bombers. As for large combat range, it is crucial for a air superiority fighters. Air superiority fighters are usually sent to escort long rang bombers, and seek out enemy fighters. During dogfight, fuel consummation increase significantly, due to the fighters often engaging aerial combat maneuver, which often requires afterburn, climbing and diving and high G-turn. All these requires a lot of fuel. Fighters cannot expect the tanks to be around, and hence they won't be able to refuel. During Korean war and Vietnam war, American fighters had a significant disadvanage, that Mig Ally and Honoi were far away from allies' bases. When the American fightes engaged enemies, they had to watch their fuel level. If their fuel got low, they may not be able to return to friendly space.

Again F-22 ferry range is about 3200 km, and combat range is not.