# U.S. combat aircraft that were never used in combat? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 15, 2013, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917 "2013-09-15T15:47:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2013, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/21 "2013-09-15T19:28:14Z")
> [@chacoguy](#): > > The [B 36](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convair_B-36), thankfully, never dropped it’s bombs in earnest. And the Earnestians still hold celebrations to that effect. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2013, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/22 "2013-09-15T22:08:46Z")
Off the top of my head: (This is for U.S. service, only. Some of these may have seen combat with non-U.S. services, but I do not know how many other than the ones mentioned.) This also ignores one-off planes that never made it to squadron service such as the F3U or the F10F.) FF-1 “Fifi” F2F F3F F8F Bearcat F11F Tiger (Aside from one shooting itself down) F7U Cutlass F8C Helldiver AM Mauler MB-3 (first U.S. designed fighter used by Army Air Corps) P-6 Hawk F2B F3B P-12 / F4B P-36 Hawk (Some were shot down by the U.S. when flown by Vichy France in the North African operations.) P-43 Lancer (Used in combat by other countries) F-101 Voodoo B-45 Tornado P5M Marlin (Later SP5 was used in Vietnam, but only as reconnaissance) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2013, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/23 "2013-09-15T22:15:41Z")
I think the French used the F-8F Bearcat in combat in Vietnam. I thought the F-101 Voodoo had been used in combat in Vietnam, but I read that the reconnaissance version was the only one to see combat; and I’ve excluded unarmed missions. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/24 "2013-09-16T02:48:19Z")
[Lockheed YF-12 interceptor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_YF-12) ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/25 "2013-09-16T03:16:18Z")
The [F4D/F-6 Skyray](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyray), as far as I know. _Very_ technically, depending on how you define “U.S. combat aircraft” and “never used,” maybe the [F-21A.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-21_Kfir#Operational_history) Which I _don’t_ count, and which probably doesn’t count under the OP. But it’s got interesting rules weasel value. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/26 "2013-09-16T03:29:45Z")
> [@Ranchoth](#): > > _Very_ technically, depending on how you define “U.S. combat aircraft” and “never used,” maybe the [F-21A.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-21_Kfir#Operational_history) Which I _don’t_ count, and which probably doesn’t count under the OP. But it’s got interesting rules weasel value. 😃 No, the Kfir is not a U.S. aircraft. It’s an Israeli aircraft that was used by the U.S., much like the F-104 was a U.S. aircraft that was used by other countries. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/27 "2013-09-16T04:15:08Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > The US never used the P26 in combat, but the Chinese and Spanish Republicans did. It’s main defense against Zeroes was that it was [so cute,](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Peashooter.arp.750pix.jpg) I mean, come on, how could you shoot it? Those P-26’s are still one of my dream airplanes to own & fly. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/28 "2013-09-16T04:31:21Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > No, the Kfir is not a U.S. aircraft. It’s an Israeli aircraft that was used by the U.S., much like the F-104 was a U.S. aircraft that was used by other countries. …as indicated by my “how you define ‘U.S. combat aircraft’,” “technically,” and “weasel” comments. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/29 "2013-09-16T05:26:26Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Currently, the F-22. Oh, those combat their own pilots 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![j\_sum1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8baadc/32.png) [@j\_sum1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j_sum1)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/30 "2013-09-16T05:48:14Z")
You guys are all forgetting the Spruce Goose. (Runs and hides.) ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/31 "2013-09-16T05:51:49Z")
> [@astro](#): > > [Lockheed YF-12 interceptor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_YF-12) I disagree with including the YF-12. The Y prefix indicates it was a prototype, as in “NOT IN SQUADRON SERVICE”, so I don’t consider it an official U.S. combat aircraft. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/32 "2013-09-16T05:53:04Z")
> [@j\_sum1](#): > > You guys are all forgetting the Spruce Goose. > > (Runs and hides.) It was a transport, not a combat aircraft. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/33 "2013-09-16T09:39:54Z")
It likely doesn’t count, but I have a soft spot for the [Douglas XB-42 Mixmaster](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XB-42_Mixmaster). ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/34 "2013-09-16T13:28:49Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > It likely doesn’t count, but I have a soft spot for the [Douglas XB-42 Mixmaster](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XB-42_Mixmaster). Hooooo-eee! That is one fugly plane. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/35 "2013-09-16T13:43:22Z")
Really, really fast for a prop plane, though. If not for jets, it would have been a front-line bomber. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/36 "2013-09-16T14:20:18Z")
Speaking of jets, the [Bell P-59 Airacomet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_P-59_Airacomet). Kind of 1930s sexy although not a super performer. ---
**Author:** ![UncaStuart](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncastuart/32/404_2.png) [@UncaStuart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncaStuart)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/37 "2013-09-16T14:44:12Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > P-36 Hawk (Some were shot down by the U.S. when flown by Vichy France in the North African operations.) A handful of P-36s got off the ground at Pearl Harbor and were credited with a couple of Zekes, but that’s it for US service. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/38 "2013-09-16T14:57:19Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Hooooo-eee! That is one fugly plane. It’s not without competition. The [YFM-1](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_YFM-1_Airacuda) never saw combat either ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/39 "2013-09-16T15:14:48Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Pretty much the entire combat-aircraft output of the US between late WW2 and early Vietnam qualifies. And that’s a whole lotta types. If you modify that to read [WWI and the mid thirties](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:United_States_fighter_aircraft_1920%E2%80%931929), it’s a whole lotta types. [P-16](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berliner-Joyce_P-16) for example. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2013, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917/40 "2013-09-16T17:20:30Z")
I’m having trouble verifying that the B-50 ever saw combat in Korea. The B-29 certainly did, but it looks like the B-50 may have stayed parked, waiting for the war to go nuclear. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-combat-aircraft-that-were-never-used-in-combat/668917.md?page=3)