When considering air combat, does size matter? Would you prefer the controls of a colossal 25-ton Tupolev Tu-128 interceptor or the nimble agility of a four-ton Northrop F-5? The Tu-128 stretches the length of the world’s longest bus, the Volvo Gran Artic 300, while the F-5’s wingspan is even smaller than that of a WWII Spitfire. Traditionally, fighter aircraft were envisioned as small, swift, and maneuverable. While modern designs like the Sukhoi Su-30 challenge this notion—being nearly as long as a B-17 bomber—the persistence of lightweight fighters such as the Gripen and Tejas confirms that the concept of the Small Fighter Aircraft remains relevant. This exploration delves into the realm of compact jets, seeking out the most diminutive examples ever to take flight. To qualify for this list, an aircraft must meet four criteria: (a) it must be a fighter, designed or adapted for air-to-air combat; (b) it must utilize pure jet propulsion; (c) it must be flown by a human pilot within a cockpit; and (d) it must have been constructed and flown, at least in prototype form.
Tupolev Tu-128 interceptor illustration
Volvo Gran Artic 300, the world’s longest bus
Here are eleven jet fighters compact enough that finding one in a novelty gift seems almost plausible.
11. HAL Tejas
HAL Tejas light combat aircraft flying over clouds
- Length: 13.2m
- Wingspan: 8.2m
Noticeably shorter than an F-16 (by the height of an ostrich), India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Tejas, holds the distinction of being the smallest fighter currently in operational service. It also marks India’s first indigenously developed supersonic aircraft, succeeding the HAL Marut of 1961 which aimed for, but didn’t quite achieve, supersonic speeds. The development path for the Tejas was lengthy, typical for modern military aircraft. The first units entered service nearly fifteen years after its maiden flight, with initial operational clearance granted only in 2019.
White semi-trailer truck parked on pavement
Its length is roughly comparable to that of a standard semi-trailer.
10. de Havilland Vampire
De Havilland Vampire T.55 trainer aircraft parked on tarmac
- Length: 9.37m
- Wingspan: 12m
In the early era of jet aviation, limited engine thrust naturally led to smaller aircraft designs. This was true for the de Havilland Vampire, the Allies’ first mass-produced single-engine jet fighter. Despite its somewhat cute appearance, this compact jet stands less than nine feet tall, low enough for an average person to inspect its rivets easily. Its diminutive stature is emphasized by the fact that basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal could likely rest his hand atop one of its twin tail booms without fully extending his arm.
Sliced avocado fruit comparison graphic
The related Venom fighter-bomber is slightly longer than the Vampire—by about the length of two avocados. This comparison is fitting, as the Mexican Air Force nicknamed the Vampire ‘Aguacate’, meaning ‘avocado’.
Two classic Volkswagen Beetle cars parked side-by-side with an avocado graphic
The Vampire’s length is approximately equal to two classic Volkswagen Beetles parked end-to-end, flanking an avocado.
9. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9 ‘Fargo’
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9 ‘Fargo’ jet fighter displayed in a museum
- Length: 9.75m
- Wingspan: 10m
Resembling a somewhat unusual parasitic fish with large pectoral fins, the MiG-9 marked an early trend where Soviet jets were often smaller than their Western counterparts. This aircraft was reportedly easy to fly but suffered from a significant flaw common in early Soviet jets: its engines were prone to flaming out when its cannons were fired, due to gun gas ingestion into the engine intakes. Despite this, it was a modestly successful early Small Fighter Aircraft. Its wingspan matches the length of a late-Cretaceous period megaraptor dinosaur.
8. Bréguet 1001 Taon
Breguet 1001 Taon prototype lightweight strike fighter on airfield
- Length: 11.68m
- Wingspan: 6.8m
The sleek Bréguet 1001 Taon (French for ‘Horsefly’) was developed in response to a 1953 NATO requirement for a Lightweight Strike Fighter (LWSF). Although the common strike fighter concept was eventually dropped, leading several nations to pursue their own designs (like Italy’s Fiat G91), the Taon competed internally against the larger Dassault Étendard VI, which the French ultimately preferred. Only two Taon prototypes were built.
