Gary

OK, I don't think this one has been done before.

1. One of a group of aircraft you'd think was old beyond belief.

2. One that never saw combat or was an exported item.

3. was the last of its type solely dedicated to its one mission.

4. In the beginning it killed pilots that used one important feature.

5. After its initial problems, pilots loved it.

Phil

Didn't want to make it too easy... what's the fun if a simple google search will give the answer.

It lost a fly-off with the F4 Phantom, but the multi role jet did not replace it, in fact in its role the F4 would be hard pressed to compete.

Originally carried no guns or bombs, but was later upgraded with a single cannon, and a new metal free canopy.

Over its fairly long career it served with many squadrons, though its original order was cut by nearly 2/3rds.

Phil

It was once called the ultimate of its genre... and, its concept begun just a couple years after WW2, it wasn't fully retired until the late 80's.  But yet some went on for another decade doing research that would effect planes of all types and purposes.  nd some sadly (most actually) went on to become target drones.  Thankfully though dozens were sent to museums.

It set some records and could really get up there approaching 1 to 1.

Corny as it sounds, about half way through it s career, an experienced pilot went into an unrecoverable flat-spin with it, doing what he was supposed to do, he ejected.  But then with the resulting change of balance the plane stabilized and landed itself (wheels-up) in a field with minor damage.  Where it was repaired and returned to flight status.

Most were single seat, but more than a few were 2 seaters.  what weapons it originally had were carried in its weapons bay.

Phil

OK, its wings span was just a little over half its length and in its later career it liked to play with the weather and electricity.