This is intended as a very brief and somewhat opinionated guide to the aircraft of the US military, primarily aimed at those who aren’t deeply immersed in military aviation. Naturally, it will involve many simplifications for experts, but they already possess this knowledge, so they can be disregarded.
Before delving deeper, a word on aircraft designations is helpful. The US military employs a generally consistent system for designating its airplanes. This involves a letter or set of letters indicating the mission, followed by a dash, then a sequence number for the specific aircraft type, and finally a submodel letter for variants of that type. Mission letters include F for fighter, B for bomber, C for cargo, H for hovering, and so on. These can be combined, such as CH for a cargo helicopter or RB for a bomber converted for reconnaissance. If an aircraft is listed with two letter designations below (e.g., C/D), the first designation typically refers to the standard single-seat version, while the second indicates a two-seat variant. For more details on this system, further resources are available.
Fighters
The fighter aircraft stands as the backbone of modern air forces. Its name originates from its initial mission: to engage in combat with other aircraft to ensure your side’s planes can operate effectively while preventing the enemy’s. Through a complex series of developments not necessary to detail here, the fighter also evolved into the default platform for delivering air-to-ground weaponry. A modern fighter is typically crewed by one or two individuals and powered by one or two engines capable of propelling it to supersonic speeds, albeit usually not for extended periods. Its standard armament generally includes a few air-to-air missiles, often a mix of Sidewinder short-range and AMRAAM long-range missiles. Air-to-ground ordnance is more varied, ranging from unguided and laser-guided bombs to GPS-guided bombs, short-range missiles, and long-range cruise missiles. Nearly all fighter aircraft also feature a 20mm gatling gun, though its combat effectiveness is sometimes debated. Understanding the capabilities of different types is key, including exploring the [top ten fighter aircraft]().
F-15C/D Eagle
By kill ratio standards, often considered among the greatest fighters ever produced. The F-15C is a twin-engine, single-seat fighter conceived purely for the air superiority role, famously designed with “not a pound for air-to-ground” capability. The Eagle is sizable and fast, remaining remarkably capable even after 50 years of service. However, the existing fleet is quite old and is currently being phased out of active duty units, with most of the remaining approximately 150 aircraft now operated by the Air National Guard. It is also flown by Japan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
F-15E Strike Eagle
A two-seat derivative of the F-15 airframe, specifically modified for all-weather delivery of air-to-ground weapons, with the second crew member serving as the weapons system operator. It is the heaviest type categorized as a “fighter,” boasting significant fuel capacity and a large weapons payload. While primarily focused on ground attack missions, it retains capability for air-to-air engagements. F-15Es participated in the defense of Israel during the Iranian attack in April. The US operates around 200 of these aircraft, with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, and Qatar also flying the type. It remains in production and serves as the foundation for the F-15EX Eagle II, which the US has recently ordered to replace the aging F-15C/D fleet, featuring enhanced engines and radar, and a renewed emphasis on air-to-air missions.
F-16C/D Fighting Falcon
USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon parked in a hangar
Also widely known as the Viper, this aircraft is arguably the quintessential Western jet fighter. The F-16C is a single-seat, single-engine design and stands as one of the most versatile platforms available, fully capable in both air-to-air combat against other aircraft and ground attack roles against ground targets. It was the first operational aircraft designed to be aerodynamically unstable, requiring computer control for stable flight. It often specializes in suppressing enemy air defenses in addition to carrying the diverse weapons loads seen on the Eagle variants. The F-16 has achieved remarkable export success, currently flown by 25 different nations. While the US does not plan to acquire more for its fleet of approximately 700 aircraft, it continues production for export sales. A number of retired US aircraft have also been transferred to Ukraine. Considering its widespread use and longevity, it’s a strong contender when evaluating the [best 4 generation fighter aircraft]().
