E-43 F/A specs: (while fully armed) Mach 1.3 capable at altitude (Afterburning: 12000ft)Mach capable at sea level (Afterburning)Top recorded speed: 872 MPH

Designed in 1955, the Korean War long over by the beginning of its first flight in 1958, the E-43 F/A was one of many left without a home. Retrofitted with a new engine, the aircraft was beginning to find a new home as a high speed fighter/bomber. The Berlin Crisis in 1958 renewed fears of Soviet invasion and highlighted the usefulness of air superiority in NATO. Viet Cong uprisings in South Vietnam alerted many military officers to the possibility of air intervention escalating. The CIA took a particular interest in the aircraft due to its relatively small size, Mach speeds, and low stall speed.The E-43 F/A was even considered for a special CIA backed mission to defoliate land along west-central Indochina, but both had been canceled due to high risk. The aircraft was less than needed for operation Rolling Thunder, but by 1965 it was already seeing both bombing missions and outright dogfight engagements in Indochina, and winning.

Please try flying it without the heavy combat load, it’s fun.