MY FAVORITE MILITARY AIRCRAFT

In my opinion the aircraft represented below are some of the best military aircraft this world has ever seen. They are truly unique in the roles that they have played while in combat missions all over the world. However, there are other countries that do have very fine aircraft as well. The "MIG 29" being one of my all time favorites. I hope that all you aircraft buffs out there enjoy this page. Please let me know what you think. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Check back from time to time. I will be adding additional pages on aircraft including non-military types such as stunt planes, bi-planes, etc.

The F-14 began carrier trials in June 1972. The initial deployment with the fleet began in October 1972.

It's Phoenix missiles have hit targets at ranges of over 100 miles, and altitudes ranging from 50 feet to over 16 miles (80,000 feet).

It contains the ultimate in air combat systems, with radar that can track enemy targets and attack six different threats at the same time at varied altitudes and distances.

If pushed to the limit, it can reach speeds in excess of Mach 2. The wings are moved by a central computer without the pilot having to control it. This is a feature that is invaluable in air combat situations because it optimizes aircraft performance for various flight conditions.

The AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missile can be carried by the F-14 for short-range dogfights. The AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile is carried for medium-range combat. The F-14 also has a 20 mm cannon.

• Classification: Multi-Role Fighter
• Missions: Interceptor; Air to Air; Reconnaissance
• First flight: December 21, 1970 (original F-14A model)
• Engine: Two 93KN (20,900 ST with after burning). Pratt and Whitney TF30-P-4128 turbo fans
• Performance: Maximum speed (high altitude): Mach 1.88 * Maximum speed (sea level): Mach 1.2 * Combat radius: 217 Miles (interception radius)
• Ceiling: 53,000'
• Weights: Empty: 41,780 lbs. * Maximum: 74,349 lbs.
• Wing Span: 64' 1 1/2" (Unswept) * 38' 2 1/2" (Swept)
• Length: 61' 11"
• Height: 16'
• Weapons: 20 mm internal cannon; various air to air missiles
• Crew: Two=One pilot; one weapon systems operator

This aircraft is well known for it's night fighting capabilities, especially during the Gulf War. They really paid off.

Marine pilots were able to attack targets that tried to hide under the cover of darkness by using night vision goggles and infrared tracking systems. They took out artillery guns and vehicles that tried to move at night.

The Hornet can accelerate from 535 mph to 1,060 mph in under 2 minutes at the altitude of 35,000 feet. It is flown by both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy.

The F/A-18 was originally called the YF-17 and was built to compete against the YF-16 for a US Air Force fighter contract. The YF-17 lost the competition to the predecessor of the F-16. In 1975, the US Navy held a competition for a new multi-role fighter. The YF-17 won this competition. The YF-17 was the basis for the F/A-18.

The US Marine Corps were the first to begin using the F/A-18 followed soon by the US Navy. It is also in service in other foreign countries including Canada.

• Classification: Multi-Mission Strike Fighter
• Missions: Air to Air; Ground Attack; Anti-Ship, Close Air Support; Anti-Radar Attack
• First Flight: November 18, 1978
• Engine: Two 16,000 lb. thrust General Electric F404-400 after burning turbo fans
• Performance: Maximum speed (high altitude): Mach 1.7 or 1,189 mph * Combat Radius: 405 miles (fighter mission) or 575 miles (attack mission)
• Ceiling: Excess of 50,000'
• Weight: Empty=21,830 lbs * Maximum=51,900 lbs
• Dimensions: Wing span=37' 6" * Length=56' * Height=15' 3"
• Weapons: 20 mm internal cannon; various air-to-air missiles; laser guided and cluster bombs; anti-radiation missile; anti-ship missiles
• Crew: One pilot

Over 3,000 of them have been delivered to the United States Air Force and a lot of foreign countries have purchased the planes for their air forces.

In all 249 US Air Force F-16's were sent to the Persian Gulf and flew 13,500 missions. This was the most of any of the aircraft operating in Desert Storm.

This plane combines advanced technology at a low cost with exceptional maneuverability and a mission radius of over 500 nautical miles. It's superior weapons deliver accuracy and excellent self-defense capabilities.

The F-16 was originally designed for air-to-air combat. However, as the aircraft evolved, it took on additional roles of close air support and tactical striking.

The F-16 is still being built and is used in several roles with the United States Air Force.

• Classification: Fighter/Attack
• Missions: Air to Air; Ground Attack; Close Air Support; Anti-Radar Attack; Reconnaissance
• First flight: January 20, 1975 (original YF-16 model)
• Engine: One 28,982 lb thrust General Electric F110-GE-100 after burning turbofan
• Performance: Maximum speed (high altitude): Mach 2 * Maximum speed (sea level): Mach 1.2 * Combat radius: 360 miles
• Weight: Empty=18,238 lbs * Maximum=42,300 lbs
• Dimensions: Wing span: 32' 8" * Length: 49' 5" * Height: 16' 8"
• Weapons: 20 mm internal cannon; various air to air missiles; laser guided and cluster bombs; anti-radiation missile
• Crew: One pilot

The first F-15's were the F-15A models. It's fighting capability was improved in the F-15C model. The F-15C had improved fuel capacity, improved radar, and was compatible with the Fuel and Sensor Tactical (FAST) packs. The FAST packs allowed the F-15C to carry added fuel or sensor equipment (camera, infrared-red equipment, radar warning receivers, etc.)

In 1980, the F-15E version became operational. It was an all weather strike fighter with a new radar system and specialized avionics for ground attacks. In addition, it had two seats-one for the pilot and one for the weapons system operator.

The F-15E Eagle is the front-line air fighter for the United States Air Force. The F-15 Eagle added to its reputation as a devastating night stalker during the Gulf War where it was used to hunt SCUD missiles at night. Using laser systems it took out hard targets and attacked armored vehicles, tanks, and military.

The F-15 is known for its ability to fly deep behind enemy lines at night or in bad weather and strike high-priority targets with pinpoint accuracy. It's Hughes APG-63 multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar makes the F-15 capable of tracking targets from a range up to 100 miles away. It can navigate over rough terrain at altitudes as low as 200 feet, at a speed of almost 600 mph using its LANTRIMcj, or Low Level Navigation and Targeting System.

• Classification: Air Superiority; Tactical Interdiction
• Missions: Air Superiority; Anti-Satellite; Tactical Ground Strike
• First flight:: July 27, 1972
• Engine: Two 23,450 lb thrust Pratt and Whitney F100-100 after burning turbofans
• Performance: Maximum speed (high altitude): Mach 2.5 or 1,650 mph * Maximum speed (sea level): Mach 1.2 or 950 mph * Combat radius: 500 miles
• Weight: Empty=30,300 lbs * Maximum=81,000 lbs
• Dimensions: Wing span: 42' 9" * Length: 63' 9" * Height: 18' 7"
• Weapons: 20 mm internal cannon; various air to air missiles; anti-satellite missile
• Crew: Two=One pilot and one weapons system operator

**    **

You are visitor number   Free Hit Counter   to fly by since January 31, 2000 at 1100 hours.