The prototype of this aircraft was first flown in 1955, made its first public appearance in 1956 and entered service in early 1959. It was this country’s first successful aircraft combining fighter and interceptor characteristics. This aircraft initially achieved renown and proved a challenging adversary in the hands of experienced pilots. It, among other aircraft, led to the establishment of air combat training programs such as “Top Gun”. This aircraft was apparently responsible for the only claimed combat kill of one specific aircraft in history. This aircraft had limited range, which was not helped by a design defect which had the effect of making the plane uncontrollable. This aircraft was exported widely and continued to be used well past the time where it might have been considered obsolete.
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