F16 argento aereo da combattimento americano Falcon Jet super sonico bombardiere guerra ucraina

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Venditore: lasvegasormonaco ✉️ (3.239) 99.7%, Luogo in cui si trova l'oggetto: Manchester, Take a look at my other items, GB, Spedizione verso: WORLDWIDE, Numero oggetto: 266732658631 F16 argento aereo da combattimento americano Falcon Jet super sonico bombardiere guerra ucraina.
F16 War Plane Coin This is a Silver Plated F-16 Plane Coin The top side has a US Flag with a Fighting Falcon logo of the F16 The other side has the underside of a plane The dimensions are 70mm x 50mm x 5mm It is solid metal and it weighs 33 grams In Excellent Condition A Beautiful coin and Magnificent Keepsake Souvenir Sorry about the poor quality photos. They dont do the item justice which looks a lot better in real life
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F-16 Fighting Falcon Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Share F-16 Fighting Falcon Categories Military Aircraft Air Force Aircraft Air Force Attack Aircraft Air Force Fighters Attack Aircraft Fighter Aircraft Air Force Equipment Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp. Service: USAF Armament: M-61A1 20mm cannon; external stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and electronic countermeasure pods  Power Plant: F-16C/D: one Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Electric F110-GE-100/129  Speed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2) Range: 2,002 miles One of the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the mainstay of the Air Force aerial combat fleet. With over 1,000 F-16s in service, the platform has been adapted to complete a number of missions, including air-to-air fighting, ground attack and electronic warfare. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 fighting falcon can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions. Design of the F-16 Fighting Falcon In designing the F-16, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft such as the F-15 and F-111 were selected. These were combined to simplify the airplane and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. The light weight of the fuselage is achieved without reducing its strength. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G's -- nine times the force of gravity -- which exceeds the capability of other current fighter aircraft. Inside the F-16 Fighting Falcon The cockpit and its bubble canopy give the pilot unobstructed forward and upward vision, and greatly improved vision over the side and to the rear. The seat-back angle was expanded from the usual 13 degrees to 30 degrees, increasing pilot comfort and gravity force tolerance. The pilot has excellent flight control of the F-16 through its "fly-by-wire" system. Electrical wires relay commands, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls. For easy and accurate control of the aircraft during high G-force combat maneuvers, a side stick controller is used instead of the conventional center-mounted stick. Hand pressure on the side stick controller sends electrical signals to actuators of flight control surfaces such as ailerons and rudder. Avionics systems include a highly accurate enhanced global positioning and inertial navigation systems, or EGI, in which computers provide steering information to the pilot. The plane has UHF and VHF radios plus an instrument landing system. It also has a warning system and modular countermeasure pods to be used against airborne or surface electronic threats. The fuselage has space for additional avionics systems. Background on the F-16 Fighting Falcon The F-16A, a single-seat model, first flew in December 1976. The first operational F-16A was delivered in January 1979 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The F-16B, a two-seat model, has tandem cockpits that are about the same size as the one in the A model. Its bubble canopy extends to cover the second cockpit. To make room for the second cockpit, the forward fuselage fuel tank and avionics growth space were reduced. During training, the forward cockpit is used by a student pilot with an instructor pilot in the rear cockpit. All F-16s delivered since November 1981 have built-in structural and wiring provisions and systems architecture that permit expansion of the multirole flexibility to perform precision strike, night attack and beyond-visual-range interception missions. This improvement program led to the F-16C and F-16D aircraft, which are the single- and two-place counterparts to the F-16A/B, and incorporate the latest cockpit control and display technology. All active units and many Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units have converted to the F-16C/D. Why was the F-16 Fighting Falcon built? The F-16 fighting falcon was built under an unusual agreement creating a consortium between the United States and four NATO countries: Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. These countries jointly produced with the United States an initial 348 F-16s for their air forces. Final airframe assembly lines were located in Belgium and the Netherlands. The consortium's F-16s are assembled from components manufactured in all five countries. Belgium also provides final assembly of the F100 engine used in the European F-16s. Recently, Portugal joined the consortium. The long-term benefits of this program will be technology transfer among the nations producing the F-16, and a common-use aircraft for NATO nations. This program increases the supply and availability of repair parts in Europe and improves the F-16's combat readiness. USAF F-16 multirole fighters were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm, where more sorties were flown than with any other aircraft. These fighters were used to attack airfields, military production facilities, Scud missiles sites and a variety of other targets. During Operation Allied Force, USAF  F-16 fighting falcon multirole fighters flew a variety of missions to include suppression of enemy air defense, offensive counter air, defensive counter air, close air support and forward air controller missions. Mission results were outstanding as these fighters destroyed radar sites, vehicles, tanks, MiGs and buildings. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the  F-16 fighting falcon has been a major component of the combat forces committed to the Global War on Terrorism flying thousands of sorties in support of operations Noble Eagle (Homeland Defense), Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom Royal Air Force Article Talk Read Edit View history Tools From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "RAF" redirects here. For other uses, see RAF (disambiguation) and Royal Air Force (disambiguation). Royal Air Force Badge of the Royal Air Force Logo of the Royal Air Force Founded 1 April 1918; 105 years ago Country United Kingdom United Kingdom Type Air and space force Role Aerial and space warfare Size 32,180 active personnel (2023)[1] 3,200 reserve personnel (2022)[1][note 1] Part of British Armed Forces Ministry of Defence Air Staff Offices Whitehall, London Motto(s) "Per Ardua ad Astra" (Latin) (Through Adversity to the Stars) Colours Red, white, blue       March Quick: Royal Air Force March Past Slow: Saeculum[2] Anniversaries 1 April Engagements See list Website www.raf.mod.uk Edit this at Wikidata Commanders Commander-in-Chief King Charles III Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton Deputy Commander Operations Air Marshal Harvey Smyth Deputy Commander Capability Air Marshal Richard Maddison Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam Insignia Roundel   Fin flash   Ensign Aircraft flown Attack General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper Fighter Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning Helicopter Boeing Chinook HC4/5/6/6A, Leonardo AW109SP GrandNew, Westland Puma HC2 Reconnaissance Boeing P-8 Poseidon MRA1, Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint, General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper, Hawker Beechcraft Shadow R1/R1A Trainer BAe Hawk T1/T2, Beechcraft Texan T1, Embraer Phenom T1, Eurofighter Typhoon T3, Grob Viking T1, Grob Prefect T1, Grob Tutor T1, Airbus Helicopters Juno HT1, Airbus Helicopters Jupiter HT1 Transport Airbus Voyager KC2/KC3, Airbus A400M Atlas C1, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Dassault Envoy IV CC1 Tanker Airbus Voyager KC2/KC3 The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom's air and space force.[3] It was formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, becoming the first independent air force in the world, by regrouping the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).[4] Following the Allied victory over the Central Powers in 1918, the RAF emerged as the largest air force in the world at the time.[5] Since its formation, the RAF has taken a significant role in British military history. In particular, during the Second World War, the RAF established clear air superiority over Hermann Göring's Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, and led the allied strategic bombing effort.[6] The RAF's mission is to support the objectives of the British Ministry of Defence (MOD), which are to "provide the capabilities needed to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and overseas territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government's foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security".[7] The RAF describes its mission statement as "... [to provide] an agile, adaptable and capable Air Force that, person for person, is second to none, and that makes a decisive air power contribution in support of the UK Defence Mission".[8] The mission statement is supported by the RAF's definition of air power, which guides its strategy. Air power is defined as "the ability to project power from the air and space to influence the behaviour of people or the course of events".[9] Today, the Royal Air Force maintains an operational fleet of various types of aircraft,[10] described by the RAF as being "leading-edge" in terms of technology.[11] This largely consists of fixed-wing aircraft, including those in the following roles: fighter and strike, airborne early warning and control, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), signals intelligence (SIGINT), maritime patrol, air-to-air refuelling (AAR) and strategic & tactical transport. The majority of the RAF's rotary-wing aircraft form part of the tri-service Joint Helicopter Command in support of ground forces. Most of the RAF's aircraft and personnel are based in the UK, with many others serving on global operations (principally over Iraq and Syria) or at long-established overseas bases (Ascension Island, Cyprus, Gibraltar, and the Falkland Islands). Although the RAF is the principal British air power arm, the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm and the British Army's Army Air Corps also operate armed aircraft. History Further information: List of Royal Air Force operations Main article: History of the Royal Air Force Air Force (Constitution) Act 1917 Origins While the British were not the first to make use of heavier-than-air military aircraft, the RAF is the world's oldest independent air force: that is, the first air force to become independent of army or navy control.[12] The RAF was founded on 1 April 1918 (during World War I) by the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), as recommended in a report prepared by Jan Smuts.[13] At that time it was the largest air force in the world.[13] Its headquarters was located in the former Hotel Cecil.[14] After the war, the RAF was drastically cut and its inter-war years were relatively quiet. The RAF was put in charge of British military activity in Iraq, and carried out minor activities in other parts of the British Empire, including establishing bases to protect Singapore and Malaya.[15] The RAF's naval aviation branch, the Fleet Air Arm, was founded in 1924 but handed over to Admiralty control on 24 May 1939.[16] The RAF adopted the doctrine of strategic bombing, which led to the construction of long-range bombers and became its main bombing strategy in the Second World War.[17] Second World War Further information: Air warfare of World War II A Spitfire and Hurricane, which both played major roles in the Battle of Britain. The Royal Air Force underwent rapid expansion prior to and during the Second World War. Under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan of December 1939, the air forces of British Commonwealth countries trained and formed "Article XV squadrons" for service with RAF formations. Many individual personnel from these countries, and exiles from occupied Europe, also served with RAF squadrons. By the end of the war the Royal Canadian Air Force had contributed more than 30 squadrons to serve in RAF formations, similarly, approximately a quarter of Bomber Command's personnel were Canadian.[18] Additionally, the Royal Australian Air Force represented around nine per cent of all RAF personnel who served in the European and Mediterranean theatres.[19] During the Battle of Britain in 1940, the RAF defended the skies over Britain against the numerically superior German Luftwaffe. In what is perhaps the most prolonged and complicated air campaign in history, the Battle of Britain contributed significantly to the delay and subsequent indefinite postponement of Operation Sea Lion, Hitler's plans for an invasion of the UK. In the House of Commons on 20 August, prompted by the ongoing efforts of the RAF, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a speech to the nation, where he said "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".[20] The Avro Lancaster heavy bomber was extensively used during the strategic bombing of Germany. The largest RAF effort during the war was the strategic bombing campaign against Germany by Bomber Command. While RAF bombing of Germany began almost immediately upon the outbreak of war at first it was ineffectual; it was only later, particularly under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Harris, that these attacks became increasingly devastating, from early 1943 onward, as new technology and greater numbers of superior aircraft became available.[21] The RAF adopted night-time area bombing on German cities such as Hamburg and Dresden. Night time area bombing constituted the great bulk of the RAF's bombing campaign, mainly due to Harris, but it also developed precision bombing techniques for specific operations, such as the "Dambusters" raid by No. 617 Squadron,[22] or the Amiens prison raid known as Operation Jericho.[23] Cold War era Further information: Cold War Main article: Structure of the Royal Air Force in 1989 Following victory in the Second World War, the RAF underwent significant re-organisation, as technological advances in air warfare saw the arrival of jet fighters and bombers. During the early stages of the Cold War, one of the first major operations undertaken by the RAF was the Berlin Airlift, codenamed Operation Plainfire. Between 26 June 1948 and the lifting of the Russian blockade of the city on 12 May 1949, the RAF provided 17% of the total supplies delivered, using Avro Yorks, Douglas Dakotas flying to Gatow Airport and Short Sunderlands flying to Lake Havel.