Various kinds of ratings and tops were, are and will probably be quite popular. The same applies to military aircraft. Well, take at least the TOP 10 military aircraft and helicopters or the deadliest air force on the planet, etc. Of course, it is impossible to give any objective comparison in two or three paragraphs, or at least give a more or less complete description of the machine. However, this way of presenting information may just be interesting for someone. Below is the Top 10 US fighter aircraft according to The Washington Times. Which aircraft tops the list is not so difficult to guess. But which aircraft was described by former Australian Defense Force chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston back in 2004 as “the most remarkable fighter ever built”?
McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.
The McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, supersonic interceptor fighter-bomber aircraft originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. Entered service with the US Navy in 1960.
Proving to be highly adaptable, the aircraft was also adopted by the US Marine Corps and US Air Force, and by the mid-1960s became a major part of their air wings. (Approx. pro-samolet.ru. The term used in the Air Forces of various countries of the world denotes a relatively large aviation formation. For example, in the US Air Force, a wing is organizationally one step below the air armies and is the main organizational and tactical formation). The Phantom is a large fighter with a top speed of over Mach 2.2.
It is capable of carrying more than 18,000 pounds (8,400 kg) of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and various bombs. Like other interceptors of its time, the F-4 was designed without a built-in cannon. Later models were equipped with M61 Vulcan rotary-barrel aircraft cannons (approx.: 1 x 20 mm). Since 1959, he has set 15 world records, including an absolute speed record, an absolute altitude record (note: a flight altitude record of 30,040 meters, a speed record of 2585.425 km/h (November 22, 1961) and a low-altitude speed record - 1452 km/h, which lasted for 16 years).
F-4 Phantom II
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, by Robert G. Schmitt.
The F-4 was used extensively during the Vietnam War; it served as the primary air superiority fighter for the Navy and Air Force, and played an important role as an attack and reconnaissance aircraft late in the war. The Phantom has the distinction of being the last American fighter to achieve ace status in the 20th century. During the Vietnam War, the US Air Force had one pilot and two weapons systems operators and the US Navy had one pilot and one radar interception operator who scored five aerial victories over enemy aircraft, becoming air combat aces.
The F-4 continued to be the mainstay of military aviation throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but was gradually replaced by more modern aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 in the US Air Force; Grumman F-14 Tomcat - in the US Navy, F/A-18 Hornet in the US Navy and Marine Corps. But the F-4 Phantom II was used for a long time in reconnaissance and in the US Air Force unit “Wild Weasel” (anti-aircraft missile systems).
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Grumman F-14 Tomcat.
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat variable wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the US Navy under the VFX program following the demise of the F-111B project. The F-14 was the first American fighter aircraft that was developed based on the experience of air combat against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War.
The F-14 made its first flight in December 1970 and made its first deployment aboard the US Navy aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1974, replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. In the US Navy, the F-14 has served as the primary air superiority fighter, air defense interceptor and tactical reconnaissance aircraft. In 1990, the aircraft received a night low-altitude infrared navigation and targeting system (LANTIRN) and began operating against ground targets.
On September 22, 2006, the Tomcat was retired from US Navy service, being replaced by the Boeing F/A-18E and F Super Hornet. The F-14 aircraft, as of 2014, was only in service with the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it was exported in 1976, when the United States had friendly diplomatic relations with Iran. In this photo released by the U.S. Navy, an F-14D Tomcat from Fighter Squadron VF-31 flies past the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Atlantic Ocean on June 19, 2006.
F-14D Tomcat
An aircraft from fighter squadron VF-31, June 19, 2006.
Photo: US Navy, US Navy, Dale Miller.
For the past 30 years, the F-14 Tomcat has guaranteed American air superiority, playing a key role in securing victory and preserving world peace. The F-14 Tomcat aircraft was retired from service and officially retired in September 2006.
McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II
A/V-8B Harrier II The McDonnell Douglas.
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is the second generation single-engine attack aircraft of the Harrier family. The vertical take-off and landing (V/STOL) aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as an Anglo-American development of the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the world's first production vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Named after a bird of prey, the Lun primarily operates as a light attack or multi-role aircraft, carrying out missions ranging from close air support of ground forces to combat reconnaissance.
The AV-8B is used by the US Marine Corps, Spanish Navy and Italian Navy. A variant of the AV-8B, the British Harrier II, was developed for the British Army, while the other, the TAV-8B, is a two-seat trainer.
The project that ultimately led to the AV-8B began in the early 1970s as a joint effort between the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) to address the ongoing shortcomings of the first generation Harrier. Early efforts centered around a powerful updated Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, which would significantly improve the Harrier's capabilities. Due to budgetary constraints, the United Kingdom abandoned the project in 1975.
AV-8B Harrier II aircraft
US Marine Corps AV-8B.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, TSGT JUSTIN D. PYLE, USAF.
Following British failure, McDonnell Douglas extensively redesigned the earlier AV-8A Harriers to create the AV-8B. Maintaining the general layout of its predecessor, the aircraft received a new wing, a raised cockpit, a redesigned fuselage, an additional wing hardpoint, and other structural and aerodynamic improvements. The aircraft is equipped with an updated version of the Pegasus engine, which allows vertical takeoff and landing.
