[–] DingleMyCringle 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
Happens when you're carrying a literal ton of bombs that add drag and weight. To generate more lift more air must move over the wings. Also many fighter, bomber, and fighter/bomber wings are not optimized for lift, but for speed, maneuverability, and/or stealth.
A fully laden fighter/bomber can still climb without afterburners. Also, I found this thread where someone said they watched fully laden planes takeoff with and without afterburners, as if indicating it's the pilot's choice.
I think it's likely that many pilots want to gain altitude as quickly as possible, and/or maximize the amount of runway they have for aborted takeoffs.
[–] HoneyNutStallmans 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
So they could've bombed them this whole time???!!!