[24] The RAF saw its first post-war engagements in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War: during the withdrawal of the former Mandatory Palestine in May 1948 where British Supermarine Spitfire FR.18s shot down four Royal Egyptian Air Force Spitfire LF.9s after the REAF mistakenly attacked RAF Ramat David;[25] and during encounters with the Israeli Air Force which saw the loss of a single de Havilland Mosquito PR.34 in November 1948 and four Spitfire FR.18s and a single Hawker Tempest F.6 in January 1949.[26][27] Before Britain developed its own nuclear weapons, the RAF was provided with American nuclear weapons under Project E. However, following the development of its own arsenal, the British Government elected on 16 February 1960 to share the country's nuclear deterrent between the RAF and submarines of the Royal Navy, first deciding to concentrate solely on the air force's V bomber fleet. These were initially armed with nuclear gravity bombs, later being equipped with the Blue Steel missile. Following the development of the Royal Navy's Polaris submarines, the strategic nuclear deterrent passed to the navy's submarines on 30 June 1969.[28] With the introduction of Polaris, the RAF's strategic nuclear role was reduced to a tactical one, using WE.177 gravity bombs. This tactical role was continued by the V bombers into the 1980s and until 1998 by the Panavia Tornado GR1.[29][30] The RAF V bomber force was used to carry both conventional and nuclear bombs. For much of the Cold War the primary role of the RAF was the defence of Western Europe against potential attack by the Soviet Union, with many squadrons based in West Germany. The main RAF bases in RAF(G) were RAF Brüggen, RAF Gutersloh, RAF Laarbruch and RAF Wildenrath – the only air defence base in RAF(G). With the decline of the British Empire, global operations were scaled back, and RAF Far East Air Force was disbanded on 31 October 1971.[31] Despite this, the RAF fought in many battles in the Cold War period. In June 1948, the RAF commenced Operation Firedog against Malayan pro-independence fighters during the Malayan Emergency.[32] Operations continued for the next 12 years until 1960 with aircraft flying out of RAF Tengah and RAF Butterworth. The RAF played a minor role in the Korean War, with flying boats taking part.[33] From 1953 to 1956 the RAF Avro Lincoln squadrons carried out anti-Mau Mau operations in Kenya using its base at RAF Eastleigh.[34] The Suez Crisis in 1956 saw a large RAF role, with aircraft operating from RAF Akrotiri and RAF Nicosia on Cyprus and RAF Luqa and RAF Hal Far on Malta as part of Operation Musketeer.[35] The RAF suffered its most recent loss to an enemy aircraft during the Suez Crisis, when an English Electric Canberra PR7 was shot down over Syria.[36] In 1957, the RAF participated heavily during the Jebel Akhdar War in Oman, operating both de Havilland Venom and Avro Shackleton aircraft. The RAF made 1,635 raids, dropping 1,094 tons and firing 900 rockets at the interior of Oman between July and December 1958, targeting insurgents, mountain top villages and water channels in a war that remained under low profile.[37][38] The Konfrontasi against Indonesia in the early 1960s did see use of RAF aircraft, but due to a combination of deft diplomacy and selective ignoring of certain events by both sides, it never developed into a full-scale war.[39] The RAF played a large role in the Aden Emergency between 1963 and 1967. Hawker Hunter FGA.9s based at RAF Khormaksar, Aden, were regularly called in by the British Army as close air support to carry out strikes on rebel positions.[40] The Radfan Campaign (Operation Nutcracker) in early 1964 was successful in suppressing the revolt in Radfa, however it did nothing to end the insurgency with the British withdrawing from Aden in November 1967.[41] One of the largest actions undertaken by the RAF during the Cold War was the air campaign during the 1982 Falklands War, in which the RAF operated alongside the Fleet Air Arm. During the war, RAF aircraft were deployed in the mid-Atlantic at RAF Ascension Island and a detachment from No. 1 Squadron was deployed with the Royal Navy, operating from the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes.[42][43] RAF pilots also flew missions using the Royal Navy's Sea Harriers in the air-to-air combat role, in particular Flight Lieutenant Dave Morgan the highest scoring pilot of the war.[44] Following a British victory, the RAF remained in the South Atlantic to provide air defence to the Falkland Islands, with the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 based at RAF Mount Pleasant which was built in 1984.[45] Post-Cold War The Tornado played an integral part in RAF operations from 1991 until its retirement in 2019 With the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the RAF's focus returned to expeditionary air power.[46] Since 1990, the RAF has been involved in several large-scale operations, including the 1991 Gulf War,[47] the 1999 Kosovo War,[48] the 2001 War in Afghanistan,[49] the 2003 invasion and war in Iraq,[50] the 2011 intervention in Libya[51] and from 2014 onwards has been involved in the war against the Islamic State.[52] The RAF began conducting Remotely-piloted Air System (RPAS) operations in 2004, with No. 1115 Flight carrying out missions in Afghanistan and Iraq with the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator.[53] Initially embedded with the United States Air Force, the RAF formed its own RPAS squadron in 2007 when No. 39 Squadron was stood up as a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper unit at Creech AFB, Nevada.[54] The RAF's 90th anniversary was commemorated on 1 April 2008 by a flypast of the RAF's Aerobatic Display Team the Red Arrows and four Eurofighter Typhoons along the River Thames, in a straight line from just south of London City Airport Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the RAF Memorial and (at 13.00) the Ministry of Defence building.[55][56][57] Four major defence reviews have been conducted since the end of the Cold War: the 1990 Options for Change, the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, the 2003 Delivering Security in a Changing World and the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). All four defence reviews have resulted in steady reductions in manpower and numbers of aircraft, especially combat aircraft such as fast-jets. As part of the latest 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft was cancelled due to over spending and missing deadlines.[58] Other reductions saw total manpower reduced by 5,000 personnel to a trained strength of 33,000 and the early retirement of the Joint Force Harrier aircraft, the BAE Harrier GR7/GR9.[59] The Sea King was operated by the RAF in the SAR role from 1978 until 2015 when RAF Search and Rescue was disbanded. In recent years, fighter aircraft on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) have been increasingly required to scramble in response to Russian Air Force aircraft approaching British airspace.[60] On 24 January 2014, in the Houses of Parliament, Conservative MP and Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Andrew Robathan, announced that the RAF's QRA force had been scrambled almost thirty times in the last three years: eleven times during 2010, ten times during 2011 and eight times during 2012.[61] RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Lossiemouth in Moray both provide QRA aircraft, and scramble their Typhoons within minutes to meet or intercept aircraft which give cause for concern. Lossiemouth generally covers the northern sector of UK airspace, while Coningsby covers the southern sector. Typhoon pilot Flight Lieutenant Noel Rees describes how QRA duty works. "At the start of the scaled QRA response, civilian air traffic controllers might see on their screens an aircraft behaving erratically, not responding to their radio calls, or note that it's transmitting a distress signal through its transponder. Rather than scramble Typhoons at the first hint of something abnormal, a controller has the option to put them on a higher level of alert, 'a call to cockpit'. In this scenario the pilot races to the hardened aircraft shelter and does everything short of starting his engines".[62] The RAF operated the Hercules since 1967. The C-130J model was in service between 1998 and 2023 On 4 October 2015, a final stand-down saw the end of more than 70 years of RAF Search and Rescue provision in the UK. The RAF and Royal Navy's Westland Sea King fleets, after over 30 years of service, were retired. A civilian contractor, Bristow Helicopters, took over responsibility for UK Search and Rescue, under a Private Finance Initiative with newly purchased Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW189 aircraft. The new contract means that all UK SAR coverage is now provided by Bristow aircraft.[63] In 2018, the RAF's vision of a future constellation of imagery satellites was initiated through the launch of the Carbonite-2 technology demonstrator. The 100 kg Carbonite-2 uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to deliver high-quality imagery and 3D video footage from space.[64][65] The Royal Air Force celebrated its 100th anniversary on 1 April 2018.[66] It marked the occasion on 10 July 2018 with a flypast over London consisting of 103 aircraft.[67][68] Between March 2020 and 2022, the RAF assisted with the response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom as part of Operation Rescript. This saw the service provide repatriation flights and aeromedical evacuations of COVID-19 patients, drivers and call-handlers to support ambulance services and medics to assist with the staffing of hospitals, testing units and vaccination centres.[69][70] Under Operation Broadshare, the RAF has also been involved with COVID-19 relief operations overseas, repatriating stranded nationals and delivering medical supplies and vaccines to British Overseas Territories and military installations.[71] The UK's 20-year long operations in Afghanistan came to an end in August 2021, seeing the largest airlift since the Berlin Blockade take place. As part of Operation Pitting, the RAF helped evacuate over 15,000 people in two weeks.[72][73] Between April and May 2023, the RAF helped evacuate over 2,300 people from Sudan due to the 2023 Sudan conflict as part of Operation Polarbear.[74][75] Structure Main article: Structure of the Royal Air Force Senior management Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton The professional head and highest-ranking officer of the Royal Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). He reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff, who is the professional head of the British Armed Forces.[76] The incumbent Chief of the Air Staff is Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton who was appointed in 2023.[77] The management of the RAF is the responsibility of the Air Force Board, a sub-committee of the Defence Council which is part of the Ministry of Defence and body legally responsible for the defence of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. The Chief of the Air Staff chairs the Air Force Board Standing Committee (AFBSC) which decides on the policy and actions required for the RAF to meet the requirements of the Defence Council and His Majesty's Government.[78] The Chief of the Air Staff is supported by several other senior commanders; the main positions are shown in the following table.[79] Royal Air Force senior management positions Title Rank NATO rank Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal OF-9 Deputy Commander Capability Air Marshal OF-8 Deputy Commander of Operations Air Marshal OF-8 Air Officer Northern Ireland Air Marshal OF-8 Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Air Vice-Marshal OF-7 Air Officer Scotland Air Vice-Marshal OF-7 Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) Air Vice-Marshal OF-7 Chief of Staff Personnel and Air Secretary Air Vice-Marshal OF-7 Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force Air Vice-Marshal OF-7 Director of Legal Services Air Vice-Marshal OF-7 Air Member for Materiel and Chief of Materiel Vice Admiral OF-8[80] Chaplain-in-Chief Air Vice-Marshal OF-7 Air Officer Wales Air Commodore OF-6 Director of Resources Civilian Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force Warrant Officer OR-9 Air Command Administrative and operational command of the RAF is delegated by the Air Force Board to Headquarters Air Command, based at RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Air Command was formed on 1 April 2007 by combining RAF Strike Command and RAF Personnel and Training Command, resulting in a single command covering the whole RAF, led by the Chief of the Air Staff.[81] Through its subordinate groups, Air Command oversees the whole spectrum of RAF aircraft and operations.[82] United Kingdom Space Command (UKSC), established 1 April 2021 under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is a joint command, but sits "under the Royal Air Force."[83] Godfrey is of equal rank to the commanders of 1, 2, 11, and 22 Groups. The new command has "responsibility for not just operations, but also generating, training and growing the force, and also owning the money and putting all the programmatic rigour into delivering new ..capabilities."[83] UKSC headquarters is at RAF High Wycombe co-located with Air Command.[84] Groups Main article: List of Royal Air Force groups Groups are the subdivisions of operational commands and are responsible for certain types of capabilities or for operations in limited geographical areas. There are five groups subordinate to Air Command, of which four are functional and one is geographically focused: No. 1 Group (Air Combat) No. 1 Group is responsible for combat aircraft (comprising the Lightning Force and Typhoon Force) and the RAF's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. It oversees stations at RAF Coningsby and RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, RAF Lossiemouth in Moray and RAF Marham in Norfolk. The group's Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft protect UK and NATO airspace by providing a continuous Quick Reaction Alert capability.[85] No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support) No. 2 Group controls the Air Mobility Force which provides strategic and tactical airlift, air-to-air refuelling and Command Support Air Transport. The group is also responsible for the RAF's Force Protection assets comprising the RAF Regiment and RAF Police. It oversees stations at RAF Benson and RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire, RAF Honington in Suffolk, RAF Odiham in Hampshire and RAF Northolt in West London.