The AV-8B made its first flight in November 1981 and entered service with the US Marine Corps in January 1985. Subsequent upgrades added night attack capability and radar, resulting in the AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus, respectively. The larger version is called Harrier III.
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II.
The American single-seat attack aircraft Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, equipped with two engines, was developed by Fairchild-Republic in the early 1970s. The only US Air Force aircraft designed exclusively for close air support of ground forces; The A-10 was built to attack tanks, armored vehicles and other ground targets with limited air defenses.
The A-10's primary armament is the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary-barrel cannon, one of the most powerful artillery systems ever mounted on American aircraft. The A-10 airframe was designed with survivability-enhancing measures such as 200 pounds (540 kg) of titanium armor to protect the cockpit and systems, allowing the aircraft to continue flying after sustaining significant damage.
A-10 Thunderbolt II
An A-10 over Afghanistan, 2011.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. William Greer.
The A-10A was the only version produced in series production, but one aircraft was converted into the two-seat A-10B variant. In 2005, a program to upgrade the A-10A to the A-10C version was started. The A-10's official name comes from the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a World War II aircraft that was particularly effective in close air support.
The A-10 is better known by its nicknames "Warthog" or "Hog". It has the secondary mission of providing a forward air guidance post, directing attacks from other aircraft against ground targets. The aircraft used primarily for these missions are designated OA-10. Thanks to a variety of upgrades and wing replacements, the A-10's service life could be extended until 2028.
McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, twin-engine, all-weather, multi-role combat aircraft designed as a fighter and attack aircraft (designated F/A, i.e. Fighter/Attack). Developed by McDonnell-Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 is based on the YF-17 design for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other countries. The US Navy Blue Angels aerobatic team has operated Hornets since 1986.
The F/A-18 has a top speed of Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph or 1,915 km/h at an altitude of 40,000 feet or 12,190 meters). The aircraft is capable of carrying a variety of bombs and missiles, including air-to-air and air-to-ground, complemented by a 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon. It is powered by two F404 turbojet engines, which give the aircraft a high thrust-to-weight ratio. The F/A-18 has excellent aerodynamic characteristics, which is mainly explained by its (LEX) wing root flap (pro-samolet.ru note: the part of the aircraft wing protruding from the contour of the main trapezoid. Provides improved aerodynamic characteristics at high angles of attack, etc. .).
F/A-18B Hornet
Airplane landing on the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan.
US Navy photo by Senior Chief Photographer's Mate Mahlon K. Miller.
The fighter's primary missions are fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), air combat area isolation, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance. Its versatility and reliability proved its valuable contribution, although the aircraft was criticized for its lack of range and payload compared to its earlier contemporaries such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat in the fighter and strike role, the Grumman A-6 Intruder and the LTV A -7 Corsair II as attack aircraft.
The Hornet first saw combat in 1986 during Operation El Dorado Canyon, followed by Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Operation Iraqi Freedom). A further development of the F/A-18 Hornet was the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, an evolutionary design aircraft.
F-35 Lightning II
American fighter-bomber, commercially produced in 3 versions: a land-based aircraft with conventional take-off and landing, a model with a short take-off and vertical landing, and a carrier-based fighter. Structurally, they are 70-90% identical.
It can carry air-to-air missiles, cruise and anti-tank missiles, guided and cluster bombs, as well as guided aircraft. The F-35 Lightning II is capable of firing bombs and missiles at maximum speed. They are used not only in the USA, but also in England and Australia, Israel, Japan, Holland, Italy, Norway.
F-117 Night Hawk
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is a single-seat, twin-engine, stealth attack aircraft formerly operated by the United States Air Force. A Lockheed Skunk Works product and a further development of the base Have Blue model, the F-117 was the first combat aircraft built with stealth technology. The aircraft made its first flight in 1981, reaching initial operational status in October 1983.
The F-117 was “recognized” and shown to the world in November 1988 (approx.pro-samolet.ru: On November 10, 1988, the Pentagon issued a press release describing the history of the aircraft and released one retouched photograph. The first public display of two F-117 took place on April 21, 1990). The aircraft received wide publicity due to its role in the 1991 Gulf War. It was commonly referred to as a "stealth fighter", although it was exclusively an attack aircraft.
F-117 Nighthawk
F-117 plane over the Nevada desert.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II.
The F-117 saw action in Yugoslavia when one aircraft of the type was lost, shot down on March 27, 1999 by a surface-to-air missile. The F-117 was retired from Air Force service on April 22, 2008, primarily due to the adoption of the F-22 Raptor and the upcoming introduction of the multi-role F-35 Lightning II. 64 F-117 aircraft were built, of which 59 were production units and 5 were demonstrators/prototypes.
Sukhoi T-50 (Su-57)
One of the best models of the 21st century. The aircraft began service in 2022. The 5th generation fighter has excellent maneuverability and versatility. One of the advantages of the model is its stealth for detection in visible, infrared, radio waves and acoustically.
The aircraft is equipped with a 30-mm air cannon and new guided missiles made in Russia. In addition to them, fuel tanks and an targeting container can be attached to the fighter.
