A Child’s Perspective on Favorite Military Planes of the 1960s

Absolutely no discussion here that’s the Mirage III the most successful fighter of the 60s and early 70s by any means in terms of combat success allowed Israel to easily win the 6-days war and the 73 war was impossible to defeat by any contemporary Russian model and better than the US jets in the Israeli arsenal and was evolved into more modern jets of F16 quality!

North American A-5 Vigilante - A Sexy Plane for an Obsolete Mission

Like so many of the other birds listed here it was really made for an obsolete mission but was sexy as hell. The North American A-5 Vigilante is a prime example of an aircraft that was revolutionary in its time but had a limited operational lifespan. Despite being designed for an obsolete mission, it left a lasting impression with its sleek design and immense potential.

F-101 Voodoo - A Nuclear-armed Arrow for Doomsday

I was a child during the 1960s. By the time I enlisted Vietnam was already over. The Air National Guard base near my had F101 Voodoos on duty at all times in case nuclear bombers from the Soviet Union arrived. The F101 Voodoo was armed with two nuclear tipped rockets. Not missiles just rockets. They drilled aligning towards a flight of bombers then firing their rockets. Firing nuclear tipped rockets. Over CANADA. As an opening volley of a global thermonuclear war. At some point someone was so desperate they thought this might be a good idea. This is a true testament to the dark and terrifying military strategies of the Cold War era.

Choices Based on Innovative Gameplay

I’m glad that you asked the question the way you did! You left out the question of military operational effectiveness and many other criteria that could have been included! The fact is I have several favorites from the 60’s! The XB-70 the X-15 and of course the SR-71 float to the top quickly based on their innovations and the barriers they tore down. Among operational aircraft I have to pick the Lockheed F-104 and the English Electric “Lightning”. Yes there is that very 60-ish “need for speed” and no need to go into controversial subjects like military utility! If you want to get into military utility in your choose of “favorites” make it the F-4 and the B-52. These planes were built for specific, highly operational roles and proved to be incredibly effective in their missions.

The Valkyrie - A True Piece of Art

Ya just gotta love the Valkyrie. It is truly one of those “if only they had been allowed to fully develop it” type of aircraft. So beautiful yet fierce looking at the same time. Even the name was beautiful, graceful, and powerful. The F-104 Starfighter, also known as the Valkyrie, was a fighter jet designed for speed and precision. Its sleek design and high performance capabilities made it a true marvel of engineering. While its operational lifespan was short, the Valkyrie remains a symbol of the advancements in aviation technology during the 1960s.

Conclusion

The military planes of the 1960s were more than just machines; they were a reflection of the technological advancements and strategic thinking of the time. From the Mirage III to the Valkyrie, each plane had its unique story and impact. Whether it was through sheer speed, groundbreaking technological achievements, or innovative mission design, these planes continue to intrigue and inspire us today. As we look back at these planes, we are reminded of the complexities and challenges of the era, and the incredible achievements that were possible.