[86] No. 11 Group (Multi-domain operations) No. 11 Group is responsible for integrating operations across the air, cyber and space domains whilst responding to new and evolving threats. It includes the RAF's Battlespace Management Force which controls the UK Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS). The group oversees stations at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland, RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire and RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria.[87] No. 22 Group (Training) No. 22 Group is responsible for the supply of qualified and skilled personnel to the RAF and provides flying and non-flying training to all three British armed services. It is the end-user of the UK Military Flying Training System which is provided by civilian contractor Ascent Flight Training. The group oversees stations at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, RAF Cosford and RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, MOD St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall and RAF Valley on Angelsey.[88] The No. 22 Group also manages the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.[89] No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group (No. 83 EAG) is the RAF's operational headquarters in the Middle East, based at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. It is responsible for UK air operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean (Operation Kipion), the military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Operation Shader) and wider UK defence objectives in the Middle East. Operations are delivered through four Expeditionary Air Wings (No. 901 EAW, No. 902 EAW, No. 903 EAW and No. 904 EAW).[90] Stations See also: List of Royal Air Force stations and List of former Royal Air Force stations Royal Air Force is located in the United KingdomCranwell & Barkston HeathCranwell & Barkston HeathBensonBensonBoulmerBoulmerBrize NortonBrize NortonConingsbyConingsbyCosfordCosfordRoyal Air ForceFylingdalesFylingdalesHaltonHaltonHenlowHenlowHoningtonHoningtonLeemingLeemingLossiemouthLossiemouthMarhamMarhamNortholtNortholtOdihamOdihamShawburyShawburySt. MawganSt. MawganValleyValleyWaddingtonWaddingtonWitteringWitteringWoodvaleWoodvaleWytonWyton Map of the Royal Air Force's main stations.  Front-line flying station  Training station  Battlespace management  Support station An RAF station is ordinarily subordinate to a group and is commanded by a group captain. Each station typically hosts several flying and non-flying squadrons or units which are supported by administrative and support wings.[91] United Kingdom Front-line flying operations are focussed at eight stations:[92] RAF Coningsby, RAF Marham and RAF Lossiemouth (Air Combat) RAF Waddington (Intelligence, Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)) RAF Brize Norton and RAF Northolt (Air Transport) RAF Benson and RAF Odiham (Support Helicopter Force operating under Joint Helicopter Command) Flying training takes places at RAF Barkston Heath, RAF College Cranwell, RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley, each forming part of the UK Military Flying Training System which is dedicated to training aircrew for all three UK armed services. Specialist ground crew training is focused at RAF Cosford, RAF St Mawgan and MOD St. Athan. Operations are supported by numerous other flying and non-flying stations, with activity focussed at RAF Honington which coordinates Force Protection and RAF Leeming & RAF Wittering which have a support enabler role. A Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at RAF Boulmer is tasked with compiling a Recognised Air Picture of UK air space and providing tactical control of the Quick Reaction Alert Force. In order to achieve this Boulmer is supported by a network of eight Remote Radar Heads (RRHs) spread the length of the UK.[93] Overseas The UK operates permanent military airfields (known as Permanent Joint Operating Bases) in four British Overseas Territories. These bases contribute to the physical defence and maintenance of sovereignty of the British Overseas Territories and enable the UK to conduct expeditionary military operations.[94] Although command and oversight of the bases is provided by Strategic Command, the airfield elements are known as RAF stations.[95] RAF Akrotiri (Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Cyprus) RAF Ascension Island (Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cuhna) RAF Mount Pleasant (Falkland Islands) RAF Gibraltar (Gibraltar) Three RAF squadrons are based overseas. No. 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in the United States and works in close cooperation with the U.S. Air Force in the development of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning.[96] No. 84 Squadron is located at RAF Akrotiri, operating the Westland Puma HC2 for search and rescue.[97] No. 230 Squadron, based at Medicina Lines, Brunei, also operate the Puma HC2.[98] Squadrons Main article: List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons A flying squadron is an aircraft unit which carries out the primary tasks of the RAF. RAF squadrons are somewhat analogous to the regiments of the British Army in that they have histories and traditions going back to their formation, regardless of where they are based or which aircraft they are operating. They can be awarded standards and battle honours for meritorious service. Most flying squadrons are commanded by a wing commander and, for a fast-jet squadron, have an establishment of around twelve aircraft.[99] Flights See also: List of Royal Air Force aircraft independent flights RAF Mount Pleasant, home to No. 1435 Flight providing air defence for the Falkland Islands. Independent flights are so designated because they are explicitly smaller in size than a squadron. Many independent flights are, or have been, front-line flying units. For example, No. 1435 Flight carries out air defence duties for the Falkland Islands, with four Eurofighter Typhoon fighters based at RAF Mount Pleasant.[100] Support wings and units See also: List of wings of the Royal Air Force and List of Royal Air Force units & establishments Support capabilities are provided by several specialist wings and other units. Air Warfare Centre (RAF Waddington) Airborne Delivery Wing (RAF Brize Norton) Mobile Meteorological Unit (RAF Waddington) Tactical Communications Wing (RAF Leeming) Tactical Medical Wing (RAF Brize Norton) Tactical Supply Wing (MOD Stafford) No. 1 Air Control Centre (RAF Scampton) No. 1 Air Mobility Wing (RAF Brize Norton) No. 1 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing (RAF Waddington) No. 42 (Expeditionary Support) Wing (RAF Wittering) No. 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing (RAF Wittering) No. 90 Signals Unit (RAF Leeming) Expeditionary Air Wings Main article: Expeditionary Air Wing Command, control, and support for overseas operations is typically provided through Expeditionary Air Wings (EAWs). Each wing is brought together as and when required and comprises the deployable elements of its home station as well as other support elements from throughout the RAF.[101] No. 34 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Waddington) – ISTAR operations[102] No. 38 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Brize Norton) – air transport operations[103] No. 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Coningsby) – multi-role operations[104] No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Leeming) – fighter operations[104] No. 138 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Marham) – fighter operations[104] No. 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Lossiemouth) – fighter operations[104] Several Expeditionary Air Wings are based overseas:[90] No. 901 Expeditionary Air Wing (Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar) – Communication and information systems support No. 902 Expeditionary Air Wing (Middle East) – Helicopter support No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus) – Supports Operation Shader No. 905 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Mount Pleasant, Falklands Islands) – Protection of British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic No. 906 Expeditionary Air Wing (Middle East) – Air transport support Training schools Main article: List of Royal Air Force schools Flying training The RAF Schools consist of the squadrons and support apparatus that train new aircrew to join front-line squadrons. The schools separate individual streams, but group together units with similar responsibility or that operate the same aircraft type. Some schools operate with only one squadron, and have an overall training throughput which is relatively small; some, like No. 3 Flying Training School, have responsibility for all Elementary Flying Training (EFT) in the RAF, and all RAF aircrew will pass through its squadrons when they start their flying careers. No. 2 Flying Training School and No. 6 Flying Training School do not have a front-line training responsibility – their job is to group the University Air Squadrons and the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons together. The commanding officer of No. 2 FTS holds the only full-time flying appointment for a Group Captain in the RAF, and is a reservist. Central Flying School (RAF Cranwell) – standardises flying training across the air force and ensures standards and safety are maintained.[105] No. 1 Flying Training School (RAF Shawbury) – basic and advanced helicopter training.[106][107] No. 2 Flying Training School (RAF Syerston) – gliding training provided by Volunteer Gliding Squadrons based at airfields throughout the UK.[108] No. 3 Flying Training School (RAF Cranwell) – Elementary Flying Training (EFT) for RAF, Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps crews, also operates from RAF Wittering and RAF Barkston Heath.[109][110] No. 4 Flying Training School (RAF Valley) – Basic Fast Jet Training (BFJT) and Advanced Fast Jet Training (AFJT).[111] No. 6 Flying Training School (RAF Cranwell) – Initial training provided by University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights based at airfields throughout the UK.[112] Non-flying training Jaguar aircraft used for training by No.1 School of Technical Training at RAF Cosford The British military operate a number of joint training organisations, with Air Command leading the provision of technical training through the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT).[113] It provides training in aeronautical engineering, electro and mechanical engineering, and communication and information systems.[114] No. 1 School of Technical Training is based at RAF Cosford and provides RAF personnel with mechanical, avionics, weapons and survival equipment training. Also based at Cosford is the Aerosystems Engineer and Management Training School. Both are part of the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering.[115] No. 4 School of Technical Training is part of the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (DSEME) and is based at MOD St Athan. It provides training to non-aircraft ground engineering technicians.[116] No. 1 Radio School and the Aerial Erectors School are based at Cosford and RAF Digby respectively and are part of the Defence School of Communications and Information Systems.[117] Specialist training and education The Royal Air Force operates several units and centres for the provision of non-generic training and education. These include the Royal Air Force Leadership Centre and the RAF Centre for Air Power Studies, both based at RAF Cranwell,[118] and the Air Warfare Centre, based at RAF Waddington and RAF Cranwell.[119] Non-commissioned officer training and developmental courses occur at RAF Halton and officer courses occur at the Joint Services Command and Staff College at Shrivenham.[120] Personnel See also: List of Royal Air Force personnel and List of comparative military ranks Members of the RAF Regiment on parade, 2013 At its height in 1944 during the Second World War, more than 1,100,000 personnel were serving in the RAF. The longest-lived founding member of the RAF was Henry Allingham, who died on 18 July 2009 aged 113.[121] As of 1 January 2015, the RAF numbered some 34,200 Regular[122] and 1,940 Royal Auxiliary Air Force[123] personnel, giving a combined component strength of 36,140 personnel. In addition to the active elements of the RAF, (Regular and Royal Auxiliary Air Force), all ex-Regular personnel remain liable to be recalled for duty in a time of need, this is known as the Regular Reserve. In 2007, there were 33,980 RAF Regular Reserves, of which 7,950 served under a fixed-term reserve contract.[124] Publications since April 2013 no-longer report the entire strength of the Regular Reserve, instead they only give a figure for Regular Reserves who serve under a fixed-term reserve contract.[125] They had a strength of 7,120 personnel in 2014.[126] Figures provided by the International Institute for Strategic Studies from 2012 showed that RAF pilots achieve a relatively high number of flying hours per year when compared with other major NATO allies such as France and Germany. RAF pilots achieve 210 to 290 flying hours per year.[127] French and German Air Force pilots achieved 180 and 150 flying hours across their fleets respectively.[128] Officers King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princess Elizabeth with RAF personnel during World War II Officers hold a commission from the Sovereign, which provides the legal authority for them to issue orders to subordinates. The commission of a regular officer is granted after successfully completing the 24-week-long Initial Officer Training course at the RAF College, Cranwell, Lincolnshire.[129] To emphasise the merger of both military and naval aviation when the RAF was formed, many of the titles of officers were deliberately chosen to be of a naval character, such as flight lieutenant, wing commander, group captain, and air commodore.[130] Other ranks Other ranks attend the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton for basic training.[131] The titles and insignia of other ranks in the RAF were based on that of the Army, with some alterations in terminology. Over the years, this structure has seen significant changes: for example, there was once a separate system for those in technical trades, and the ranks of chief technician and junior technician continue to be held only by personnel in technical trades. RAF other ranks fall into four categories: Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and Airmen. All Warrant Officers in the RAF are equal in terms of rank, but the most senior Non-Commissioned appointment is known as the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force.