Cavalier 39 sailing yacht moored at a dock
This aircraft is about the length of a Cavalier 39 sailing yacht.
7. Lavochkin La-15
- Length: 9.56m
- Wingspan: 8.83m
The design concept featuring a shoulder-mounted swept wing and a high T-tail was explored by several designers in the late 1940s. Kurt Tank initiated this trend with the Focke-Wulf Ta 183 concept, later realizing it in Argentina with the IAe 33 Pulqui II. Soviet designers arrived at a similar configuration with the Lavochkin La-168, which led to the slightly smaller production version, the La-15. Although more maneuverable than its competitor, the MiG-15, the La-15 lost out due to the MiG’s superior climb rate, simpler design, and lower production cost.
Illustration comparing Lavochkin La-15 size to a basking shark
The La-15 is slightly longer than an adult male basking shark, though shorter than a female.
6. Helwan HA-300
Helwan HA-300 prototype fighter aircraft parked outdoors
- Length: 12.4m
- Wingspan: 5.84m
This elegant fighter represents possibly the final aircraft design from the legendary Willy Messerschmitt, yet it is not German. Originally conceived as a Spanish project (Hispano Aviación HA-300) but cancelled due to funding issues, the design was acquired by Egypt. The ‘HA’ designation was adapted to ‘Helwan Aircraft’ after the Egyptian city where it was built. Egypt also initiated the development of an indigenous engine, the Brandner E-300, intended to replace the Bristol Siddeley Orpheus used in the initial prototypes, driven by national security considerations following the Suez Crisis. India co-financed the engine project for potential use in its HF-24 Marut strike fighter. However, various challenges, including threats against German and Austrian engineers attributed to Mossad, alongside financial constraints, led to the project’s cancellation after only seven airframes were produced. Egypt subsequently opted for Soviet aircraft. Its wingspan is roughly equivalent to the length of a German Panzer VI Tiger tank.
5. Early Yakovlev Jets (Yak-15, Yak-17, Yak-23)
Yakovlev Yak-17 jet fighter on display
- Length: 8.7m
- Wingspan: 9.2m (Yak-15)
Taking its first flight less than a year after Victory in Europe Day, the Yakovlev Yak-15 was created by integrating a reverse-engineered German Junkers Jumo 004 turbojet into the airframe of a Yak-3 piston-engine fighter. This aircraft, alongside the MiG-9, represented the Soviet Union’s entry into the jet age. It began a lineage of diminutive fighters often described as resembling winged hairdryers. The subsequent Yak-17 (first flight 1947) updated the design with a tricycle undercarriage, replacing the Yak-15’s original taildragger configuration. The improved Yak-23 (also first flown in 1947) featured a more powerful engine based on a reverse-engineered British design.
Ford Condor II RV similar to Cousin Eddie’s vehicle
The Yak-15 is about the length of Cousin Eddie’s iconic RV from the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
4. Aerfer Ariete
Aerfer Ariete prototype fighter aircraft in flight
- Length: 9.6m
- Wingspan: 7.5m
The Aerfer Ariete (‘Ram’) was another contender evaluated for the NATO LWSF requirement that also included the Bréguet Taon. Developed from the earlier Sagittario 2 light fighter prototype, the Ariete had a unique propulsion system: its primary Rolls-Royce Derwent engine was supplemented by an auxiliary turbojet for enhanced performance. This secondary engine featured a retractable air intake on the upper rear fuselage and an exhaust in the tail, while the main engine’s exhaust was located ventrally, similar to the early Yakovlev jets. Like its French competitor, the Ariete project was cancelled after only two prototypes were built. A proposed rocket-augmented version, the Leone, never materialized.
Aerfer Ariete prototype fighter aircraft parked on tarmac
Animatronic crocodile puppet from the movie Lake Placid
This small fighter aircraft is slightly longer than the large animatronic crocodile used in the film Lake Placid.
3. Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger
Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger jet fighter in museum display
- Length: 9.05m
- Wingspan: 7.02m
A product of desperation in the final stages of World War II, the Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger (‘People’s Fighter’) was designed for rapid mass production using non-strategic materials and potentially slave labor. Intended to be flown by pilots with minimal training, often straight from glider schools, it represented a last-ditch effort to defend Nazi Germany. While the core design was reportedly sound, praised by test pilot Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown for its handling, the rushed production, poor construction quality, and pilot inexperience led to predictably tragic outcomes. The design choice of placing the engine intake mere inches behind the pilot’s head also raised safety concerns.
Large roll-off dumpster skip for construction waste
Its wingspan is comparable to the length of a 40-cubic-yard roll-off dumpster (skip), perhaps hinting at the source of some construction materials.
2. Folland Gnat / HAL Ajeet
Folland Gnat light fighter aircraft parked on grass airfield
- Length: 9.04m
- Wingspan: 6.73m
Although the Folland Gnat was not employed as a fighter by its country of origin, the UK (where it famously served as the Red Arrows’ display aircraft), it certainly fulfilled that role for other nations. India, in particular, utilized the Gnat effectively in combat, where it earned the nickname “Sabre Slayer” for its success against Pakistani F-86 Sabres during the Indo-Pakistani wars. Its small size and agility proved advantageous, making it live up to its insect namesake.
Indian Air Force Folland Gnat fighter aircraft in flight
India’s high regard for the Gnat led to the development of an improved indigenous version, the HAL Ajeet (‘Invincible’). Finland and Yugoslavia also operated the Gnat. Pop culture fans might recognize it as the fictional “Oscar EW-5894 Phallus Tactical Fighter Bomber” from the 1991 comedy film Hot Shots!
Giant statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola temple complex, India
The Gnat is slightly longer than the height of the monolithic statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali in Shravanabelagola, India.
1. McDonnell XF-85 Goblin
McDonnell XF-85 Goblin parasite fighter attached to EB-29 mothership
- Length: 4.52m
- Wingspan: 6.53m
Unsurprisingly, the title of the smallest fighter aircraft ever built goes to the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin. This uniquely diminutive aircraft was designed as a parasite fighter, intended to be carried within the bomb bay of the massive Convair B-36 Peacemaker bomber and deployed to defend its mothership. The distinctively shaped Goblin featured folding wings to fit inside the bomber and lacked conventional landing gear. Instead, it used a retractable trapeze mechanism for launch and recovery – a concept seemingly borrowed from a cartoon.
McDonnell XF-85 Goblin prototype suspended from trapeze
Several factors doomed the parasite fighter concept. The Goblin itself exhibited lackluster flight performance. It occupied valuable space within the bomber that could otherwise carry ordnance. The trapeze docking procedure proved extremely difficult and hazardous for pilots; five of the seven test flights ended with emergency belly landings. Ultimately, advancements in air-to-air refueling, which extended the range of conventional land-based fighters, rendered the parasite fighter concept obsolete. The XF-85 program never progressed beyond the experimental stage.
McDonnell XF-85 Goblin prototype displayed in museum setting
Diagram comparing XF-85 Goblin size to an Audi A4 car and Christmas trees
The Goblin’s length is comparable to that of an Audi A4 sedan or two average-sized artificial Christmas trees placed end-to-end.
Conclusion
The history of jet aviation reveals a fascinating spectrum of designs, including a persistent niche for the small fighter aircraft. Driven by factors ranging from the limitations of early jet engines to specialized roles like the parasite fighter concept, and the enduring appeal of lightweight, agile combatants, these compact machines represent unique chapters in aeronautical engineering. From the relatively modern HAL Tejas currently serving in India to the truly unconventional McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, the pursuit of effective fighter design has often explored the advantages of thinking small. These diminutive jets stand as testaments to innovation under diverse technological and strategic pressures.
