Immediately after World War II, the US military found itself with a massive fleet of aircraft, many of which were rapidly becoming obsolete in the face of jet engine technology. The immediate focus was on consolidating and reorganizing this vast inventory. Some iconic warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and B-29 Superfortress continued in service for a time, often filling training roles or serving in reserve. However, the push was on to develop and deploy new, jet-powered aircraft, leading to the gradual phasing out of many piston-engine models. The national defense budget faced considerable scrutiny after the wartime spending, leading to difficult choices regarding which aircraft programs to prioritize.