[132] Ranks Main articles: RAF officer ranks and RAF other ranks Royal Air Force officer rank insignia NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D)  Royal Air Force epaulette rank insignia (view) rank title[133] Marshal of the Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal Air Marshal Air Vice-Marshal Air Commodore Group Captain Wing Commander Squadron Leader Flight Lieutenant Flying Officer Pilot Officer Officer cadet abbreviation MRAF[note 2] Air Chf Mshl Air Mshl AVM Air Cdre Gp Capt Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Flt Lt Fg Off Plt Off Off Cdt Royal Air Force other rank insignia NATO rank code OR-9 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1  Royal Air Force rank insignia (view) no insignia rank title[133] Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force Warrant Officer Flight Sergeant Chief Technician Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal (RAF Regiment) Air Specialist (Class 1) Technician Air Specialist (Class 1) Air Specialist (Class 2) Air Recruit abbreviation WORAF WO Flt Sgt Chf Tech Sgt Cpl L/Cpl AS1(T) AS1 AS2 AR  Aircrew rank insignia no equivalent rank title RAF Master Aircrew RAF Flight Sergeant Aircrew RAF Sergeant Aircrew abbreviation MAcr Flt Sgt Acr Sgt Acr Aircraft Further information: List of aircraft of the RAF and List of active United Kingdom military aircraft Combat air Typhoon Typhoon FGR4 The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 is the RAF's primary multi-role air defence and ground attack fighter aircraft,[134][135] following the retirement of the Panavia Tornado F3 in late March 2011.[136] With the completion of 'Project Centurion' upgrades, the Typhoon FGR4 took over ground attack duties from the Panavia Tornado GR4, which was retired on 1 April 2019.[137][138][139] The Typhoon is tasked to defend UK airspace, while also frequently deploying in support of NATO air defence missions in the Baltic (Operation Azotize), Black Sea (Operation Biloxi), and Iceland.[134][140] The RAF has seven front-line Typhoon squadrons, plus an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), and Operational Evaluation Unit (OEU); No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron, No. XI (F) Squadron, No. 12 Squadron (joint RAF / Qatar Air Force), No. 29 Squadron (OCU), and No. 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron (OEU) based at RAF Coningsby; with No. 1 (F) Squadron, No. II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, No. 6 Squadron, and No. IX (Bomber) Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth.[134][141] Additionally, four Typhoons (Faith, Hope, Charity, and Desperation) are based at RAF Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands, forming No. 1435 Flight, where they provide air defence.[142] It was originally suggested that an eighth front-line Typhoon squadron could be formed,[143] however, the 2021 Defence Command Paper announced the retirement of 24 Tranche 1 Typhoons by 2025, and a commitment to seven front-line squadrons.[144][145] The Typhoon made its combat debut in support of Operation Ellamy in 2011, and has been supporting Operation Shader since December 2015.[134] The Typhoon made its first air-to-air kill in December 2021, shooting down a small hostile drone near Al-Tanf, Syria, with an ASRAAM.[146] Lightning F-35B Lightning The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft. It is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions while also providing electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. It will be jointly operated by the RAF and the Royal Navy and with its ability to perform short take-offs and vertical-landings (STOVL), can operate from the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.[147] Originally a total of 138 Lightnings were planned,[148][149][150] however the 2021 Defence Command Paper amended this to a commitment to increase the fleet beyond the current order of 48.[144] By November 2022, 30 F-35Bs had been delivered to the RAF[151] (though one crashed in November 2021).[152] The F-35B has an out of service date (OSD) of 2069.[153] The first RAF squadron to operate the F-35B was No. 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron at Edwards AFB, California, accepting its first aircraft in 2014.[96] No. 617 (The Dambusters) Squadron officially reformed on 18 April 2018 as the first operational RAF Lightning squadron.[154] The first four aircraft arrived at RAF Marham from the United States in June 2018,[155] with a further five arriving in August 2018.[156] The Lightning was declared combat ready in January 2019.[157] The second UK based F-35B squadron to be formed was No. 207 Squadron on 1 August 2019 as the OCU for both RAF and Royal Navy pilots.[158][159] Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) Six Hawker Beechcraft Shadow R1s (with two more to be converted) are operated by No. 14 Squadron from RAF Waddington, these aircraft are King Air 350CERs that have been specially converted for the ISTAR role.[160] Four Shadow R1s were originally ordered in 2007 due to an Urgent Operational Requirement,[161] and began the conversion process to the ISTAR role in 2009.[162] ZZ416 was the first Shadow R1 to be delivered in May 2009 to No. V (AC) Squadron.[163] A further Shadow was procured and delivered in December 2011.[164] The Shadow fleet was transferred over to the newly reformed No. 14 Squadron in October 2011.[165] Following the 2015 SDSR, three more Shadows were ordered and the fleet was given an OSD of 2030.[166] Ten General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles have been purchased to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are operated by No. XIII Squadron at RAF Waddington.[167][168] Three Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joints (also known in RAF service as Airseeker) replaced the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R1 fleet in the signals intelligence role under the Airseeker Programme and are flown by No. 51 Squadron.[169] The Nimrod fleet was retired in 2011, the RAF co-manned aircraft of the US Air Force until the three RC-135s entered service between 2014 and 2017.[170] The aircraft were Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker tankers converted to RC-135W standard in the most complex combined Foreign Military Sales case and co-operative support arrangement that the UK had undertaken with the United States Air Force since the Second World War.[171] The Rivet Joint received its first operational deployment in August 2014, when it was deployed to the Middle East to fly missions over Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Shader.[172] The RC-135W's OSD is 2035.[173] Based at RAF Waddington, No. 54 Squadron and No. 56 Squadron act as the OCU and OEU for the ISTAR fleet respectively.[174][175] Airseeker R1 Airseeker R1   Shadow R1 Shadow R1   MQ-9A Reaper MQ-9A Reaper Maritime patrol Poseidon MRA1 Nine Boeing Poseidon MRA1[176] were ordered by the Government in November 2015 in its Strategic Defence and Security Review for surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare, filling a capability gap in maritime patrol that had been left since the cancellation of the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 programme in the 2010 SDSR.[177] On 13 July 2017, it was announced that No. 120 Squadron and No. 201 Squadron, both former Nimrod MR2 squadrons, would operate the Poseidon and be based at RAF Lossiemouth.[178] No. 120 Squadron was stood up on 1 April 2018,[178] with No. 201 Squadron reforming on 7 August 2021.[179] No. 54 Squadron acts as the OCU for the Poseidon fleet.[180] The first production Poseidon MRA1 ZP801 made its initial flight on 13 July 2019.[181] ZP801 arrived at Kinloss Barracks, the former home of the Nimrod, on 4 February 2020, filling a decade long gap in maritime capability.[182] The Poseidon was declared combat ready in April 2020.[183] The Poseidon carried out its first operational mission on 3 August 2020, when the Russian warship Vasily Bykov was tracked.[184] A Poseidon MRA1 arrived at RAF Lossiemouth for the first time in October 2020.[180] The ninth, and final Poseidon arrived at RAF Lossiemouth on 11 January 2022.[185] Air mobility Further information: AirTanker Services No. 99 Squadron operate eight Boeing C-17A Globemaster III in the heavy strategic airlift role from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. Four C-17A were originally leased from Boeing in 2000,[186] These four were subsequently purchased outright,[187] followed by a fifth delivered on 7 April 2008 and a sixth delivered on 11 June 2008.[188] The MOD said there was "a stated departmental requirement for eight" C-17s and a seventh was subsequently ordered, to be delivered in December 2010.[189] In February 2012 the purchase of an eighth C-17 was confirmed;[190] the aircraft arrived at RAF Brize Norton in May 2012.[191] The Airbus Atlas C1 (A400M) replaced the RAF's fleet of C-130 Hercules, initially replacing the C1/C3 (C-130K) which were withdrawn from use on 28 October 2013, having originally entered service in 1967.[192] Based at RAF Brize Norton, the Atlas fleet is operated by No. 30 Squadron and No. LXX Squadron.[193] The first Atlas C1 (ZM400) was delivered to the RAF in November 2014.[194] Originally, twenty-five A400Ms were ordered in the initial batch; the total initial purchase then dropped to twenty-two.[195][196] The final aircraft in the initial order of 22 aircraft was delivered in May 2023.[197] In February 2023, the Chief of the Air Staff indicated that up to six additional aircraft were planned for delivery by 2030.[198] The C-130 Hercules was retired from RAF service on 30 June 2023.[199] No. XXIV Squadron acts as the Air Mobility OCU (AMOCU) for the Globemaster and Atlas,[200] while No. 206 Squadron is the OEU.[201] Air transport tasks are also carried out by the Airbus Voyager KC2/3, flown by No. 10 Squadron and No. 101 Squadron.[202] The first Voyager (ZZ330) arrived in the UK for testing at MOD Boscombe Down in April 2011,[203] and entered service in April 2012.[204] The Voyager received approval from the MOD on 16 May 2013 to begin air-to-air refuelling flights and made its first operational tanker flight on 20 May 2013 as part of a training sortie with Tornado GR4s. By 21 May 2013, the Voyager fleet had carried over 50,000 passengers and carried over 3,000 tons of cargo.[205] A total of fourteen Voyagers form the fleet, with nine allocated to sole RAF use (three KC2s and six KC3s).[206] As the Voyagers lack a refuelling boom, the RAF has requested a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the USAF allowing the UK access to tankers equipped with refuelling booms for its RC-135W Rivet Joint .[207] Two Dassault Falcon 900XLs were procured in early 2022 to replace the RAF's fleet of four BAe 146s (two CC2s and two C3s) in the Command Support Air Transport role.[208] Known as the Envoy IV CC1 in British service, the aircraft are based at RAF Northolt and are operated by a mixed civilian and No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron crew. This arrangement will remain until 2024 when the fleet will be placed on the military register.[209] C-17A Globemaster III C-17A Globemaster III   Atlas C1 (A400M) Atlas C1 (A400M)   Voyager KC2 (A330 MRTT) Voyager KC2 (A330 MRTT)   Envoy IV CC1 Envoy IV CC1 Helicopters RAF helicopters support the British Army by moving troops and equipment to and around the battlefield. Helicopters are also used in a variety of other roles, including in support of RAF ground units and heavy-lift support for the Royal Marines. The support helicopters are organised into the tri-service Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), along with helicopters from the British Army and Royal Navy.[210] No. 22 Squadron, based at RAF Benson, re-formed in May 2020 as the OEU for JHC.[211] The large twin-rotor Boeing Chinook is the RAF's heavy-lift support helicopter.[212] Originally ordered in 1978,[213] with subsequent orders in 1995,[214] 2011,[215] and 2018 (yet to be finalised),[216] the Chinook is operated by No. 7 Squadron, No. 18 (B) Squadron and No. 27 Squadron at RAF Odiham and No. 28 (AC) Squadron (Support Helicopter OCU) at RAF Benson.[217] Since being first delivered in 1980,[218] the Chinook has been involved in numerous operations: the Falklands War (1982); Operation Granby (1991); Operation Engadine (1999); Operation Barras (2000); Operation Herrick (2002–2014); Operation Telic (2003–2011); Operation Ruman (2017); and Operation Newcombe (2018–present).[217][219][220][221] The 60-strong fleet of Chinooks currently has an OSD in the 2040s.[222][223] The Westland Puma HC2 is the RAF's Medium-lift support helicopter. It is operated by No. 33 Squadron and No. 28 (AC) Squadron (Support Helicopter OCU) at RAF Benson.[224] No. 230 Squadron, the RAF's tiger squadron,[225] operate the Puma from Medicina Lines, Brunei, having relocated from RAF Benson in May 2023.[98] No. 84 Squadron based at RAF Akrotiri in the Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas operate three Pumas as an emergency response platform after the Bell Griffin HAR2 was retired in April 2023.[97] The first two Puma HC1s (XW198 and XW199), of an eventual forty-eight, were delivered in January 1971,[226] which were supplemented by a captured Argentine Army SA 330J in 2001 and six ex-South African Air Force SA 330Ls in 2002.[227][228] Twenty-four Puma HC1s underwent upgrades to HC2 standard between 2012 and 2014.[229] The Puma HC2 OSD is currently March 2025,[230] though this could be extended to 2027 or 2028.[231] The AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New of No. 32 (TR) Squadron based at RAF Northolt provides the VIP transport Command Support Air Transport role.[232] Chinook HC6A Chinook HC6A   Puma HC2 Puma HC2   AW109SP Grand New AW109SP Grand New Training aircraft Main article: UK Military Flying Training System The UK's military flying training has been privatised through a public-private partnership, known as the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). Training is provided by Ascent Flight Training, a consortium of Lockheed Martin and Babcock International.[233] New aircraft were procured to reduce the training gap between the older generation Grob Tutor T1, Short Tucano T1 and Beechcraft King Air T1 aircraft, and the RAF's modern front-line aircraft, including advanced systems and glass cockpits. UKMFTS also relies far more on synthetic training to prepare aircrew for the front line, where advanced synthetic training is commonplace.[234] Initial training The Grob Tutor T1 equips fifteen University Air Squadrons, which provide university students an opportunity to undertake an RAF training syllabus, which includes first solo, as well as air navigation, aerobatics and formation flying. These units are co-located with Air Experience Flights, which share the same aircraft and facilities and provide air experience flying to the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force. The Tutor is also flown by No. 16 Squadron and No. 115 Squadron based at RAF Wittering.[235] Volunteer Gliding Squadrons also provide air experience flying to cadets using the Grob Viking T1 conventional glider. Due to an airworthiness issue in April 2014, the Viking fleet and the Grob Vigilant T1 fleet were grounded for a two-year period, although Viking operations have subsequently resumed.