Multipurpose fighter

As a multi-role combat aircraft ( English m ulti r ole c ombat a ircraft , abbreviated MRCA ) are combat aircraft designated that can fulfill by appropriate weaponry, clothing and equipment several tasks, such as the fight or the investigation of targets on the ground or in the air.

The first so-called fighter aircraft is the Panavia Tornado , which - depending on the equipment and armament - can be used as a fighter-bomber , fighter reconnaissance or air superiority fighter . In order to replace the aging Lockheed F-104 , numerous user countries joined forces and initiated the multirole aircraft (MRA) program, which was later renamed the multirole combat aircraft and established Panavia Aircraft GmbH (with German, Italian, Dutch and British Participation) in 1969.

At the same time as the tornado, the General Dynamics F-16 and McDonnell Douglas F / A-18 models were put into service in the USA , which meet the requirements of a multi-purpose fighter even without structural modifications.

The main advantages of multi-purpose combat aircraft are the high level of operational flexibility, the cost savings in manufacture and maintenance, and the lower cost of pilot training.

Examples of modern multi-role combat aircraft

Web links

Mäder, Horst: Multi-Role Combat Aircraft , in: Truppendienst , Episode 295, Issue 1, 2007