List of Active U.S. Military Aircraft: Explore the impressive variety of aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force. This article gives you a detailed look at different types of planes they use, from advanced fighters and versatile transport aircraft to cutting-edge reconnaissance and experimental models. Each section explains what these planes can do, how they were developed, and why they are crucial for military operations today. Whether you’re curious about stealth technology or interested in transport helicopters, learn how these planes help defend the country and support missions around the world.
Aircraft | Description |
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F-15 Eagle | The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, highly maneuverable tactical fighter designed for air supremacy. |
F-16 Fighting Falcon | A compact, multi-role fighter known for its maneuverability and effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-surface combat roles. |
F-22 Raptor | Combines stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics for superior air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. |
F-35A Lightning II | Latest fifth-generation fighter providing stealth and enhanced situational awareness for the U.S. and allied nations. |
Aircraft | Description |
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CV-22 Osprey | A tiltrotor aircraft for long-range infiltration and exfiltration missions. |
HH-60G Pave Hawk | Specializes in day or night personnel recovery operations in hostile environments. |
UH-1N Huey | Light-lift utility helicopter used for various missions including security and surveillance. |
Aircraft | Description |
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A-10C Thunderbolt II | Specially designed for close air support of ground forces, effective against ground targets and armored vehicles. |
AC-130J Ghostrider | Highly modified C-130J for close air support and armed reconnaissance. |
Aircraft | Description |
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B-1B Lancer | Multi-mission bomber capable of carrying massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons globally. |
B-2 Spirit | Stealth bomber with capabilities for both conventional and nuclear missions. |
B-21 Raider | Future stealth bomber designed for penetrating strike missions. |
B-52H Stratofortress | Long-range heavy bomber capable of multiple missions including nuclear deterrence. |
Aircraft | Description |
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E-3 Sentry | Airborne warning and control system with integrated command and surveillance capabilities. |
E-4B | National Airborne Operations Center providing command and control for national security operations. |
Aircraft | Description |
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KC-10 Extender | Advanced tanker and cargo aircraft enhancing global mobility for U.S. armed forces. |
KC-46A Pegasus | Next-generation tanker providing improved refueling and transport capabilities. |
KC-135 Stratotanker | Core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force, essential for global reach missions. |
Aircraft | Description |
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C-5 Galaxy | Strategic transport aircraft capable of carrying large cargo and personnel loads. |
C-17 Globemaster III | Versatile cargo aircraft for rapid strategic troop and cargo deployment. |
C-130 Hercules | Tactical airlift aircraft known for its ruggedness and versatility in various operations. |
VC-25 Air Force One | Customized aircraft serving as the primary transport for the President of the United States. |
Aircraft | Description |
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MC-12W Liberty | Medium-to low-altitude reconnaissance aircraft supporting ground forces with ISR capabilities. |
RC-135S Cobra Ball | Rapidly deployable aircraft collecting optical and electronic data on ballistic targets. |
E-8C Joint Stars | Airborne battle management and surveillance platform providing ground surveillance support. |
U-2S/TU-2S Dragon Lady | High-altitude reconnaissance aircraft supporting U.S. and allied forces with all-weather surveillance. |
Aircraft | Description |
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WC-135 Constant Phoenix | Atmospheric collection aircraft supporting national level consumers by collecting atmospheric debris. |
WC-130 Hercules | Medium-range aircraft flown for weather reconnaissance, particularly in tropical and stormy conditions. |
Aircraft | Description |
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T-1A Jayhawk | Medium-range jet trainer for specialized pilot and navigator training. |
T-6A Texan II | Primary trainer for basic flying skills for U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots. |
T-38 Talon | Supersonic jet trainer known for its safety record and operational versatility. |
TG-16A Glider | Used by the U.S. Air Force Academy for cadet training in soaring operations. |
Aircraft | Description |
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EC-130H Compass Call | Tactical weapon system using a modified C-130 Hercules for electronic warfare operations. |
Aircraft | Description |
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X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle | Unmanned space test platform demonstrating reusable spacecraft technologies. |
Aircraft | Description |
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MQ-1B Predator | Armed, multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft for intelligence collection and strikes. |
MQ-9 Reaper | Remotely piloted aircraft primarily for intelligence gathering and dynamic execution targets. |
RQ-4 Global Hawk | High-altitude, long-endurance UAV providing all-weather intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. |