[236] The Vigilant was unexpectedly withdrawn from service in May 2018, a year earlier than planned. A contract tender was initiated in February 2018 to replace this capability from 2022 onwards.[237] Elementary training The Grob Prefect T1 was introduced to RAF service in 2016 as its elementary trainer. The 23-strong fleet is based at RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath in Lincolnshire where they are operated by No. 57 Squadron. On completion of elementary training, aircrew are then streamed to either fast jet, multi-engine, or rotary training.[238] Basic fast jet training Basic fast jet training is provided on the Beechcraft Texan T1, which replaced the Short Tucano T1 in November 2019. The Texan is a tandem-seat turboprop aircraft, featuring a digital glass cockpit. It is operated by No. 72 (F) Squadron based at RAF Valley in Anglesey which provides lead-in training for RAF and Royal Navy fighter pilots prior to advanced training on the BAE Hawk T2. The first two Texans were delivered in February 2018 and by December 2018 ten aircraft had arrived at RAF Valley.[239][240] Four additional Texans were delivered on 3 November 2020.[241] Advanced fast jet training The BAE Hawk T2 is flown by No. IV Squadron and No. XXV (F) Squadron based at RAF Valley. The latter provides initial Advanced Fast Jet Training (AFJT), while pilots who graduate on to the former squadron learn tactical and weapons training.[242] After advanced training aircrew go on to an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) where they are trained to fly either the Typhoon FGR4 (No. 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby) or F-35B Lightning (No. 207 Squadron at RAF Marham) in preparation for service with a front-line squadron. The OCUs use operational aircraft alongside simulators and ground training, although in the case of the Typhoon a two-seater training variant exists which is designated the Typhoon T3.[243] On 15 October 2020, it was announced a joint RAF-Qatari Air Force Hawk squadron (similar to No. 12 Squadron) would be formed in the future.[244] On 1 April 2021, it was further elaborated that this squadron would be stood up in September 2021 at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire.[245] The Joint Hawk Training Squadron received its first two Hawk Mk.167s at RAF Leeming on 1 September 2021.[246] On 24 November 2021, the Joint Hawk Training Squadron became 11 Squadron QEAF when it reformed at RAF Leeming.[247] Multi-engine training Multi-Engine aircrew, weapon systems officer (WSO) and weapon systems operator (WSOp) students are trained on the Embraer Phenom T1. It is operated by No. 45 Squadron based at RAF Cranwell. Multi-engine aircrew then go to their Operational Conversion Unit or front-line squadron.[248] Viking T1 Viking T1   Tutor T1 Tutor T1   Prefect T1 Prefect T1   Texan T1 Texan T1   Hawk T2 Hawk T2   Phenom T1 Phenom T1   Typhoon T3 Typhoon T3 Rotary No. 1 Flying Training School (No. 1 FTS) (formerly the Defence Helicopter Flying School) is based at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and provides basic helicopter pilot training for all UK armed forces. It flies twenty-nine Airbus Juno HT1. No. 1 FTS comprises two main elements, 2 Maritime Air Wing (2 MAW) and No. 9 Regiment.[249] 2 MAW includes No. 660 Squadron of the Army Air Corps (AAC) and 705 Naval Air Squadron and provide basic helicopter flying training. No. 9 Regiment comprises No. 60 Squadron of the RAF and No. 670 Squadron of the AAC in the advanced helicopter flying training. No. 202 Squadron is also part of No. 1 FTS and operates the Airbus Jupiter HT1 at RAF Valley.[250] Juno HT1 Juno HT1   Jupiter HT1 Jupiter HT1 Future aircraft See also: Future of the Royal Air Force On 5 October 2015, it was announced that the Scavenger programme had been replaced by "Protector", a new requirement for at least 20 unmanned aerial vehicles.[251] On 7 October 2015, it was revealed that Protector will be a certifiable derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian with enhanced range and endurance.[252] In 2016, it was indicated that at least sixteen aircraft would be purchased with a maximum of up to twenty-six.[253] In July 2018, a General Atomics US civil-registered SkyGuardian was flown from North Dakota to RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo where it was given RAF markings. It was formally announced by the Chief of Air Staff that No. 31 Squadron would become the first squadron to operate the Protector RG1 as it will be known in RAF service.[254][255][256] In July 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for three Protectors with an option on an additional thirteen aircraft.[257] The 2021 Defence Command Paper confirmed the order for 16 Protectors,[144] despite the fact that the 2015 SDSR originally laid out plans for more than 20.[258] In July 2014, the House of Commons Defence Select Committee released a report on the RAF future force structure that envisaged a mixture of unmanned and manned platforms, including further F-35, Protector RG1, a service life extension for the Typhoon (which would otherwise end its service in 2030) or a possible new manned aircraft.[259] In July 2018, at the Farnborough Airshow, the Defence Secretary announced a £2bn investment for BAE Systems, MBDA and Leonardo to develop a new British 6th Generation Fighter to replace Typhoon in 2035 under Project Tempest.[260] On 22 March 2019, the Defence Secretary announced the UK had signed a $1.98 billion deal to procure five Boeing E-7 Wedgetails to replace the ageing Boeing E-3D Sentry AEW1 fleet in the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) role.[261] As of May 2020, the first E-7 is expected to enter RAF service in 2023 with the final aircraft arriving in late 2025 or early 2026.[262] In December 2020, it was announced that the Wedgetail AEW1 will be based at RAF Lossiemouth.[263] The 2021 Defence Command Paper cut the Wedgetail order down to three aircraft.[144] The Sentry AEW1s were officially withdrawn on 28 September 2021.[264] Protector RG1 Protector RG1   E-7 Wedgetail E-7 Wedgetail Symbols, flags, emblems and uniform Further information: Royal Air Force roundels and Uniforms of the Royal Air Force Royal Air Force Ensign The badge of the Royal Air Force on the gates of RAF College Cranwell Following the tradition of the other British armed services, the RAF has adopted symbols to represent it, use as rallying devices for members and promote esprit de corps. British aircraft in the early stages of the First World War carried the Union Flag as an identifying feature; however, this was easily confused with Germany's Iron Cross motif. In October 1914, therefore, the French system of three concentric rings was adopted, with the colours reversed to a red disc surrounded by a white ring and an outer blue ring.[265] The relative sizes of the rings have changed over the years and during the Second World War an outer yellow ring was added to the fuselage roundel. Aircraft serving in the Far East during the Second World War had the red disc removed to prevent confusion with Japanese aircraft.[266] Since the 1970s, camouflaged aircraft carry low-visibility roundels, either red and blue on dark camouflage, or washed-out pink and light blue on light colours. Most non-camouflaged training and transport aircraft retain the traditional red-white-blue roundel.[266] The RAF's motto is Per Ardua ad Astra and is usually translated from Latin as "Through Adversity to the Stars",[267] but the RAF's official translation is "Through Struggle to the Stars".[7] The choice of motto is attributed to a junior officer named J S Yule, in response to a request for suggestions from a commander of the Royal Flying Corps, Colonel Sykes.[268] The badge of the Royal Air Force was first used in August 1918. In heraldic terms, it is: "In front of a circle inscribed with the motto Per Ardua ad Astra and ensigned by the Imperial Crown an eagle volant and affronté head lowered and to the sinister".[267] Although there have been debates among airmen over the years about whether the bird was originally meant to be an albatross or an eagle, the consensus is that it was always an eagle.[269] Ceremonial functions and display Red Arrows Main article: Red Arrows The Red Arrows in formation with an F-35B and a pair of Typhoons at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2016 The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Waddington. The team was formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team, replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by RAF commands.[270] The Red Arrows badge shows the aircraft in their trademark Diamond Nine formation, with the motto Éclat, a French word meaning "brilliance" or "excellence".[270] Initially, they were equipped with seven Folland Gnat trainers inherited from the RAF Yellowjacks display team. This aircraft was chosen because it was less expensive to operate than front-line fighters. In their first season, they flew at sixty-five shows across Europe. In 1966, the team was increased to nine members, enabling them to develop their Diamond Nine formation. In late 1979, they switched to the BAE Hawk trainer. The Red Arrows have performed over 4,700 displays in fifty-six countries worldwide.[271] Royal Air Force Music Main article: Royal Air Force Music Services Headquarters Royal Air Force Music Services, located at RAF Northolt, supports professional musicians who perform at events around the globe in support of the RAF. The Central Band of the Royal Air Force was established in 1920.[272] Other bands include the Band of the Royal Air Force College, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.[273] Trooping the Colour Main article: Trooping the Colour The Royal Air Force, and its predecessor, the Royal Flying Corps, has provided the flypast for Trooping the Colour since 1913. The RFC performed its first flypast for King George V's Official Birthday over Laffin's Plain, Aldershot.[274] See also flag United Kingdom portal Aviation portal List of all aircraft current and former of the United Kingdom List of military aircraft operational during World War II List of Royal Air Force stations Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Museum RAF News Footnotes  Since April 2013, MoD publications no longer report the entire strength of the Regular Reserve, instead, only Regular Reserves serving under a fixed-term reserve contract are counted. These contracts are similar in nature to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.  Marshal of the Royal Air Force has become an honorary/posthumous rank, war time rank; ceremonial rank. 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(disambiguation) and Aeroplane (disambiguation). North American P-51 Mustang, a World War II fighter aircraft The first flight of an airplane, the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903 An All Nippon Airways Boeing 777-300ER taking off from New York JFK Airport An airplane (American English), or aeroplane (Commonwealth English), informally plane, is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine. Airplanes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wing configurations. The broad spectrum of uses for airplanes includes recreation, transportation of goods and people, military, and research. Worldwide, commercial aviation transports more than four billion passengers annually on airliners[1] and transports more than 200 billion tonne-kilometers[2] of cargo annually, which is less than 1% of the world's cargo movement.[3] Most airplanes are flown by a pilot on board the aircraft, but some are designed to be remotely or computer-controlled such as drones. The Wright brothers invented and flew the first airplane in 1903, recognized as "the first sustained and controlled heavier-than-air powered flight".[4] They built on the works of George Cayley dating from 1799, when he set forth the concept of the modern airplane (and later built and flew models and successful passenger-carrying gliders)[5] and the work of German pioneer of human aviation Otto Lilienthal, who, between 1867 and 1896, also studied heavier-than-air flight. Lilienthal's flight attempts in 1891 are seen as the beginning of human flight.[6] Following its limited use in World War I, aircraft technology continued to develop. Airplanes had a presence in all the major battles of World War II. The first jet aircraft was the German Heinkel He 178 in 1939. The first jet airliner, the de Havilland Comet, was introduced in 1952. The Boeing 707, the first widely successful commercial jet, was in commercial service for more than 50 years, from 1958 to at least 2013. Etymology and usage First attested in English in the late 19th century (prior to the first sustained powered flight), the word airplane, like aeroplane, derives from the French aéroplane, which comes from the Greek ἀήρ (aēr), "air"[7] and either Latin planus, "level",[8] or Greek πλάνος (planos), "wandering".[9][10] "Aéroplane" originally referred just to the wing, as it is a plane moving through the air.[11] In an example of synecdoche, the word for the wing came to refer to the entire aircraft. In the United States and Canada, the term "airplane" is used for powered fixed-wing aircraft. In the United Kingdom and Ireland and most of the Commonwealth, the term "aeroplane" (/ˈɛərəpleɪn/[11]) is usually applied to these aircraft. History Main articles: Aviation history and First flying machine Le Bris and his glider, Albatros II, photographed by Nadar, 1868 Otto Lilienthal in mid-flight, c. 1895 Antecedents Many stories from antiquity involve flight, such as the Greek legend of Icarus and Daedalus, and the Vimana in ancient Indian epics. Around 400 BC in Greece, Archytas was reputed to have designed and built the first artificial, self-propelled flying device, a bird-shaped model propelled by a jet of what was probably steam, said to have flown some 200 m (660 ft).[12][13] This machine may have been suspended for its flight.[14][15] Some of the earliest recorded attempts with gliders were those by the 9th-century Andalusian and Arabic-language poet Abbas ibn Firnas and the 11th-century English monk Eilmer of Malmesbury; both experiments injured their pilots.[16] Leonardo da Vinci researched the wing design of birds and designed a man-powered aircraft in his Codex on the Flight of Birds (1502), noting for the first time the distinction between the center of mass and the center of pressure of flying birds. In 1799, George Cayley set forth the concept of the modern airplane as a fixed-wing flying machine with separate systems for lift, propulsion, and control.[17][18] Cayley was building and flying models of fixed-wing aircraft as early as 1803, and he built a successful passenger-carrying glider in 1853.[5] In 1856, Frenchman Jean-Marie Le Bris made the first powered flight, by having his glider "L'Albatros artificiel" pulled by a horse on a beach.