Hope this makes sense... Evolution moved away from CF-105 type aircraft due to the following 'factors' [a just a glimpse]...
I think the 'simplifying secret' for USAF was 'fielding' jet air-refueling aircraft... KC-135A, replacing piston engine KC-97, with an AR Boom and nozzle/receiver system for forced-pressure high-rate refueling... and large capacity external/jettisonable [drop] tanks for added range-extension in-between AR.
This combination [and other factors**] reduced the need for USAF Fighter-interceptors to carry a massive internal fuel load for scramble/dash/fight/land... Simply AR-top-off prior to the intercept run.... and AR-top-off for loiter... and AR-top-off on the long-return to base...
Air refueling tankers... KC-97 'piston-birds' [AvGas and 'kerosene'] early... and KC-135 'pure-jet' ['kerosene']... evolved to be a mainstay for USAF air warfare during the VN war... range/endurance extended 'indefinitely'. The limiting factors are aircrew fatigue and weapons.
** Likewise, in 'theaters'... not suitable for USAF 'global reach'... the USN has evolved forward deployed carriers with fighter-interceptors and high internal/external fuel capacity... and somewhat limited AR refueling [from specially designated fighter or attack jets]... using hose/probe system for lighter/compact deployment from ships. And these carriers... fighting relatively closer to adversaries... are accompanied by an awesome defensive array of surface combat ships, stealthy attack submarines, land/sea-based airborne ISR... etc... AND a little heralded re-supply and maintenance fleet to keep oceanic air-ops going indefinitely.
Interestingly, Israeli Fighters are modified with 'special-large/fixed' external tanks... and largest possible jettisonable tanks... and fly with with AR tanker support everywhere [not exactly provided/approved by US]. This combination assures extended combat range deep over surrounding Arab countries... flying/fighting at immense distance from their territorial boundaries. This 'long-range airpower' provide a 'force-multiplier' [and psychological] advantage for Israel
Enough, for now.
Regards, Wil Taylor
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