Greatest Fixed-Wing Combat Aircraft of the Vietnam War

Which aircraft was the greatest of the Vietnam War? Think: effectiveness, availability, efficiency
The Top Ten
1 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Fast, multi-role and ubiquitous; flew with USNavy, Marines and Air Force.

2 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress B.U.F.F

The strategic bomber used in Arclight and Linebacker missions.

3 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21

Russian interceptor used to solid-effect by the North Vietnamese Air Force.

4 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17

1950s-era Russian fighter that brought 'dogfighting' into the Vietnam War.

5 Republic F-105 Thunderchief

Highest loss rate of any Vietnam War aircraft...but it had the hardest jobs against the toughest targets, too.

6 Douglas A-4 Skyhawk

Navy attack aircraft that got low and, like the Thunderchief, flew against challenging targets.

7 Douglas A-1 Skyraider

Prop-driven, WWII-era tactical fighter that could carry more, loiter longer and deliver on-target like no other.

The master of ground attack at low level

8 North American F-100

Another tactical fighter - flew more sorties than any other U.S. fixed-wing aircraft during the VN war.

9 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-19

Oddball, challenging to fly...but it could dogfight like the MiG-17 and hit Mach like the MiG-21.

10 Cessna 0-1

Slow, (almost) unarmed, the 0-1 was the "FAC" spotter aircraft used by the American armed forces.

The Contenders
11 C-130 Hercules
12 Grumman A-6 Intruder
13 Vought F-8 Crusader
14 Shenyang J-6
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