[19] Then the Russian Alexander F. Mozhaisky also made some innovative designs. In 1883, the American John J. Montgomery made a controlled flight in a glider.[20] Other aviators who made similar flights at that time were Otto Lilienthal, Percy Pilcher, and Octave Chanute. Sir Hiram Maxim built a craft that weighed 3.5 tons, with a 110-foot (34 m) wingspan that was powered by two 360-horsepower (270 kW) steam engines driving two propellers. In 1894, his machine was tested with overhead rails to prevent it from rising. The test showed that it had enough lift to take off. The craft was uncontrollable and it is presumed that Maxim realized this because he subsequently abandoned work on it.[21] In the 1890s, Lawrence Hargrave conducted research on wing structures and developed a box kite that lifted the weight of a man. His box kite designs were widely adopted. Although he also developed a type of rotary aircraft engine, he did not create and fly a powered fixed-wing aircraft.[22] Between 1867 and 1896, the German pioneer of human aviation Otto Lilienthal developed heavier-than-air flight. He was the first person to make well-documented, repeated, successful gliding flights. Lilienthal's work led to him developing the concept of the modern wing,[23][24] his flight attempts in 1891 are seen as the beginning of human flight,[25] the "Lilienthal Normalsegelapparat" is considered to be the first airplane in series production and his work heavily inspired the Wright brothers.[26] Early powered flights Patent drawings of Clement Ader's Éole. The Frenchman Clement Ader constructed his first of three flying machines in 1886, the Éole. It was a bat-like design run by a lightweight steam engine of his own invention, with four cylinders developing 20 horsepower (15 kW), driving a four-blade propeller. The engine weighed no more than 4 kilograms per kilowatt (6.6 lb/hp). The wings had a span of 14 m (46 ft). All-up weight was 300 kilograms (660 lb). On 9 October 1890, Ader attempted to fly the Éole. Aviation historians give credit to this effort as a powered take-off and uncontrolled hop of approximately 50 m (160 ft) at a height of approximately 200 mm (7.9 in).[27][28] Ader's two subsequent machines were not documented to have achieved flight.[29] The American Wright brothers flights in 1903 are recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the standard-setting and record-keeping body for aeronautics, as "the first sustained and controlled heavier-than-air powered flight".[4] By 1905, the Wright Flyer III was capable of fully controllable, stable flight for substantial periods. The Wright brothers credited Otto Lilienthal as a major inspiration for their decision to pursue manned flight. Santos-Dumont 14-bis, between 1906 and 1907 In 1906, the Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont made what was claimed to be the first airplane flight unassisted by catapult[30] and set the first world record recognized by the Aéro-Club de France by flying 220 meters (720 ft) in less than 22 seconds.[31] This flight was also certified by the FAI.[32][33] An early aircraft design that brought together the modern monoplane tractor configuration was the Blériot VIII design of 1908. It had movable tail surfaces controlling both yaw and pitch, a form of roll control supplied either by wing warping or by ailerons and controlled by its pilot with a joystick and rudder bar. It was an important predecessor of his later Blériot XI Channel-crossing aircraft of the summer of 1909.[34] World War I served as a testbed for the use of the airplane as a weapon. Airplanes demonstrated their potential as mobile observation platforms, then proved themselves to be machines of war capable of causing casualties to the enemy. The earliest known aerial victory with a synchronized machine gun-armed fighter aircraft occurred in 1915, by German Luftstreitkräfte Leutnant Kurt Wintgens. Fighter aces appeared; the greatest (by number of Aerial Combat victories) was Manfred von Richthofen. Following WWI, aircraft technology continued to develop. Alcock and Brown crossed the Atlantic non-stop for the first time in 1919. The first international commercial flights took place between the United States and Canada in 1919.[35] Airplanes had a presence in all the major battles of World War II. They were an essential component of the military strategies of the period, such as the German Blitzkrieg, The Battle of Britain, and the American and Japanese aircraft carrier campaigns of the Pacific War. Development of jet aircraft The Concorde supersonic transport aircraft The first practical jet aircraft was the German Heinkel He 178, which was tested in 1939. In 1943, the Messerschmitt Me 262, the first operational jet fighter aircraft, went into service in the German Luftwaffe. The first jet airliner, the de Havilland Comet, was introduced in 1952. The Boeing 707, the first widely successful commercial jet, was in commercial service for more than 50 years, from 1958 to 2010. The Boeing 747 was the world's biggest passenger aircraft from 1970 until it was surpassed by the Airbus A380 in 2005. Supersonic airliner flights, including those of the Concorde, have been limited to over-water flight at supersonic speed because of their sonic boom, which is prohibited over most populated land areas. The high cost of operation per passenger-mile and a deadly crash in 2000 induced the operators of the Concorde to remove it from service.[36][37] Propulsion See also: Powered aircraft and Aircraft engine Propeller Main articles: Propeller (aeronautics) and Aircraft engine An Antonov An-2 biplane An aircraft propeller, or airscrew, converts rotary motion from an engine or other power source, into a swirling slipstream which pushes the propeller forwards or backwards. It comprises a rotating power-driven hub, to which are attached two or more radial airfoil-section blades such that the whole assembly rotates about a longitudinal axis.[38] Three types of aviation engines used to power propellers include reciprocating engines (or piston engines), gas turbines, and electric motors. The amount of thrust a propeller creates is determined, in part, by its disk area—the area through which the blades rotate. The limitation on blade speed is the speed of sound; as when the blade tip exceeds the speed of sound, shock waves decrease propeller efficiency. The rpm required to generate a given tip speed is inversely proportional to the diameter of the propeller. The upper design speed limit for propeller-driven aircraft is Mach 0.6. Aircraft designed to go faster than that employ jet engines.[39] Reciprocating engine Main articles: Radial engine, Inline engine (aeronautics), and Flat engine Reciprocating engines in aircraft have three main variants, radial, in-line and flat or horizontally opposed engine. The radial engine is a reciprocating type internal combustion engine configuration in which the cylinders "radiate" outward from a central crankcase like the spokes of a wheel and was commonly used for aircraft engines before gas turbine engines became predominant. An inline engine is a reciprocating engine with banks of cylinders, one behind another, rather than rows of cylinders, with each bank having any number of cylinders, but rarely more than six, and may be water-cooled. A flat engine is an internal combustion engine with horizontally-opposed cylinders. Gas turbine Main article: Turboprop A turboprop gas turbine engine consists of an intake, compressor, combustor, turbine, and a propelling nozzle, which provide power from a shaft through a reduction gearing to the propeller. The propelling nozzle provides a relatively small proportion of the thrust generated by a turboprop. Electric motor Solar Impulse 1, a solar-powered aircraft with electric motors. Main article: Electric motor An electric aircraft runs on electric motors with electricity coming from fuel cells, solar cells, ultracapacitors, power beaming,[40] or batteries. Currently, flying electric aircraft are mostly experimental prototypes, including manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, but there are some production models on the market.[41] Jet Main article: Jet engine Jet aircraft are propelled by jet engines, which are used because the aerodynamic limitations of propellers do not apply to jet propulsion. These engines are much more powerful than a reciprocating engine for a given size or weight and are comparatively quiet and work well at higher altitude. Variants of the jet engine include the ramjet and the scramjet, which rely on high airspeed and intake geometry to compress the combustion air, prior to the introduction and ignition of fuel. Rocket motors provide thrust by burning a fuel with an oxidizer and expelling gas through a nozzle. Turbofan Most jet aircraft use turbofan jet engines, which employ a gas turbine to drive a ducted fan, which accelerates air around the turbine to provide thrust in addition to that which is accelerated through the turbine. The ratio of air passing around the turbine to that passing through is called the by-pass ratio.[42] They represent a compromise between turbojet (with no bypass) and turboprop forms of aircraft propulsion (primarily powered with bypass air).[43] Subsonic aircraft, such as airliners, employ high by-pass jet engines for fuel efficiency. Supersonic aircraft, such as jet fighters, use low-bypass turbofans. However at supersonic speeds, the air entering the engine must be decelerated to a subsonic speed and then re-accelerated back to supersonic speeds after combustion. An afterburner may be used on combat aircraft to increase power for short periods of time by injecting fuel directly into the hot exhaust gases. Many jet aircraft also use thrust reversers to slow down after landing.[43] Ramjet Main article: Ramjet Artist's concept of X-43A with scramjet attached to the underside A ramjet is a form of jet engine that contains no major moving parts and can be particularly useful in applications requiring a small and simple engine for high-speed use, such as with missiles. Ramjets require forward motion before they can generate thrust and so are often used in conjunction with other forms of propulsion, or with an external means of achieving sufficient speed. The Lockheed D-21 was a Mach 3+ ramjet-powered reconnaissance drone that was launched from a parent aircraft. A ramjet uses the vehicle's forward motion to force air through the engine without resorting to turbines or vanes. Fuel is added and ignited, which heats and expands the air to provide thrust.[44] Scramjet Main article: Scramjet A scramjet is a specialized ramjet that uses internal supersonic airflow to compress, combine with fuel, combust and accelerate the exhaust to provide thrust. The engine operates at supersonic speeds only. The NASA X-43, an experimental unmanned scramjet, set a world speed record in 2004 for a jet-powered aircraft with a speed of Mach 9.7, nearly 12,100 kilometers per hour (7,500 mph).[45] Rocket Main article: Rocket engine Bell X-1 in flight, 1947 Whereas jet aircraft use the atmosphere both as a source of oxidant and of mass to accelerate reactively behind the aircraft, rocket aircraft carry the oxidizer on board and accelerate the burned fuel and oxidizer backwards as the sole source of mass for reaction. Liquid fuel and oxidizer may be pumped into a combustion chamber or a solid fuel with oxidizer may burn in the fuel chamber. Whether liquid or solid-fueled, the hot gas is accelerated through a nozzle.[46] In World War II, the Germans deployed the Me 163 Komet rocket-powered aircraft. The first plane to break the sound barrier in level flight was a rocket plane – the Bell X-1 in 1948. The North American X-15 broke many speed and altitude records in the 1960s and pioneered engineering concepts for later aircraft and spacecraft. Military transport aircraft may employ rocket-assisted take offs for short-field situations. Otherwise, rocket aircraft include spaceplanes, like SpaceShipTwo, for travel beyond the Earth's atmosphere and sport aircraft developed for the short-lived Rocket Racing League. Design and manufacture Main article: Aerospace manufacturer SR-71 at Lockheed Skunk Works Assembly line of the SR-71 Blackbird at Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs (ADP). Most airplanes are constructed by companies with the objective of producing them in quantity for customers. The design and planning process, including safety tests, can last up to four years for small turboprops or longer for larger planes. During this process, the objectives and design specifications of the aircraft are established. First the construction company uses drawings and equations, simulations, wind tunnel tests and experience to predict the behavior of the aircraft. Computers are used by companies to draw, plan and do initial simulations of the aircraft. Small models and mockups of all or certain parts of the plane are then tested in wind tunnels to verify its aerodynamics. When the design has passed through these processes, the company constructs a limited number of prototypes for testing on the ground. Representatives from an aviation governing agency often make a first flight. The flight tests continue until the aircraft has fulfilled all the requirements. Then, the governing public agency of aviation of the country authorizes the company to begin production. In the United States, this agency is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In the European Union, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); in the United Kingdom it is the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).[47] In Canada, the public agency in charge and authorizing the mass production of aircraft is Transport Canada's Civil Aviation Authority.[48] When a part or component needs to be joined together by welding for virtually any aerospace or defense application, it must meet the most stringent and specific safety regulations and standards. Nadcap, or the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program sets global requirements for quality, quality management and quality assurance for aerospace engineering.[49] In the case of international sales, a license from the public agency of aviation or transport of the country where the aircraft is to be used is also necessary. For example, airplanes made by the European company, Airbus, need to be certified by the FAA to be flown in the United States, and airplanes made by U.S.-based Boeing need to be approved by the EASA to be flown in the European Union.[50] An Airbus A321 on final assembly line 3 in the Airbus Hamburg-Finkenwerder plant. Regulations have resulted in reduced noise from aircraft engines in response to increased noise pollution from growth in air traffic over urban areas near airports.[51] Small planes can be designed and constructed by amateurs as homebuilts. Other homebuilt aircraft can be assembled using pre-manufactured kits of parts that can be assembled into a basic plane and must then be completed by the builder.