnam War, it transitioned to a ground attack role. "A total of 382 F-105s were lost in Southeast Asia," stated Maps Air Museum.