Fighters | USA
Bell YFM-1 Airacuda fighter
The aircraft was produced in 1939-1940 in three indistinguishable modifications. A total of 13 vehicles were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 14 m; height – 4.1 m; wingspan - 21.2 m; wing area – 63.5 m²; empty weight – 6.1 t, take-off weight – 9.7 t; engines - two Allison V-1710 with a power of 1,150 hp; rate of climb – 7.6 m/m; maximum speed – 430 km/h, cruising speed – 390 km/h; practical range – 1,200 km; practical ceiling – 9,300 m; armament - two 37-mm Madsen cannons, two 12.7-mm machine guns and two 7.62-mm machine guns, bomb load - 300 kg; crew - 5.
Bell P-39 Airacobra fighter
The Airacobra aircraft was produced in 1940-1944. The aircraft was a single-seat, single-engine, all-metal cantilever monoplane with a low wing and a three-post landing gear. The engine was located behind the cockpit. Torque from the engine was transmitted to the propeller through a shaft passing through the cockpit and the entire forward part of the fuselage. A total of 9.6 thousand vehicles were produced in the following modifications: P-39C (basic version), P-39D (with 1,150-horsepower engine and 37 mm cannon), P-39D-1 (with 20 mm cannon), P-39D-2 (with 1,325 hp engine), P-39F (1,150 hp), R-39K (1,325 hp), R-39L (1,325 hp), R-39M (1,200 hp), R-39N (1,200 hp) and R-39Q (1,200 hp). The fighter was supplied to the UK and the USSR (4.5 thousand units). Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 9.2 m; height – 3.8 m; wingspan - 10.4 m; wing area – 19.9 m²; empty weight – 2.6 t, take-off weight – 3.6 t; engines - two Allison V-1710 with a power of 1,150-1,325 hp; rate of climb - 14.4 m/s; fuel tank volume – 455 l; maximum speed - 585 - 605 km/h, cruising speed - 528 - 548 km/h; practical range – 990 – 1,700 km; practical ceiling – 9,600 – 10,600 m; run length - 300 m, run length - 350 m; armament - 20-mm or 37-mm cannon, two to four 12.7-mm Browning M-2 machine guns and four 7.62-mm machine guns; bomb load - 230 kg; crew – 1 person.
Bell P-63 Kingcobra fighter
The fighter was produced on the basis of the P-39 Airacobra in 1944-1945. ordered by the USSR (2,397 vehicles delivered). It differed from its predecessor in its new wing design, reinforced landing gear, and elongated rear fuselage. A total of 3.3 thousand vehicles were produced in the following modifications: R-63A, R-63-S and R-63E. The aircraft was also used in France (300 delivered). Vehicle performance characteristics: length - 10 m; height – 3.2 m; wingspan - 11.6 m; wing area – 20.8 m²; empty weight – 2.9 t, take-off weight – 4.8 t; engine – V-12 Allison V-1710 with a power of 1,325 – 1,500 hp; fuel tank volume - 405 l; rate of climb – 19 m/s; maximum speed – 657 km/h, cruising speed – 608 km/h; practical range – 870 – 3540 km; practical ceiling – 11,900 m; armament - 37 mm M-4 cannon, four 12.7 mm Browning M-2 machine guns; bomb load - 0.7 t; crew – 1 person.
Fighter Boeing P-26 Peashooter
The aircraft was produced in 1934-1936. It was a single-seat all-metal monoplane with an open cockpit. A total of 151 cars were produced. The aircraft was also used in China and the Philippines. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 7.2 m; height – 3 m; wingspan – 8.5 m; wing area – 13.9 m²; empty weight – 1 t, take-off weight – 1.5 t; engine – Pratt & Whitney R-1340 600 hp; rate of climb – 719 m/m; maximum speed – 377 km/h, cruising speed – 320 km/h; practical range – 580 km; practical ceiling – 8,300 m; armament - two 12.7 mm machine guns or 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns; bomb load - 90 kg; crew – 1 person.
Curtiss-Wright CW-21 Demon fighter
The aircraft was produced in 1939-1940. based on the CW-19 training aircraft. It had a retractable landing gear with a tail wheel. A total of 62 vehicles were produced on order from China and the Netherlands in two modifications: CW-21A and CW-21B. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 8 m; height – 2.6 m; wingspan - 10.7 m; wing area – 16.2 m²; empty weight – 1.5 t, take-off weight – 2 t; engine - Wright R-1820-G5 Cyclon with 1,000 hp; rate of climb – 1,370 m/m; maximum speed – 505 km/h, cruising speed – 454 km/h; practical range – 1,000 km; practical ceiling – 10,400 m; armament - 12.7 mm machine gun and three 7.62 mm machine guns; crew – 1 person.
Curtiss P-36 Hawk fighter
The aircraft was developed and produced in 1938-1942. A total of 1.3 thousand cars were produced. The aircraft was also used in the UK (under the designation Mohawk), France (Curtiss 75-C1) and Finland (Curtiss Hawk 75A-3). Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 8.7 m; height – 2.6 m; wingspan - 11.4 m; wing area – 21.9 m²; empty weight – 2.1 t, take-off weight – 2.7 t; engine – R-1830 Twin Wasp with a power of 1,050 hp; rate of climb – 17 m/s; maximum speed – 500 km/h, cruising speed – 432 km/h; practical range – 1,300 km; practical ceiling – 9,900 m; armament - 12.7 mm Browning M-2 machine gun and 7.62 mm Browning M1919 machine gun; bomb load - 90 kg; crew – 1 person.
