The F-82 Twin Mustang played a significant role in the Korean Conflict as one of the first USAF aircraft to operate over Korea. Equipped with all-weather interceptors, F-82s shot down the first three North Korean airplanes destroyed by U.S. forces on June 27, 1950.
Besides functioning as an interceptor, the versatile aircraft also performed as a fighter bomber and night fighter due to its radar equipment. Ultimately, the F-82s were replaced by Lockheed F-94B jet interceptors in 1952.
Throughout the war, F-82s achieved a total of 24 victories, including 4 air-to-air and 20 ground victories.
| Pilot / Radar observer | Squadron | Date | Aircraft destroyed | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lt. William G. "Skeeter" Hudson Lt. Carl Fraser | 68th Fighter-All Weather Squadron | 6/27/1950 | Yak-11 | First U.S. aerial victory in Korea |
| Lt. Charles B. "Chalky" Moran Lt. Fred Larkins | 68th Fighter-All Weather Squadron | 6/27/1950 | Yak-9 | |
| Maj. James W. "Poke" Little Capt. Charles Porter | 339th Fighter-All Weather Squadron | 6/27/1950 | La-7 | Little was the Commander of the 339th |
Further reading
Bibliography
- Aerial Victories of the Jet Era by Arthur Wyllie
- F-82 Twin Mustang (Mini in Action No. 1608) by Larry Davis