USAF Combat Aircraft 1971 to date

United States Air Force Combat Aircraft

     In 1971, the United States was still enmeshed in Vietnam, but that was soon to end.  The next decade saw a softening of Cold War tensions and the down-sizing of the Strategic Air Command.  The 1980's saw the emphasis on air power gradually change from strategic to tactical.  Then came the Gulf War and the fighter jocks carried the day.  Today, it's their Air Force.
     The last two decades were characterized by incredible advances in electronics, stealth technology, and both offensive and defensive systems.  Development costs and production costs soared while military budgets were reduced.  This resulted in far less planes than the 1946-1970 period, but ones with infinite more capabilities.  .
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