[52] Few companies produce planes on a large scale. However, the production of a plane for one company is a process that actually involves dozens, or even hundreds, of other companies and plants, that produce the parts that go into the plane. For example, one company can be responsible for the production of the landing gear, while another one is responsible for the radar. The production of such parts is not limited to the same city or country; in the case of large plane manufacturing companies, such parts can come from all over the world.[citation needed] The parts are sent to the main plant of the plane company, where the production line is located. In the case of large planes, production lines dedicated to the assembly of certain parts of the plane can exist, especially the wings and the fuselage.[citation needed] When complete, a plane is rigorously inspected to search for imperfections and defects. After approval by inspectors, the plane is put through a series of flight tests to assure that all systems are working correctly and that the plane handles properly. Upon passing these tests, the plane is ready to receive the "final touchups" (internal configuration, painting, etc.), and is then ready for the customer.[citation needed] Characteristics Major components of an airplane. An IAI Heron - an unmanned aerial vehicle with a twin-boom configuration Airframe Main article: Airframe The structural parts of a fixed-wing aircraft are called the airframe. The parts present can vary according to the aircraft's type and purpose. Early types were usually made of wood with fabric wing surfaces, When engines became available for powered flight around a hundred years ago, their mounts were made of metal. Then as speeds increased more and more parts became metal until by the end of WWII all-metal aircraft were common. In modern times, increasing use of composite materials has been made. Typical structural parts include:     One or more large horizontal wings, often with an airfoil cross-section shape. The wing deflects air downward as the aircraft moves forward, generating lifting force to support it in flight. The wing also provides stability in roll to stop the aircraft from rolling to the left or right in steady flight. The An-225 Mriya, which could carry a 250-tonne payload, had two vertical stabilizers.     A fuselage, a long, thin body, usually with tapered or rounded ends to make its shape aerodynamically smooth. The fuselage joins the other parts of the airframe and usually contains important things such as the pilot, payload and flight systems.     A vertical stabilizer or fin is a vertical wing-like surface mounted at the rear of the plane and typically protruding above it. The fin stabilizes the plane's yaw (turn left or right) and mounts the rudder, which controls its rotation along that axis.     A horizontal stabilizer or tailplane, usually mounted at the tail near the vertical stabilizer. The horizontal stabilizer is used to stabilize the plane's pitch (tilt up or down) and mounts the elevators, which provide pitch control.     Landing gear, a set of wheels, skids, or floats that support the plane while it is on the surface. On seaplanes, the bottom of the fuselage or floats (pontoons) support it while on the water. On some planes the landing gear retracts during flight to reduce drag. Wings Main article: Wing The wings of a fixed-wing aircraft are static planes extending either side of the aircraft. When the aircraft travels forwards, air flows over the wings, which are shaped to create lift. This shape is called an airfoil and is shaped like a bird's wing. Wing structure Airplanes have flexible wing surfaces which are stretched across a frame and made rigid by the lift forces exerted by the airflow over them. Larger aircraft have rigid wing surfaces which provide additional strength. Whether flexible or rigid, most wings have a strong frame to give them their shape and to transfer lift from the wing surface to the rest of the aircraft. The main structural elements are one or more spars running from root to tip, and many ribs running from the leading (front) to the trailing (rear) edge. Early airplane engines had little power, and lightness was very important. Also, early airfoil sections were very thin, and could not have a strong frame installed within. So, until the 1930s, most wings were too lightweight to have enough strength, and external bracing struts and wires were added. When the available engine power increased during the 1920s and 30s, wings could be made heavy and strong enough that bracing was not needed any more. This type of unbraced wing is called a cantilever wing. Wing configuration Main article: Wing configuration Captured Morane-Saulnier L wire-braced parasol monoplane The number and shape of the wings varies widely on different types. A given wing plane may be full-span or divided by a central fuselage into port (left) and starboard (right) wings. Occasionally, even more wings have been used, with the three-winged triplane achieving some fame in WWI. The four-winged quadruplane and other multiplane designs have had little success. A monoplane has a single wing plane, a biplane has two stacked one above the other, a tandem wing has two placed one behind the other. When the available engine power increased during the 1920s and 30s and bracing was no longer needed, the unbraced or cantilever monoplane became the most common form of powered type. The wing planform is the shape when seen from above. To be aerodynamically efficient, a wing should be straight with a long span from side to side but have a short chord (high aspect ratio). But to be structurally efficient, and hence light weight, a wing must have a short span but still enough area to provide lift (low aspect ratio). At transonic speeds (near the speed of sound), it helps to sweep the wing backwards or forwards to reduce drag from supersonic shock waves as they begin to form. The swept wing is just a straight wing swept backwards or forwards. Two Dassault Mirage G prototypes, one with wings swept The delta wing is a triangle shape that may be used for several reasons. As a flexible Rogallo wing, it allows a stable shape under aerodynamic forces and so is often used for ultralight aircraft and even kites. As a supersonic wing, it combines high strength with low drag and so is often used for fast jets. A variable geometry wing can be changed in flight to a different shape. The variable-sweep wing transforms between an efficient straight configuration for takeoff and landing, to a low-drag swept configuration for high-speed flight. Other forms of variable planform have been flown, but none have gone beyond the research stage. Fuselage Main article: Fuselage A fuselage is a long, thin body, usually with tapered or rounded ends to make its shape aerodynamically smooth. The fuselage may contain the flight crew, passengers, cargo or payload, fuel and engines. The pilots of manned aircraft operate them from a cockpit located at the front or top of the fuselage and equipped with controls and usually windows and instruments. A plane may have more than one fuselage, or it may be fitted with booms with the tail located between the booms to allow the extreme rear of the fuselage to be useful for a variety of purposes. Wings vs. bodies Flying wing Main article: Flying wing The US-produced B-2 Spirit is a strategic bomber. It has a flying wing configuration and is capable of intercontinental missions A flying wing is a tailless aircraft which has no definite fuselage. Most of the crew, payload and equipment are housed inside the main wing structure.[53] The flying wing configuration was studied extensively in the 1930s and 1940s, notably by Jack Northrop and Cheston L. Eshelman in the United States, and Alexander Lippisch and the Horten brothers in Germany. After the war, several experimental designs were based on the flying wing concept, but the known difficulties remained intractable. Some general interest continued until the early 1950s but designs did not necessarily offer a great advantage in range and presented several technical problems, leading to the adoption of "conventional" solutions like the Convair B-36 and the B-52 Stratofortress. Due to the practical need for a deep wing, the flying wing concept is most practical for designs in the slow-to-medium speed range, and there has been continual interest in using it as a tactical airlifter design. Interest in flying wings was renewed in the 1980s due to their potentially low radar reflection cross-sections. Stealth technology relies on shapes which only reflect radar waves in certain directions, thus making the aircraft hard to detect unless the radar receiver is at a specific position relative to the aircraft - a position that changes continuously as the aircraft moves. This approach eventually led to the Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. In this case, the aerodynamic advantages of the flying wing are not the primary needs. However, modern computer-controlled fly-by-wire systems allowed for many of the aerodynamic drawbacks of the flying wing to be minimized, making for an efficient and stable long-range bomber. Blended wing body Main article: Blended wing Computer-generated model of the Boeing X-48 Blended wing body aircraft have a flattened and airfoil shaped body, which produces most of the lift to keep itself aloft, and distinct and separate wing structures, though the wings are smoothly blended in with the body. Thus blended wing bodied aircraft incorporate design features from both a futuristic fuselage and flying wing design. The purported advantages of the blended wing body approach are efficient high-lift wings and a wide airfoil-shaped body. This enables the entire craft to contribute to lift generation with the result of potentially increased fuel economy. Lifting body The Martin Aircraft Company X-24 was built as part of a 1963 to 1975 experimental US military program. Main article: Lifting body A lifting body is a configuration in which the body itself produces lift. In contrast to a flying wing, which is a wing with minimal or no conventional fuselage, a lifting body can be thought of as a fuselage with little or no conventional wing. Whereas a flying wing seeks to maximize cruise efficiency at subsonic speeds by eliminating non-lifting surfaces, lifting bodies generally minimize the drag and structure of a wing for subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight, or, spacecraft re-entry. All of these flight regimes pose challenges for proper flight stability. Lifting bodies were a major area of research in the 1960s and 70s as a means to build a small and lightweight crewed spacecraft. The US built several famous lifting body rocket planes to test the concept, as well as several rocket-launched re-entry vehicles that were tested over the Pacific. Interest waned as the US Air Force lost interest in the crewed mission, and major development ended during the Space Shuttle design process when it became clear that the highly shaped fuselages made it difficult to fit fuel tankage. Empennage and foreplane Main articles: Empennage and Canard (aeronautics) Canards on the Saab Viggen The classic airfoil section wing is unstable in flight and difficult to control. Flexible-wing types often rely on an anchor line or the weight of a pilot hanging beneath to maintain the correct attitude. Some free-flying types use an adapted airfoil that is stable, or other ingenious mechanisms including, most recently, electronic artificial stability. To achieve stability and control, most fixed-wing types have an empennage comprising a fin and rudder which act horizontally and a tailplane and elevator which act vertically. These control surfaces can typically be trimmed to relieve control forces for various stages of flight. This is so common that it is known as the conventional layout. Sometimes there may be two or more fins, spaced out along the tailplane. Some types have a horizontal "canard" foreplane ahead of the main wing, instead of behind it.[54][55][56] This foreplane may contribute to the lift, the trim, or control of the aircraft, or to several of these. Controls and instruments Main article: Aircraft flight control system A light aircraft (Robin DR400/500) cockpit Further information: Fixed-wing aircraft § Aircraft controls, and Fixed-wing aircraft § Cockpit instrumentation Airplanes have complex flight control systems. The main controls allow the pilot to direct the aircraft in the air by controlling the attitude (roll, pitch and yaw) and engine thrust. On manned aircraft, cockpit instruments provide information to the pilots, including flight data, engine output, navigation, communications and other aircraft systems that may be installed. Safety Main article: Aviation safety When risk is measured by deaths per passenger kilometer, air travel is approximately 10 times safer than travel by bus or rail. However, when using the deaths per journey statistic, air travel is significantly more dangerous than car, rail, or bus travel.[57] Air travel insurance is relatively expensive for this reason—insurers generally use the deaths per journey statistic.[58] There is a significant difference between the safety of airliners and that of smaller private planes, with the per-mile statistic indicating that airliners are 8.3 times safer than smaller planes.[59] Environmental impact Main article: Environmental impact of aviation Water vapor contrails left by high-altitude jet airliners. These may contribute to cirrus cloud formation. Like all activities involving combustion, fossil-fuel-powered aircraft release soot and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) are also produced. In addition, there are environmental impacts specific to airplanes: for instance,     Airplanes operating at high altitudes near the tropopause (mainly large jet airliners) emit aerosols and leave contrails, both of which can increase cirrus cloud formation – cloud cover may have increased by up to 0.2% since the birth of aviation.[60]     Airplanes operating at high altitudes near the tropopause can also release chemicals that interact with greenhouse gases at those altitudes, particularly nitrogen compounds, which interact with ozone, increasing ozone concentrations.[61][62]     Most light piston aircraft burn avgas, which contains tetraethyllead (TEL). Some lower-compression piston engines can operate on unleaded mogas and turbine engines and diesel engines – neither of which require lead – are used on some newer light aircraft. Some non-polluting light electric aircraft are already in production. 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Look up aeroplane, aircraft, or airplane in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.     The Aeroplane centre     Airliners.net     Aerospaceweb.org     How Airplanes Work – Howstuffworks.com Authority control Edit this at Wikidata National     Spain Germany Other     NARA     vte Types of aircraft by methods of thrust and lift   Aerostat Aerodyne Lift: Lighter than air gas Lift: Fixed wing Lift: Unpowered rotor Lift: Powered rotor Unpowered free flight (Free) balloon Glider Helicopter, etc. in autorotation (None – see note 2) Tethered (static or towed) Tethered balloon Kite Rotor kite (None – see note 2) Powered Airship Airplane, ornithopter, etc. Autogyro Gyrodyne, helicopter     Note 1: A tiltwing or tiltrotor aircraft functions as an aeroplane during normal (horizontal) flight and as a helicopter during low-speed flight.     