Fighter Curtiss P-40 Warhawk/ Tomahawk/ Kittyhawk
The fighter was produced on the basis of the P-36 Hawk in 1939-1944. The aircraft was a single-seat, single-engine, all-metal cantilever monoplane. The monocoque fuselage and low wing were covered with aluminum alloy skin, the rudders and ailerons were covered with fabric. A total of 13.7 thousand vehicles were produced in 19 modifications (XP-40, P-40, P-40A, P-40B (Tomahawk IIA), P-40C (Tomahawk IIB), P-40D (Kittyhawk Mk-Is), P-40A, P-40E (P-40E-1), P-40F and P-40LP-40G, RP-40G, P-40K, P-40M, P-40N, P-40P, XP-40Q, P -47Ds and P-51Ds, P-40R, RP-40, TP-40, Twin P-40). The aircraft was used in 26 countries, incl. and in the USSR (2.2 thousand units). Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 9.7 m; height – 3.8 m; wingspan - 11.4 m; wing area – 21.9 m²; empty weight – 2.9 t, take-off weight – 4 t; engine – Allison V-1710 with a power of 1,150 hp; rate of climb - 11 m/s; maximum speed – 580 km/h, cruising speed – 435 km/h; practical range – 1,100 – 2,200 km; practical ceiling – 8,800 m; run length - 300 m, run length - 350 m; armament - six 12.7 mm Browning M-2 machine guns; bomb load - 0.9 t; crew – 1 person.
Lockheed P-38 fighter
Lockheed P-38E fighter
Lockheed P-38F fighter
Lockheed P-38G fighter
Lockheed P-38H fighter
Lockheed P-38J fighter
Lockheed P-38L fighter
Lockheed P-38L-5 fighter
Lockheed P-38M fighter
The heavy twin-engine fighter "Lightning" was also produced by "Vultee" in 1941-1945. It had a three-fuselage design. The side fuselages housed the rear landing gear and two turbochargers. The pilot's cabin was located in the central gondola, where there was also a bow machine-gun battery and a front wheel stand. The vehicle had an all-metal structure, including the trim of the rudders and ailerons. A total of 10 thousand vehicles were produced in nine serial modifications: P-38, P-38E, P-38F, P-38G, P-37H, P-38J, P-38L, P-38L-5, P-38M, which differed in installed equipment and equipment. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 11.5 m; height – 3.9 m; wingspan - 15.9 m; wing area – 30.5 m²; empty weight - 5.3 - 5.8 tons, take-off weight - 7 - 9.8 tons; engines - two Allison V-1710 with a power of 1,150 - 1,600 hp; rate of climb – 24 m/s; volume of fuel tanks - 1.1 - 1.6 thousand liters; maximum speed - 620 - 670 km/h, cruising speed - 460 - 520 km/h; practical range – 725 – 3,200 km; practical ceiling – 11,800 – 13,400 m; armament - 20-mm or 37-mm cannon, four 12.7-mm Browning M-2 machine guns and; bomb load - 1.8 tons or 10 HVAR missiles; crew – 1 person.
North American Mustang P-51A fighter
North American Mustang P-51B fighter
North American Mustang P-51С fighter
North American Mustang P-51D fighter
North American Mustang P-51K fighter
North American Mustang P-51Н fighter
A single-seat long-range (escort) fighter was produced in 1941-1945. The aircraft was developed to order from Great Britain, where it received the designation “Mustang Mk-I – Mk-IV”. A total of 16.8 thousand vehicles were produced in the following modifications: P-51 (with a 1,100-horsepower engine), P-51A (1,325 hp), P-51B (1,430 hp), R- 51С - (analogous to the P-51B, produced in Dallas), P-51D (1,750 hp, six 12.7 mm machine guns), P-51K (with an engine of 1,750 hp and 3.3- meter propeller) and R-51N (with a 2,218-horsepower engine). Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length - 9.8 m; height – 4.6 m; wingspan - 11.3 m; wing area – 21.8 m²; empty weight - 2.9 - 3.5 tons, take-off weight - 3.9 - 5.5 tons; engine – Allison V-1710/Packard V-1650 with a power of 1,200 - 2,218 hp; volume of fuel tanks – 1 – 1.8 thousand liters; rate of climb – 9.7 – 27.2 m/s; maximum speed - 570 - 780 km/h, cruising speed - 580 km/h; practical range - 1,500 - 3,200 km; practical ceiling – 13,400 m; armament - four to six 12.7 mm Browning machine guns; bomb load - 0.9 t or 10 HVAR missiles; crew – 1 person.
