Anyone here a fan of the F-80? It’s my favorite early generation jet fighter. I think it did a lot for the USAF for obvious reasons (first operational jet fighter and first USAF jet in combat in Korea), but it seems like it doesn’t get much recognition for its exploits. Often you hear about the first jet air battle, and a little about the F-80 being used to attack ground targets and then it’s “well the F-80 was soon completely outclassed by the MiG-15” and then that’s all you hear.
There’s a great book about F-80 units in Korea from Osprey and I’d highly recommend it. The photography is awesome, and it gives great insight into Shooting Star operations in Korea. It really was vital to the UN war effort, and I don’t think it gets the proper respect.
Anyone else feel this way?
By: PhantomII - 28th February 2006 at 04:54
Well as such I figured this would be a wasted attempt on this particular forum. I think I’ll try ACIG.
Thanks to those who posted.
By: PhantomII - 27th February 2006 at 20:08
It’s funny you mention the thing about there being no flying F-80’s because I’ve often thought the same thing. It was so important to aviation history, and yet not ONE example is still flying?
I’d love to see an F-80 on the airshow circuit, and we can only hope somebody takes on that project some day.
The Meteor seems to get very little coverage relative to what it did as well.
I realize the F-86 was the supreme MiG killer throughout the Korean War, but do the extensive, and I do mean extensive, close air support and strike exploits of the F-80, Meteor, (and to a lesser extent F-84) not merit any recognition?
By: Chad Veich - 27th February 2006 at 17:06
I would love to see an P/F-80 on the airshow circuit. I’m really amazed at the apparent lack of interest in making a flying example. A straight wing Thunderjet would be of great interest to me as well.
By: ZRX61 - 27th February 2006 at 16:00
We’ve got one here on a stick next to an F117 🙂
By: RPSmith - 27th February 2006 at 09:55
Yep the F-80 and Meteor both being first generation jets. I think I might have been influenced in early childhood by the little “Dinky” models of both I had.
For all their importance I often lament the fact that there is no F-80 on display in the UK (yes I know there are lots of T-33s but they are not the same) nor a Meteor in one of the National US collections.
Straight-wing jets forever 🙂
Roger Smith
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February 27, 2006 at 5:12 am