Dawn of the Jet War: America's FIRST Combat Jets Over Korea: F-84, F9F, F86

Step into the harsh, unforgiving skies above the Korean peninsula during the early 1950s, a period that irrevocably transformed air warfare. This was the crucible where jet-powered aircraft clashed en masse for the first time, marking the true "Dawn of the Jet War." While propeller planes still played vital roles, the roar of turbines announced a new era of speed, altitude, and lethality. This documentary explores America's pioneering combat jets as they faced their baptism by fire, with a special focus on the rugged workhorse that carried the fight to the enemy on the ground: the Republic F-84 Thunderjet. #F84Thunderjet #KoreanWar #F86Sabre #F9FPanther The arrival of the Soviet-built MiG-15 in late 1950 shocked UN forces. Its speed and climb rate outclassed many early Allied jets. While the later F-86 Sabre would rise to meet the MiG challenge head-on, much of the day-to-day burden, particularly in attacking ground targets, fell upon aircraft like the F-84. The Republic F-84 Thunderjet series represented one of the United States Air Force's first operational jet fighters. Initially conceived before the full advantages of swept wings were appreciated for high-speed flight, the early F-84 models (B through E, and the definitive G model prominent in Korea) featured straight wings. While this limited their performance against the swept-wing MiG-15 in pure air-to-air combat, the Thunderjet proved to be an exceptionally tough, reliable, and versatile aircraft. Its true calling in Korea became that of a fighter-bomber. The F-84 could carry a significant payload of bombs, rockets, and napalm, earning nicknames like the "Lead Sled" (due to its takeoff roll when heavily laden) but also respect as a devastating ground-attack platform. Thunderjets flew countless grueling missions, striking enemy supply lines, troop concentrations, bridges, rail yards, and providing vital close air support to embattled UN ground troops. F-84 pilots braved intense anti-aircraft fire and the ever-present threat of MiGs lurking above, undertaking dangerous interdiction and CAS missions deep into enemy territory. While not primarily designed as a dogfighter against advanced MiGs, F-84 pilots did engage in air combat and claimed victories, showcasing the skill and courage required to fly these first-generation jets in combat. The F-84G model was also notable as the first fighter capable of carrying a tactical nuclear weapon, signaling its strategic importance beyond Korea. While the USAF relied heavily on the F-84 for striking ground targets, the US Navy and Marine Corps had their own pioneering jet workhorse: the Grumman F9F Panther. Also a straight-wing design, the Panther operated from aircraft carriers and land bases, proving itself a rugged and dependable platform. Like the F-84, the Panther's primary role evolved into ground attack and close air support, providing invaluable firepower for Marines locked in brutal ground combat, though Panther pilots also tangled with MiGs on occasion. Of course, no discussion of the Korean air war is complete without mentioning the legendary North American F-86 Sabre. With its advanced swept-wing design, the Sabre was specifically tasked with hunting the MiG-15 and establishing air superiority over the infamous "MiG Alley." Sabre pilots, many veterans of WWII, developed new tactics for high-speed jet combat and achieved remarkable success, clearing the skies so that aircraft like the F-84 and F9F could perform their vital attack missions with greater safety. The Korean War was the proving ground. It highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of these early American combat jets, pushing technology and tactics forward at an incredible pace. From the ground-pounding F-84 Thunderjet and naval F9F Panther to the high-flying F-86 Sabre, this conflict cemented the jet's dominance and forever changed the face of aerial warfare. Join us as we explore the history, the machines, and the brave pilots who flew at the dawn of the jet war. To support/join the channel ➤ https://www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes/join ➤ More aircraft and history videos: https://www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes ➤ Join the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes/join ➤ THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@dronescapesvideos ➤ FB: https://www.facebook.com/Dronescapesvideos ➤ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Atellani/ ➤ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dronescapesvideos ➤ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dronescapes.bsky.social ➤ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/dronescapesvideos ➤ X/Twitter: https://dronescapes.video/2p89vedj #a10 #aviation #coldwar