Northrop P-61-A Black Widow fighter
Northrop P-61-B fighter
Northrop P-61-C fighter
The heavy night fighter was produced since 1944. It was a cantilever mid-wing aircraft of an all-metal structure, built according to a two-beam design. The landing gear is tricycle, retractable, with a nose strut. The fighter was equipped with a search and targeting radar. A total of 742 vehicles were produced in the following modifications: R-61A (215 vehicles produced), R-61B (450 vehicles) and R-61S (41 vehicles). Vehicle performance characteristics: length - 15.1 m; height – 4.5 m; wingspan - 20.1 m; wing area – 61.5 m²; empty weight - 10.7 tons, take-off weight - 16.4 tons; engines - two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-65/73 with a power of 2,250 - 2,800 hp; volume of fuel tanks – 2.4 thousand liters; rate of climb – 12.9 m/s; maximum speed - 590-690 km/h, cruising speed - 430 - 450 km/h; practical range – 670 – 2,200 km; practical ceiling – 10,600 – 12,500 m; armament - four 20-mm cannons and four 12.7-mm Browning M-2 machine guns; bomb load - 1.5 - 2.9 tons and 6 HVAR missiles; crew - 2 - 3 people.
Republic P-43 Lancer fighter
The aircraft was produced in 1941-1942. based on the R-35. The aircraft was a single-engine, all-metal cantilever monoplane with a low wing. A total of 273 cars were produced. The aircraft were also used in Australia, Great Britain and China. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 8.7 m; height – 4.3 m; wingspan – 11 m; wing area – 20.7 m²; empty weight – 2.6 t, take-off weight – 3.6 t; engine – Pratt Whitney R-1830 with a power of 1,200 hp; maximum speed – 560 km/h; practical range – 1,280 km; practical ceiling – 11,600 m; armament - two 12.7 mm Browning M-3 machine guns and two 7.62 mm machine guns; crew – 1 person.
Republic Thunderbolt P-47 D fighter
Republic Thunderbolt P-47 G fighter
Republic Thunderbolt XP-47 K fighter
Republic Thunderbolt P-47M fighter
Republic Thunderbolt XP-47N fighter
The fighter-bomber was produced in 1942-1945. It was a cantilever all-metal low-wing aircraft with fabric covering of the control surfaces and a retractable tricycle landing gear with a tail wheel. A total of 15.7 thousand vehicles were produced in the following versions: R-47B (basic version), R-47S (with a 2,300-horsepower engine), R-47D (main production version), R-47G (analogous to the R-47D, built by Curtiss-Wright), XP-47K (with shortened rear fuselage), XP-47L (with increased fuel tank capacity), P-47M (high-speed version), XP-47N (with reinforced wing), P-47N (with 2,800 horsepower engine). The USSR received 203 P-47D vehicles under Lend-Lease. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 11 – 13 m; height – 4.5 m; wingspan - 11 - 12.4 m; wing area – 27.9 – 30 m²; empty weight - 4.5 - 5 tons, take-off weight - 7.9 - 10.2 tons; engine - Pratt & Whitney R-2800 with a power of 2300 - 2800 hp; volume of fuel tanks – 2.1 – 3.7 thousand liters; rate of climb – 780 – 847 m/s; maximum speed - 690 - 750 km/h, cruising speed - 387 km/h; practical range – 3,000 km; practical ceiling – 12,400 – 13,100 m; run length – 1,400 m, run length – 400 m; armament - eight 12.7 mm Browning machine guns; bomb load - 1.1 - 1.4 tons; crew – 1 person.
Seversky P-35 fighter
The aircraft was produced in 1937-1941. It was a single-seat all-metal monoplane with retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit. A total of 136 vehicles were produced. The aircraft was delivered to Sweden under the designation J-9. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 8.2 m; height – 3 m; wingspan – 11 m; wing area – 20.4 m²; empty weight – 2.1 t, take-off weight – 4 t; engine – R-1830-45 with a power of 1,050 hp; rate of climb – 585 m/m, maximum speed – 500 km/h, cruising speed – 418 km/h; practical range – 1,500 km; practical ceiling – 9,600 m; armament - two 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M-2 machine guns and two 7.62 mm Colt-Browning machine guns; bomb load - 160 kg; crew – 1 person.
Vultee P-66 Vanguard fighter
The fighter was produced in 1940-1942.
ordered by China (129 vehicles delivered). It was an all-metal low-wing aircraft with a semi-monocoque fuselage. The wing, which consisted of a center section and detachable consoles, carried mechanization: flaps and ailerons with hydraulic drive. The main landing gear folded into the center section towards the fuselage. The tail wheel was retracted under the doors. A total of 146 vehicles were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 8.7 m; height – 2.9 m; wingspan – 11 m; wing area – 18.3 m²; empty weight – 2.4 t, take-off weight – 3.3 t; engine – Pratt & Whitney R-1830 with a power of 1,200 hp; rate of climb – 10.4 m/s; volume of fuel tanks – 908 l; maximum speed – 547 km/h, cruising speed – 467 km/h; practical range – 1,500 km; practical ceiling – 8,500 m; armament - two 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns and four 7.62 mm machine guns; crew – 1 person. Share to:
Eurofighter Typhoon
This is a unique model in its own way; it is produced by the European Aviation Consortium in 4 versions; contractors produce parts not only for their own aircraft, but also for all others. It is mass-produced (about 500 units produced) and put into service in 9 countries. Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4th generation multi-purpose aircraft.
When developing the design, advanced achievements in aircraft construction were used, for example, a digital fly-by-wire system that controls the flight and is integrated with the engine control system. Thanks to the system, the fighter is stable and maneuverable. The Eurofighter Typhoon has been used in almost all NATO operations.
