Aircraft

B-52-This aircraft was designed in the late 1940’s. It carries nuclear bombs on long-range, high-altitude Bomber-This missions. Although this plane did not carry nuclear bombs during the Vietnam War, it is capable of doing this. Other weapons on the B-52 include 4 M2 50 machine guns mounted in the rear of the plane. This plane is able to exceed speeds of 550 mph.

To view a picture of the B-52 Bomber click here.

F-4 Phantom Fighter Plane  - The Phantom armed with a 20mm and air to air missiles, proved very deadly on bombing runs into North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. To prepare the target areas, they dropped loads of radar-reflecting metallic fibers, these are known as chaffs, they were used to scramble enemy radar. The two General Electric J-79-GE-15s engines produced 17000 lbs. Of thrust each (with afterburner). The Phantom has a maximum speed of 1400 mph.

To veiw a picture of this aircraft click here.

MiG-21-This Soviet aircraft served as the primary high-altitude fighter in the North Vietnamese arsenal. The MiG-21 is capable of speeds of more than twice the speed of sound. It is armed with a 30mm cannon and air-to-air missiles. This plane was issued in 1955. The MiG was used to disrupt America bombing raids, shooting down bombers and engaging in furious and often victorious dogfights with American fighter planes.

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