Interceptor aircraft

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An interceptor aircraft, or simply interceptor, is a type of fighter aircraft designed specifically for the defensive interception role against an attacking enemy aircraft, particularly bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. This role originally involved zero-notice, short missions from well-supplied ground bases against an approaching high-altitude target, necessitating readiness, climb rate, speed, maneuverability and short-range weapons capability over other factors in aircraft design. The role later evolved into a broader spectrum of missions favored by a general design emphasis around speed and climb rate. Aircraft that are capable of being or are employed as both "standard" air superiority fighters and as interceptors are sometimes known as fighter-interceptors. In the post-World War II jet age, there are two general classes of interceptor: light fighters, designed for high performance over short range; and heavy fighters, which are intended to operate over longer ranges, in contested...

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