F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor is a 5th generation multirole fighter. Performs tasks: combating enemy aircraft, covering troops and rear facilities from air strikes. Must counter aerial reconnaissance around the clock, in normal and adverse weather conditions.
The device is characterized by increased survivability due to reduced visibility (Stealth technology). The weapons are located in the internal compartments, which also allows you to achieve the same goal. However, the ammunition can also be installed on external slings. This reduces stealth but increases the aircraft's versatility.
Dassault Rafale
Fighter in French service, developed by Dassault Aviation. Available in three versions. It is in service with the French Air Force and Navy, and is operated in Egypt, India and Qatar. It was used in the war in Afghanistan since 2001, in the war with Libya (in 2011, small groups of fighters were involved in air patrols and also carried out combat missions - striking enemy military targets).
Dassault Rafales were used in operations against the Islamic State in 2015-2016.
F-15E Strike Eagle
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle.
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weather multi-role fighter aircraft based on the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The F-15E was designed in the 1980s to operate over long range, high-speed air patrols without relying on escorts or electronic warfare aircraft.
The US Air Force's F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other American Eagle variants by their darker camouflage and drop-down fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes. Strike Eagles have operated in military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. During these operations, F-15Es carried out deep strikes against high-value targets, conducted airborne combat patrols, and provided close air support to coalition forces. F-15E Strike Eagles have operated in subsequent conflicts and are also exported to a number of countries.
F-15E Strike Eagle
In the skies over Afghanistan on November 7, 2008.
US Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
Multifunctional American light fighter of the latest generation. Due to its versatility and relatively low production costs and ease of maintenance, it is considered the most widespread device of this type. By mid-2022, 4,604 examples had been produced.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is in service in 25 countries. By 2019, the F-16 became the leader in prevalence among sick aircraft. The modernized model is still being produced for export to other countries, in particular to Slovakia, Bulgaria, Bahrain.
This is the first aircraft model designed to perform maneuvers at 9 g and fly at supersonic speeds. The design incorporates some innovations.
Since the Wright brothers first flew at Kitty Hawk, the United States has been one of the leaders in the field of aircraft manufacturing. This legacy continues today as America remains one of the largest manufacturers and operators of top-notch fighter aircraft. Let's take a look at the 14 best American fighter jets currently used by the US military.
With contractors like McDonnell Douglas, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and the fact that some important people in government who are deliberately increasing military spending, it is not difficult to create the best fighter of the future.
Whatever the reason, there's no denying that America is replacing its fighter jets faster and more frequently than most countries. For example, Japan, whose military budget is the eighth largest in the world, still maintains several McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs in its air force.
America, by contrast, spends more than the next eight militaries combined, which - among other social factors - is helping to replace the old F-4s with the most formidable and best fighters.
Another thing that demonstrates this discrepancy is the size of the US Air Force and Navy fleets. How many fighter jets does the US have? It's hard to find exact data on the fighter jets themselves, but the US military has about 13,000 aircraft and approximately 3,000 aircrew.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the aircraft that rank among the best modern US fighters.
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
Few aircraft are more iconic than the McDonnell Douglas F-15. Since the 70s, it has been practically synonymous with “fighter” in the minds of most Americans, and for good reason.
This doesn't mean that the F-15 is the latest fighter on our list - on the contrary, this decades-old aircraft is one of the oldest. However, its continued use is a testament to how robust and reliable this old reagent remains.
The F-15 has been sold to allies such as Israel and Japan, as well as other countries such as Saudi Arabia. He proved extremely successful, with no combat losses and a long and distinguished service record, particularly in the American and Israeli Air Forces.
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
A variant of the classic F-15, the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle was first introduced in 1989. This two-seat update of the classic jet is capable of operating in all visibility and weather conditions, continuing its reputation for versatility.
The F-15E Strike Eagle was designed to operate in a dual mode: it performs just as well in air-to-air missions against other aircraft as it does in air-to-ground missions.
This double update is also important. Having an additional pilot can be incredibly useful for obtaining radar readings, selecting targets, and assisting with other important in-flight tasks.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
This is another fighter that has a long history of operation. It first entered service in 1979. During this time, it became another staple of the US Air Force and Navy, and today there are more than 1,000 aircraft.
This is another versatile aircraft that can perform a variety of missions. Like the F-15 and its Strike Eagle upgrade, it was often used for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
What helps distinguish the F-16 Fighting Falcon is that it is also capable of electronic attack, a capability that is becoming increasingly valuable in our ever-changing, electrically dependent world.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor, a much newer addition to the Air Force's roster, was first adopted by the military in 2005. The Air Force has designated the fighter as part of its fifth-generation weaponry.
One of the most distinctive features of this jet is that it is able to maintain low visibility, hiding from other aircraft and giving it a distinct advantage.
Production of the F-22 ceased in 2011, although it remains a vital part of the Air Force's roster. Not as many of them were built as the venerable F-15 and F-16 models, the total number of F-22s produced is 195 units.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II
This stealth fighter has a long and sometimes complicated production history. It had some serious issues during testing, ranging from battery issues to difficulty in adverse weather conditions to problems with its stealth features.
This led to long production delays, not to mention the billions spent fixing these problems. Fortunately, many of these problems have been resolved, and the F-35 is finally entering service.
