Multirole combat aircraft

As a multi-role combat aircraft (English multirole combat aircraft, abbreviated MRCA ) are called combat aircraft that can perform multiple tasks by appropriate armament, equipment and facilities, such as the combat or reconnaissance of targets on the ground or in the air.

The first so- called combat aircraft, the Panavia Tornado, the - can be used as a fighter bomber, fighter reconnaissance or air superiority fighter - depending on the equipment and armament. To replace the aging Lockheed F -104, numerous users countries came together and initiated the multirole aircraft (MRA ) program, which was renamed for multirole combat aircraft later and establishing the Panavia Aircraft GmbH ( with German, Italian and British participation) led in 1969.

Parallel to the tornado pattern General Dynamics F -16 and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 were put into service in the U.S. that meet the requirements of a multi-role combat aircraft without structural retrofits.

The advantages of multi-role combat aircraft are primarily in the high operational flexibility, cost savings in production and maintenance and lower costs for pilot training.

Examples of modern multi-role combat aircraft

  • Dassault Rafale
  • Euro Fighter Typhoon
  • Panavia Tornado
  • Saab 39 Gripen
  • Chengdu J-10
  • Mikoyan -Gurevich MiG -29
  • Sukhoi Su-30
  • General Dynamics F -16
  • McDonnell Douglas F/A-18
  • Lockheed Martin F -35
  • McDonnell Douglas F -15E Strike Eagle
Fighter aircraft
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