Fighter-bomber

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Fighter bomber redirects here. For the video game, see Fighter Bomber (video game).
Vought F4U Corsair fighter-bombers during the World War II
Republic P-47D with fragmentation bombs on the wings and a fuel tank under the fuselage, 1945

A fighter-bomber is a fixed-wing aircraft with an intended primary role of light tactical bombing and also incorporating certain performance characteristics of a fighter aircraft.[1] This term, although still used, has less significance since the introduction of rockets and guided missiles into aerial warfare. Nowadays, aircraft that carry similar duties are typically called multirole fighters or sometimes strike fighters.

In their use, fighter-bombers often are confused with ground-attack aircraft or tactical bombers, but they differ from these categories mainly by possessing (at least partial) fighter capabilities, fighter heritage, or fighter-like appearance. The most notable examples from World War II are Hawker Typhoon and Republic P-47 Thunderbolt.

In terms of bombing tactic, various types of fighter-bombers used various techniques. Some of them were intended for high-level bombing, some for low-level semi-horizontal bombing, and some even for low-level steep dive bombing (as in case of Blackburn Skua or A-36 Apache).

Many fighter-bombers like the Bristol Beaufighter have a rear gun manned by the navigator-observer. Fighter bombers are often used for multiple roles.

[edit] Dedicated

 This section may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding references. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. More details may be available on the talk page. (August 2011)

(Note: Experimental are Included.Dates are when they Entered Service or First .)

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Fighter-bombers are dual-purpose". Popular Science 141. Dec 1942. ISSN 0161-7370. http://books.google.com/books?id=HCcDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA124&dq=popular%20science%20may%201941&pg=PA124#v=onepage&q&f=true. Retrieved 25 March 2011. 
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