The Israeli Air Force placed a fairly large order for these new fighters and was the first country to deploy them to Syria in May 2022. The US used them in airstrikes against ISIS in 2019.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
We now switch from fighter jets used by the US Air Force to those flown by the Navy. The F-18 Hornet was first produced by McDonnell Douglas in the mid-70s, although Boeing has also taken up production since the mid-90s.
It is an aircraft that has been used extensively in US combat operations in the Middle East over the past couple of decades, playing a key role in air offensives during the Gulf War and the Iraq War.
Its durability is largely due to its versatility. The F-19 Hornet is designed and performs in various phases of its combat mission, everything from reconnaissance to close air support to suppression and attack on opposing forces.
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
As you might guess, this is a variant of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. It is capable of longer missions thanks to its external fuel system. It also lives up to the "super" part of its name, being significantly larger than the standard F-18 Hornet.
It first entered service with the US Air Force in 2001 and entered service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 2010. The US Navy placed an order with Boeing for 78 more aircraft in March 2019.
Like its predecessor, the F-18 Super Hornet has seen repeated combat in the Middle East and has been used in strikes against ISIS. The F-18 Super Hornet is a carrier-based fighter, as evidenced by the strikes in the Middle East launched from the USS George H. W. Bush.
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Since publicly available information about modern American fighter aircraft is understandably limited, this is where we begin to look at jet trainers and those smaller than today's ones. F-14 Tomcats are both.
Although the F-18 Super Hornet has replaced the F-14 Tomcat in active duty, they remain valuable as training aircraft. Moreover, although the US Navy retired them in 2006, they are still in use by Iran, to which the US has sold several units.
During service in the US Navy they were used as interceptors. However, in order to extend their life, improvement plans were developed for their ground attack capabilities.
Boeing T-45 Goshawk
This is another aircraft that started life as a McDonnell Douglas creation, but production was later transferred to Boeing. This is also another fighter that is well past its prime but lives on as a trainer.
The T-45 Goshawk entered service back in 1991, and remains an active part of the US Navy, albeit primarily as a training capability. Like the F-18, it was designed as an aircraft that could be used on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
Over the fighter's entire service life, several variants were produced. These include the T-45A, a two-seat version also used by the US Marines, and the T-45C, an upgraded version with a glass cockpit and other additions that currently serves as the model for the T-45.
Northrop F-5
Like the F-45 Goshawk, the Northrop F-5 is a jet trainer used to get new Navy pilots up to speed. This is a real plane from the past; it first flew in its original form back in 1959.
Needless to say, it has undergone several modifications since then, and its Tiger II redesign became the basis for the models still in use today. Variants A, B, C, D, E and F were also produced. In between, several thousand F-5s were produced. Of these, about 500 remain in service as training aircraft.
The fighters served during the Vietnam War. Some of them were captured during the fall of Saigon, after which the Khmer Rouge were able to use a small number of them in individual operations.
Northrop T-38 Talon
The Northrop F-5 has left a lasting mark on Northrop's fighter history, and the T-38 Talon continues that. Like its predecessor, it served as a light jet that was then used for training missions.
The T-38 was also notable for helping to spur the development of fighter aircraft technology. This is important because of the long-term impact the F-5 family of fighters will have on future aircraft. The F/A-18 owes some of its design to the F-5 and by extension the T-38.
A derivative of the F-5, it remains one of the longest-serving aircraft in the US Air Force, with a total service life of 50 years. Pilots from other NATO countries also take part in joint training.
Northrop YF-17 Cobra
The Northrop YF-17 is an aircraft that never saw combat, but rather served as one of the prototypes that was so influential in developing the technologies needed to create the F-18 Hornet.
Only two were produced. Northrop entered them into the US Air Force's Light Fighter program, a competition for aircraft designers. They lost out to the prototype of what would become the F-16.
However, any progress is welcome, and the emphasis on light weight and maneuverability that was present in this model spurred long-term design changes that helped make the F-18 a success.
Boeing T-7 Red Hawk TX
Now we move from the past to the prototype future. The Boeing F-7 Red Hawk TX is a two-seat fighter aircraft that Boeing built from the ground up, independent of previous models. It is conceived as a new generation fighter trainer. The T-7A Red Hawk was the first aircraft to be developed using digital engineering.
Boeing indicates that the use of digital engineering has improved the quality of the initial design by 75%. Build time has been reduced by 80% and software development and testing by 50%.
As you can see from this list, Boeing and Northrop have something of a rivalry when it comes to developing fighter jet training prototypes. Since the latter recently received a contract for bombers.
There is still a lot of work to be done on the model, the release date is scheduled for 2023. The appearance of the finished product is sure to be the subject of speculation and rumors in aviation circles in the coming years.
Boeing EA-18G Growler
As discussed above with the F-16 Fighting Falcon, electronic warfare is becoming increasingly important. However, like other F-16 models, the Fighting Falcon is an older fighter.
A potential long-term replacement could be the Boeing EA-18G Growler. It is also designed to utilize electronic warfare capabilities. The model first flew in 2006, entered the US Air Force in 2009 and is still in military service.
Moreover, other countries have taken notice. The Royal Australian Air Force has placed an order for the Boeing EA-18G Growler. American EA-18G Growlers were involved in military operations in Libya in 2011.