F/A-18C/D Hornet
The Navy’s counterpart to the Air Force’s F-16, but equipped with two engines instead of one and possessing slightly better range. Its rather unique designation stems from the combination of planned F-18 (fighter) and A-18 (attack) variants, made possible by improved computer systems allowing a single airframe to perform both mission sets effectively. The F/A-18C (single-seat) is now in the latter stages of its operational life, as the US Navy has largely replaced it with the Super Hornet (discussed below). However, it continues service with the US Marine Corps for a few more years in some squadrons before being fully replaced by the F-35C. Designed for carrier operations, it was also acquired by eight foreign countries for land-based operations, although many of these operators are also looking towards future replacement options in the coming years.
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet flying over a carrier deck
Developed as a “derivative” of the legacy Hornet during the post-Cold War era, the Super Hornet is, in essence, a new aircraft designed to visually resemble its predecessor. It is larger, offers greater range, and represents an all-around improvement compared to the original Hornet models. Today, the F/A-18E (single-seat) and F/A-18F (two-seat) form the core of US Navy aviation, with typically four squadrons deployed on most aircraft carriers. These aircraft handle not only air defense and ground attack missions but also support tasks such as aerial refueling. The Super Hornet platform also serves as the basis for the EA-18G Growler, a dedicated electronic warfare aircraft that provides crucial jamming support for the entire US military. While production is gradually concluding, the fleet of around 400 aircraft in US service, alongside those in Australia and Kuwait, will remain operational for many years to come.
F-22 Raptor
Originally conceived as a direct replacement for the F-15 in the dedicated air superiority role, the twin-engine F-22 Raptor is recognized as the first fully operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It incorporates advanced stealth technology and is known for its extraordinary maneuverability (its airshow demonstration capabilities are truly remarkable). The Raptor is also capable of supercruise, meaning it can sustain flight at speeds exceeding Mach 1 without relying on fuel-intensive afterburners. Unfortunately, despite arguably being the best pure fighter aircraft in the world, the decision was made in 2009 to cease production. Consequently, only approximately 180 aircraft are available in the US inventory, and restarting the production line would incur prohibitively high costs. To date, its notable combat engagements have reportedly only involved shooting down balloons. Exploring the future landscape involves considering [future military fighter aircraft]().
F-35 Lightning II/Joint Strike Fighter
Formation flight of US and British F-35 fighter jets near Eglin AFB
The Joint Strike Fighter program delivered the F-35, currently the most advanced operational military aircraft system. It was designed to provide the US and its allies with a stealthy fighter/ground attack platform capable of leveraging cutting-edge computer technology to offer pilots an unprecedented level of battlefield awareness. In an effort aimed at cost savings and commonality, the F-35 is built in three primary variants: the F-35A for the Air Force, primarily intended to replace the F-16; the F-35B for the Marine Corps, which possesses Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities at the expense of some payload and range; and the F-35C for the Navy, designed for conventional carrier operations. The F-35 program has certainly faced its share of controversy over the years. However, with over 1,000 aircraft built so far for the US and around 20 partner nations, it is poised to become a cornerstone of Western air power for many decades ahead and appears to be performing capably. The F-35’s advanced propulsion systems are a key component, highlighting the importance of [fighter aircraft engines]().
Attack Aircraft
These aircraft are generally similar in size to fighters but are purpose-built for the ground attack mission. They typically fall into two categories: turboprop-powered aircraft designed for engaging targets in environments with minimal air defenses, and jet-powered versions that resemble fighters but without the most advanced electronics suites. The turboprop variants are gaining prevalence due to their lower operating costs, while jet-powered attack aircraft are becoming less common as their operational costs are often similar to more versatile fighters, yet they offer less flexibility (and are arguably less exciting to fly). Weaponry carried by attack aircraft is broadly similar to that used by fighters configured for ground attack roles. For those curious about military procurement, understanding the [fighter aircraft price]() for these complex machines is often a topic of discussion.
AV-8B Harrier II
The Harrier was the pioneering successful combat aircraft with true STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) capability, and it was quickly adopted by the US Marine Corps. The Marines valued its ability to operate from their amphibious assault ships, despite its relatively short range. The AV-8B is nearly a fighter, equipped with radar and AMRAAM missile capability, but it is not supersonic and carries an ‘A’ designation (for Attack), classifying it in this category. It is currently undergoing retirement, being replaced in the Marine Corps inventory by the F-35B.
