Interceptor: Difference between revisions
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An '''interceptor''' is a fighter aircraft optimized for combat with other aircraft. The term is roughly synonymous with [[air superiority fighter]]. | An '''interceptor''' is a fighter aircraft optimized for combat with other aircraft. The term is roughly synonymous with [[air superiority fighter]]. | ||
Interceptors tend to be optimized either for short-range [[Military areas to protect|point defense#point defense]] (e.g., [[MiG-21]]) or for long-range intercept of bombers and other strategic aircraft (e.g., [[MiG-25]], [[F-14 Tomcat]], [[MiG-31]]). In the U.S. Navy, the latter role is called [[Military areas to protect | Interceptors tend to be optimized either for short-range [[Military areas to protect|point defense#point defense]] (e.g., [[MiG-21]]) or for long-range intercept of bombers and other strategic aircraft (e.g., [[MiG-25]], [[F-14 Tomcat]], [[MiG-31]]). In the U.S. Navy, the latter role is called [[Military areas to protect#fleet defense|fleet defense]]. | ||
In general, pure interceptors have been deemphasized, in the west, by [[fighter#multirole fighter|multirole fighters]]. The Russians still seem interested in the long-range interceptor. | In general, pure interceptors have been deemphasized, in the west, by [[fighter#multirole fighter|multirole fighters]]. The Russians still seem interested in the long-range interceptor. | ||
Revision as of 11:15, 15 May 2008
An interceptor is a fighter aircraft optimized for combat with other aircraft. The term is roughly synonymous with air superiority fighter.
Interceptors tend to be optimized either for short-range point defense#point defense (e.g., MiG-21) or for long-range intercept of bombers and other strategic aircraft (e.g., MiG-25, F-14 Tomcat, MiG-31). In the U.S. Navy, the latter role is called fleet defense.
In general, pure interceptors have been deemphasized, in the west, by multirole fighters. The Russians still seem interested in the long-range interceptor.