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MiG-35
Russian-made multifunctional aircraft, 4++ generation light fighter. Its purpose is to establish air supremacy and deliver precise strikes against surface and above-ground targets in a zone beyond the reach of enemy air defenses.
The MiG-35 was obtained as a result of modernization of previous generations of this aircraft. Performance characteristics have been improved and combat effectiveness and versatility have been increased.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Swedish-made multi-role aircraft. Can be an attack aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, fighter, interceptor. The aircraft has the ability to take off from insufficiently prepared airfields; a short takeoff can be used. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is easy to maintain, simple to operate, and optimized for combat in the conditions of your country.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen are armed with the air forces of Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand, and South Africa. One two-seater is used by the British ETPS flying school to train test pilots.
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
The design of this model is redesigned from the F/A-18. This is an attack aircraft and bomber capable of launching from the deck of an aircraft carrier. It is in service with the United States and Australia; Kuwait placed an order for Super Hornet aircraft; the manufacturing company is also promoting them to the Central European market - the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
Fighters perform important functions and are therefore considered elite aircraft in the air force. They are constantly being improved, participating in training flights, combat operations and air shows.
The best wartime fighters
During World War II, fighter aircraft were produced in the thousands, and some models even in the tens of thousands. During fierce battles, most of them died, and only a few survivors have been turned into museum exhibits today.
MiG-3
Flight of the restored MiG-3 fighter
In 1941, the only Soviet fighter that was faster than German combat vehicles was the MiG-3. This aircraft was created for use at high altitude: it was there that it could reveal all its advantages and accelerate to 640 kilometers per hour. But the main air battles on the Soviet-German front took place at medium or even low altitudes, where the MiG immediately became heavier and rather clumsy.
Another obvious drawback of the Soviet fighter was its weak armament - only one large-caliber and two conventional machine guns. All this led to the fact that already in 1942 MiGs stopped appearing at the front. It must be said that one of the best fighter pilots of the Second World War, Alexander Pokryshkin, highly appreciated this aircraft, believing that with skillful piloting it was a formidable weapon.
The MiG-3 was distinguished by a fairly high level of manufacturability and maintainability, which allowed these fighters to survive until the end of the war. They were mainly used in air defense aviation.
Messerschmitt Bf.109
Messerschmitt Bf.109 taxiing. The wing niches for the landing gear are clearly visible
By the end of the war, the Messerschmitt Bf.109, created back in 1935, was frankly outdated, however, from 1939 to 1942 it was the best fighter in the world. The mere appearance of the Messers in the air already made pilots from all countries of the anti-Hitler coalition nervous.
The main “trump card” of the Bf.109 was vertical maneuver. The German aces who flew this fighter tried to deliver sudden and quick strikes from above, and then escape from pursuit at high speed. In horizontal maneuver, the Messer was not so good, but it was difficult for Soviet aircraft to impose their own battle conditions, since they were inferior in speed.
As we know, in the end there was little left of the Luftwaffe, and the war ended in Berlin, but the memory of the deadly German fighter remains to this day. The Bf.109 remains perhaps the most famous military aircraft that has ever existed.
P-38 Lightning
A pair of P-38 Lightnings fly over California
Twin-engine heavy fighters were in service with various countries participating in World War II. In the USSR it was the Pe-3, in Germany - the Bf.110, in Britain - the Mosquito, but the best of all was the American P-38 Lightning. Its success was so significant that the newest F-35 Lightning II received its name in memory of this aircraft.
True, in the European theater of operations, the achievements of the P-38 were not so significant. Their own losses here amounted to 1,750 aircraft, while the number of enemy aircraft destroyed in battle reached two and a half thousand. However, the war was also waged in the Pacific Ocean, and there the Lightning’s advantage was quite obvious. Two engines ensured reliable flights over long distances over the sea, and powerful weapons and very good speed made it possible to count on victory in any aerial duel.
It should be noted that this aircraft was multi-purpose and was successfully used as a reconnaissance aircraft, bomber and even an ambulance. The most famous, however, are aerial victories, for example, the interception of a bomber on which Japanese Admiral Yamamoto was flying. The P-38s attacked and destroyed first the covering fighters and then the main target, resulting in the death of one of Japan's best military leaders.
Mitsubishi A6M Zero
Japanese light fighter Mitsubishi A6M Zero
Before the outbreak of World War II, the American military did not consider Japanese aviation a serious adversary, believing that the Land of the Rising Sun did not have the technology to allow it to build an effective fighter. The attack on Pearl Harbor and subsequent events showed how erroneous these judgments were.
After the first collisions in the air, it became clear that the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters have approximately the same speed as the American F4F Wildcat, but at the same time have a huge advantage in maneuverability. Getting involved with “Zero” in a classic battle on turns meant committing suicide.
The Japanese fighter was made as light as possible, which sharply reduced the load on the wing and made it possible to make turns of a minimum radius. In addition, the American pilots were strongly impressed by the Zero's huge combat radius - about one and a half thousand kilometers - two and a half times greater than that of US carrier-based fighters.
The disadvantage of the Japanese aircraft was its vulnerability: it could be shot down with just a few hits from a machine gun. In addition, the Zero cannons carried only 60 rounds of ammunition, which forced the pilots to fire very sparingly.