A-10 Thunderbolt
USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II flying upside down
Also affectionately known as the “Warthog,” this aircraft is renowned for its distinctive, rugged appearance and is much-beloved by many. It was developed specifically to provide close air support – effectively, destroying enemy positions and vehicles that are engaging ground troops. Proponents often highlight its formidable 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger gun and its exceptional survivability, being far tougher than most other combat aircraft. They argue that the Air Force’s desire to retire it is largely motivated by a reluctance to prioritize supporting the Army and because the A-10 is not fast enough. While these points contain some truth, critics counter that operating at low altitudes, the A-10’s primary operational environment, is inherently very dangerous in contested airspace. Furthermore, they point out that its operational costs are not significantly lower than those of far more versatile fighter aircraft, suggesting that the approximately 280 A-10s could be effectively replaced by a comparable number of other platforms. The author leans towards the latter perspective, though readily acknowledges the A-10 as a truly impressive feat of engineering.
OA-1K Skywarden
A modified version of an agricultural cropduster aircraft, recently ordered to support United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). This platform represents the US military’s current entry in the “turboprop attack aircraft” category. While generally considered a competent aircraft for its intended role, its designation as “A-1” for “heritage” reasons has been criticized for seemingly appropriating a designation previously associated with the highly respected Douglas A-1 Skyraider.
Bombers
Bombers are considerably larger than fighters and are designed exclusively for engaging ground targets. Their greater size translates to significantly increased range, making them the preferred platform for missions launched from the continental US to strike targets in foreign territories, although such missions typically require support from forward-based aerial refueling tankers. Bombers almost universally require a crew of two pilots, and most include additional crew members dedicated to operating weapons and electronic warfare systems.
B-52H Stratofortress
Perfectly suited for Eisenhower’s era America, and remarkably, still relevant today. The B-52, commonly referred to by the acronym BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow), was the third jet bomber developed by the United States, with its first prototype flying in 1952. It remains actively operational, with recent upgrade programs announced to replace its engines and equip it with new radar systems. While it serves as an antonym for stealth in aviation terminology, the existing fleet of 72 aircraft is highly valuable due to its substantial payload capacity (a standard loadout often includes 20 tons of bombs or cruise missiles) and its relative lower cost and higher reliability compared to the other two types of bombers. This is quite an accomplishment for airframes that originally date back to the early 1960s.
B-1B Lancer
USAF B-1B Lancer bomber flying in the air
Unquestionably the most aesthetically pleasing of the bomber fleet, the B-1, also known as the “Bone,” is the last remaining aircraft in the US inventory featuring variable-sweep wings. In terms of operational capability, it is not vastly different from the B-52, although it is technically capable of supersonic flight. The main drawbacks are that pilots sometimes tend to operate it aggressively, much like a fighter, and this, combined with the complexity of its wing sweep mechanism, results in quite high operating expenses and less than ideal reliability for the fleet of 64 aircraft. Furthermore, unlike the other two bombers, the B-1B is not configured to carry nuclear weapons.
B-2 Spirit
The iconic “stealth bomber,” designed with the unique ability to penetrate sophisticated enemy air defenses undetected to deliver bombs directly onto targets. Unfortunately, while all stealth aircraft are expensive to maintain due to the continuous upkeep required for their radar-absorbent features, the B-2 is particularly notorious for its operational cost, which is exceptionally high. Additionally, the total procurement was limited to just 21 aircraft, of which 19 remain in service. The B-2 is scheduled for retirement over the next decade as the B-21 Raider, which shares a similar flying wing appearance but is slightly smaller and anticipated to be significantly cheaper to operate, enters service.
This concludes our overview of the US military aircraft designed primarily for delivering bombs and missiles to targets. In a subsequent discussion, we will begin exploring the varied and intriguing world of support aircraft.
