Aircraft powered by jet engines first flew during the early part of World War II, with the United States, Britain, and Germany all testing initial models. However, the technology was too new, and the production capacity too limited, for these aircraft to play a significant role in the war. Only one jet, the British Gloster Meteor, particpated in World War II operations, and then only toward the end of the conflict.

By the time of the 1948-1952 Korean War, jet aircraft were becoming commonplace, and this conflict was the first time that jets were used to any great extent in military action. The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star became the first jet that saw significant use, but more common sights in the Korean skies were the first planes that resembled truly modern fighters.

Throughout the Korean War, there was direct military action between American and Chinese pilots...