So I've been randomly looking into post-war era aviation, before air to air missiles generally ruined everything for everyone. In one decade the USN fielded a bewildering array of aircraft. I've found references to how the Carrier Air Wing looked in part of the Korea era, 1 to 2 squadrons of Panthers, 2 to 3 of Corsairs, and 1 squadron of Skyraiders. But what about the rest of the decade?
For example of what I mean, here's a non-exhaustive list of 1950s USN aircraft:
I know I missing a few models, and in particular a sundry of sub-variants of that list. Where the hell do they all fit in? What niche did each model of aircraft fill? What directly replaced what? Why was BurAir so insane back then? Does anyone really know?
For example of what I mean, here's a non-exhaustive list of 1950s USN aircraft:
- F4U-5 Corsair
- AU-1 Corsair
- AD Skyraider variants for strike
- AD Skyraider variants for AEW, EW
- F8F-2 Bearcat
- TBF Avenger variants for ASW, AEW, COD, etc
- F9F-4 Panther
- F9F-6 Cougar
- F2H Banshee
- FJ Fury
- F4D Skyray
- F3H Demon
- F8U Crusader
- F11F Tiger
- A4D Skyhawk
- A3D Skywarrior
- AJ Savage
- S2F Tracker
- WF Tracer
- TF-1 Trader
I know I missing a few models, and in particular a sundry of sub-variants of that list. Where the hell do they all fit in? What niche did each model of aircraft fill? What directly replaced what? Why was BurAir so insane back then? Does anyone really know?