Note 2: For full-size aircraft with powered rotors the rotor is normally tilted to achieve thrust (e.g. in a helicopter). Some toys (e.g. balloon helicopter) do have a powered rotor with no means to tilt the rotor to produce horizontal thrust.     Note 3: Ground-effect vehicles and hovercraft are not included in the table, nor are experimental aircraft with novel thrust / lift solutions (e.g. coleopter, Flying Bedstead, Avrocar and flettner airplane) or balloon-wing hybrids (e.g. kytoon and hybrid airship). Categories:     Aircraft categoriesAircraft configurationsAmerican inventionsVehicles introduced in 1903 List of fighter aircraft Article Talk Read Edit View history Tools From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This is a list of military aircraft that are primarily designed for air-to-air combat and thus does not include aircraft intended for other roles where they have some secondary air-to-air capability, such as with many ground attack aircraft. The list does not include projects that were cancelled before an aircraft was built or fictional aircraft. An American F-16 fighter jet List Type Country Class Date Status No. Notes ACAZ C.2 Belgium Two-seat fighter 1926 Prototype 1 Adamoli-Cattani fighter Italy 1918 Prototype 1 AD Scout UK Zeppelin interceptor 1915 Prototype 4 AEG D.I, D.II & D.III Germany 1917 Prototype 3 AEG Dr.I Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Aerfer Ariete Italy 1958 Prototype 2 Aerfer Sagittario 2 Italy Lightweight fighter 1956 Prototype 2 Aero Ae 02 Czechoslovakia 1920 Prototype 1 Aero Ae 04 Czechoslovakia 1921 Prototype 1 Aero A.18 Czechoslovakia 1923 Retired 20 Aero A.19 Czechoslovakia 1923 Prototype 1 Aero A.20 Czechoslovakia 1923 Prototype 1 Aero A.102 Czechoslovakia 1934 Prototype 1 Aeromarine PG-1 US Fighter-bomber 1922 Prototype 1 Aeronautica Umbra Trojani AUT.18 Italy 1939 Prototype 1 AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Taiwan fighter-bomber 1989 Operational 130 Airco DH.1 UK Two-seat fighter 1915 Retired 170 ca. Airco DH.2 UK 1915 Retired 453 Airco DH.5 UK 1916 Retired 552 Albatros D.I Germany 1916 Retired 50 Albatros D.II Germany 1916 Retired 291 Albatros D.III Germany 1916 Retired 1,340 Albatros D.IV Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Albatros D.V & D.Va Germany 1917 Retired 2,500 Albatros D.VI Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Albatros D.VII Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Albatros D.X Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Albatros D.XI Germany 1918 Prototype 2 Albatros D.XII Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Albatros Dr.I Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Albatros Dr.II Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Albatros L 65 Germany Fighter-reconnaissance 1925 Prototype 2 Albatros L 77v Germany Fighter-reconnaissance 1928 Prototype 4 Albatros L 84 Germany Two-seat fighter 1931 Prototype 5 Albatros W.4 Germany Floatplane fighter 1916 Retired 118 Albree Pigeon-Fraser Pursuit US 1917 Prototype 3 Alcock Scout UK 1917 Prototype 1 Alekseyev I-211 & 215 USSR 1947 Prototype 3 Alter A.1 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Ambrosini SAI.107 & 207 Italy Lightweight fighter 1940 Retired 14 Ambrosini SAI.403 Italy Lightweight fighter 1943 Prototype 1 Ambrosini SS.4 Italy 1939 Prototype 1 Amiot 110 France Lightweight Jockey fighter 1928 Prototype 2 Anatra Anadis Russia 1916 Prototype 1 ANF Les Mureaux 114 France Night fighter 1931 Prototype 2 ANF Les Mureaux 130/Les Mureaux 3 & 4 France Fighter-reconnaissance 1927 Prototype 2 ANF Les Mureaux 170 France 1932 Prototype 2 ANF Les Mureaux 180 France Two-seat fighter 1935 Prototype 1 ANF Les Mureaux 190 France Lightweight fighter 1936 Prototype 1 Ansaldo A.1 Balilla Italy 1917 Retired 307 Ansaldo ISVA Italy Floatplane fighter 1917 Retired 50 Ansaldo SVA Italy Fighter-reconnaissance 1917 Retired 1,245 Arado SD I Germany 1927 Prototype 2 Arado SD II Germany 1929 Prototype 1 Arado SD III Germany 1929 Prototype 1 Arado SSD I Germany Floatplane fighter 1930 Prototype 1 Arado Ar 64 Germany 1930 Retired 20 Arado Ar 65 Germany 1931 Retired 85 Arado Ar 67 Germany 1933 Prototype 1 Arado Ar 68 Germany 1934 Retired 511 Arado Ar 76 Germany Lightweight fighter 1934 Retired 189 Arado Ar 80 Germany 1935 Prototype 3 Arado Ar 197 Germany Carrier fighter 1937 Prototype 3 Arado Ar 240 Germany Heavy fighter 1940 Prototype 14 Arado Ar 440 Germany Heavy fighter 1942 Prototype 5 Armstrong Whitworth Ara UK 1919 Prototype 2 Armstrong Whitworth Armadillo UK 1918 Prototype 1 Armstrong Whitworth A.W.16 UK 1930 Retired 18 Armstrong Whitworth F.K.6 UK Escort fighter 1916 Prototype 1 Armstrong Whitworth F.K.9 & 10 UK 1916 Prototype 9 Armstrong Whitworth Siskin UK 1919 Retired 272 Armstrong Whitworth Starling UK 1927 Prototype 2 Armstrong Whitworth AW.35 Scimitar UK 1935 Retired 6 Army Arsenal Model 3 Japan 1927 Prototype 1 [1] Arsenal-Delanne 10 France 1941 Prototype 1 Arsenal VG-30 - 39 France Lightweight fighter 1938 Retired 40+ Arsenal VB 10 France Interceptor 1945 Prototype 6 Arsenal VG 90 France Carrier fighter 1949 Prototype 2 Atlas Cheetah South Africa Fighter-bomber 1986 Operational 70 Austin-Ball A.F.B.1 UK 1917 Prototype 1 Austin Osprey UK 1918 Prototype 1 Austin Greyhound UK Two-seat fighter 1919 Prototype 3 Avia BH-3 Czechoslovakia 1921 Retired 14 Avia BH-4 Czechoslovakia 1922 Prototype 1 Avia BH-6 Czechoslovakia 1923 Prototype 1 Avia BH-7 Czechoslovakia 1923 Prototype 2 Avia BH-8 Czechoslovakia 1923 Prototype 1 Avia BH-17 Czechoslovakia 1924 Retired 24 Avia BH-19 Czechoslovakia 1924 Prototype 2 Avia BH-21 Czechoslovakia 1925 Retired 184 Avia BH-23 Czechoslovakia Night fighter 1926 Prototype 2 Avia BH-33 Czechoslovakia 1927 Retired 110 Avia B-34 Czechoslovakia 1932 Retired 14 Avia B-534 Czechoslovakia 1933 Retired 566 Avia B-634 Czechoslovakia 1936 Prototype 1 Avia B-35 Czechoslovakia 1938 Prototype 3 Avia B-135 Czechoslovakia 1939 Retired 13 Avia S-199 Czechoslovakia 1947 Retired 603 Aviatik (Berg) D.I Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 700 ca. Aviatik (Berg) D.II Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 19 Aviatik D.III Germany 1917 Prototype 2 Aviatik D.VI Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Aviatik D.VII Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Aviméta 88 France Night fighter 1927 Prototype 1 Aviotehas PN-3 Estonia Fighter-reconnaissance 1939 Prototype 1 AVIS I Hungary 1933 Prototype 1 AVIS II Hungary 1935 Prototype 1 AVIS III Hungary 1935 Prototype 3 AVIS IV Hungary 1937 Prototype 1 Avro 504 UK Zeppelin interceptor 1913 Retired 11,303 Avro 523 Pike UK Zeppelin interceptor 1916 Prototype 2 Avro 527 UK Fighter-reconnaissance 1916 Prototype 1 Avro 530 UK Two-seat fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Avro 531 Spider UK 1918 Prototype 2 Avro 566 Avenger UK 1926 Prototype 1 Avro 584 Avocet UK Fleet fighter 1927 Prototype 2 Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Canada All-weather interceptor 1950 Retired 692 Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow Canada All-weather interceptor 1958 Prototype 5 Bachem Ba 349 Germany VTO rocket interceptor 1945 Prototype 36 BAJ IV France Two-seat fighter 1919 Prototype 2 BAT Bantam UK 1918 Prototype 15 BAT Basilisk UK 1918 Prototype 3 Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma Turkey Unmanned fighter 2023 Prototype 2 Beardmore W.B.2 UK 1917 Prototype 3 Beardmore W.B.III UK Shipboard fighter 1917 Retired 100 Beardmore W.B.IV UK Shipboard fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Beardmore W.B.V UK Shipboard fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Beardmore W.B.XXVI UK Two-seat fighter 1925 Prototype 1 Bell YFM-1 Airacuda US Interceptor 1937 Retired 13 Bell XFL Airabonita US Carrier fighter 1940 Prototype 1 Bell P-39 Airacobra US 1938 Retired 9,584 Bell P-59 Airacomet US 1942 Retired 66 Bell P-63 Kingcobra US 1942 Retired 3,303 Bell XP-77 US Lightweight fighter 1944 Prototype 2 Bell XP-83 US Escort fighter 1945 Prototype 2 Berkmans Speed Scout US 1917 Prototype 1 Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 USSR Interceptor rocket 1942 Prototype 9 Berliner-Joyce XFJ US Carrier fighter 1930 Prototype 1 Berliner-Joyce F2J US Carrier fighter 1933 Retired 39 Berliner-Joyce XF3J US Carrier fighter 1934 Prototype 1 Berliner-Joyce P-16 US 1930 Retired 26 Bernard SIMB AB 10 France 1924 Prototype 1 Bernard SIMB AB 12 France 1926 Prototype 1 Bernard SIMB AB 14 France 1925 Prototype 1 Bernard 15 France 1926 Prototype 1 Bernard 20 France 1929 Prototype 1 Bernard H.52 France Floatplane fighter 1933 Prototype 2 Bernard 74 & 75 France 1931 Prototype 2 Bernard H 110 France Floatplane fighter 1935 Prototype 1 Bernard 260 France 1932 Prototype 2 Bisnovat SK-2 USSR 1940 Prototype 1 Blackburn F.3 UK 1934 Prototype 1 [note 1] Blackburn Firebrand UK Torpedo fighter 1942 Retired 193 Blackburn Firecrest UK Strike fighter 1947 Prototype 3 Blackburn Lincock UK Lightweight fighter 1928 Retired 7 Blackburn Roc UK Turret fighter 1938 Retired 136 Blackburn Skua UK Fighter/dive bomber 1937 Retired 192 Blackburn Triplane UK Zeppelin interceptor 1917 Prototype 1 Blackburn Turcock UK Interceptor/fleet fighter 1927 Prototype 1 Blériot 118 France Flying-boat fighter 1925 Prototype 1 Blériot-SPAD S.41 France 1922 Prototype 1 Blériot-SPAD S.51 France 1924 Retired 54+ Blériot-SPAD S.60 France Two-seat fighter 1926 Prototype 3 Blériot-SPAD S.61 France 1923 Retired 380+ Blériot-SPAD S.70 France 1927 Prototype 1 Blériot-SPAD S.71 France 1923 Prototype 1 Blériot-SPAD S.72 France 1923 Prototype 1 Blériot-SPAD S.81 France 1923 Retired 87+ Blériot-SPAD S.91 France Lightweight Jockey fighter 1927 Prototype 4 Blériot-SPAD S.510 France 1933 Retired 61 Blériot-SPAD S.710 France 1937 Prototype 1 Bloch MB.150-157 France 1937 Retired 663 Blohm & Voss BV 40 Germany Interceptor glider 1944 Prototype 7 Blohm & Voss BV 155 Germany High-altitude interceptor 1944 Prototype 3 Boeing FB US Carrier fighter 1923 Retired 44 Boeing F2B US Carrier fighter 1926 Retired 33 Boeing F3B US Carrier fighter 1928 Retired 74 Boeing F4B US Carrier fighter 1928 Retired 187 Boeing XF5B US Carrier fighter 1930 Prototype 1 Boeing XF6B US Fighter-bomber 1933 Prototype 1 Boeing XF7B US Carrier fighter 1933 Prototype 1 Boeing XF8B US Carrier fighter 1944 Prototype 3 Boeing PW-9 US 1923 Retired 114 Boeing XP-4 US 1927 Prototype 1 Boeing XP-7 US 1928 Prototype 1 Boeing XP-8 US 1928 Prototype 1 Boeing XP-9 US 1930 Prototype 1 Boeing P-12 US 1929 Retired 366 Boeing XP-15 US 1930 Prototype 1 Boeing P-26 Peashooter US 1932 Retired 151 Boeing P-29 US 1934 Prototype 3 Boeing Model 100 US 1929 Retired 9 Boeing Model 218 US 1929 Retired 1 Boeing Model 256 US 1932 Retired 14 Boeing Model 267 US 1933 Retired 9 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet US Carrier fighter-bomber 1995 Operational 608 Boeing X-32 US 2000 Prototype 2 Bolkhovitinov I-1 USSR Fighter-bomber 1940 Prototype 1 Borel-Boccacio Type 3000 France Two-seat fighter 1919 Prototype 1 Borel C.A.P. 2 France High-altitude fighter 1920 Prototype 1 Borovkov-Florov I-207 USSR 1937 Prototype 8 Boulton & Paul Bobolink UK 1918 Prototype 1 Boulton Paul Defiant UK Turret fighter 1937 Retired 1,064 Boulton & Paul Partridge UK 1928 Prototype 1 Breda Ba.27 Italy 1933 Retired 14 Breguet BUC/BLC France Escort fighter 1915 Prototype 32 ca. Breguet LE Laboratoire Eiffel France 1918 Prototype 1 Breguet Taon France Strike fighter 1957 Prototype 2 Breguet 17 France Night fighter 1918 Retired 100 Brewster F2A Buffalo US Carrier fighter 1937 Retired 509 Bristol Badger UK Fighter-reconnaissance 1919 Prototype 5 Bristol Bagshot UK Heavy fighter 1927 Prototype 1 Bristol Beaufighter UK Strike fighter 1939 Retired 5,928 Bristol Blenheim UK Night fighter 1935 Retired 4,422 [note 2] Bristol Bulldog UK 1928 Retired 443 Bristol Bullfinch UK 1922 Prototype 3 Bristol Bullpup UK 1928 Prototype 1 Bristol F.2 Fighter UK Two-seat fighter 1916 Retired 5,329 Bristol Jupiter Fighter UK 1923 Prototype 3 Bristol M.1 Bullet UK 1916 Retired 130 Bristol Scout UK 1914 Retired 374 Bristol Scout F UK 1918 Prototype 3 Bristol T.T.A. UK Zeppelin interceptor 1916 Prototype 2 Bristol Type 101 UK Two-seat fighter 1927 Prototype 1 Bristol Type 123 UK 1934 Prototype 1 Bristol Type 133 UK 1934 Prototype 1 Bristol Type 146 UK 1938 Prototype 1 British Aerospace Sea Harrier UK Carrier V/STOL fighter 1978 Retired 98 Burgess HT-B/HT-2 US 1917 Retired 8 Buscaylet-Bechereau BB.2 France 1924 Prototype 1 Buscaylet-de Monge 5/2 France 1923 Prototype 1 CAC Boomerang Australia 1942 Retired 250 CAC CA-15 Kangaroo Australia 1946 Prototype 1 CAC Wirraway Australia Emergency fighter/trainer 1935 Retired 755 Canadian Car and Foundry FDB-1 Canada 1938 Prototype 1 Caproni Ca.20 Italy 1914 Prototype 1 Caproni Ca.70 & 71 Italy Night fighter 1925 Prototype 2 Caproni Ca.114 Italy 1933 Retired 36 Caproni Ca.165 Italy 1938 Prototype 1 Caproni Ca.301 Italy 1934 Prototype 2 Caproni Ca.331 Italy Night fighter 1942 Prototype 2 Caproni Ca.335 Italy Fighter-bomber 1939 Prototype 1 Caproni CH.1 Italy 1935 Prototype 1 Caproni Vizzola F.4 Italy 1940 Prototype 1 Caproni Vizzola F.5 Italy 1939 Retired 14 Caproni Vizzola F.6 Italy 1941 Prototype 1 Caudron O France 1917 Prototype 1 Caudron C.714 France Lightweight fighter 1936 Retired 90 ca. Caudron R.11 France Escort fighter 1916 Retired 270 ca. Caudron R.12 France Escort fighter 1918 Prototype 2 Caudron R.14 France Escort fighter 1918 Prototype 1 Caudron-Renault CR.760 France Lightweight fighter 1940 Prototype 1 Caudron-Renault CR.770 France Lightweight fighter 1940 Prototype 1 Chengdu FC-1 Xiaolong/PAC JF-17 Thunder China, Pakistan Lightweight fighter-bomber 2003 Operational 100+ [2][3] Chengdu J-7 China Fighter-bomber 1966 Operational 2,400+ Chengdu J-10 China Lightweight fighter-bomber 1998 Operational 400+ Chengdu J-20 China Stealth fighter 2011 Operational 50 [4][5] Christmas Bullet US 1919 Prototype 2 Chu XP-0 China 1943 Prototype 1 Comte AC-1 Switzerland 1927 Prototype 1 Consolidated PB-2/P-30 US Two-seat fighter 1934 Retired 60 Consolidated Vultee XP-81 US Escort fighter 1945 Prototype 2 Convair XF-92 US Interceptor 1948 Prototype 1 Convair F-102 Delta Dagger US Interceptor 1953 Retired 1,000 Convair F-106 Delta Dart US Interceptor 1956 Retired 342 Convair XFY Pogo US VTOL fighter 1954 Prototype 1 Convair F2Y Sea Dart US Flying-boat jet fighter 1953 Prototype 5 Courtois-Suffit Lescop CSL-1 France 1918 Prototype 1 Curtiss 18 US 1918 Retired 5 Curtiss HA US Floatplane fighter 1918 Prototype 3 Curtiss TS-1 and F4C-1 US Carrier fighter 1922 Retired 46 Curtiss BF2C Goshawk US Carrier fighter-bomber 1933 Retired 166 Curtiss F6C Hawk US Carrier fighter 1923 Retired 75 Curtiss F7C Seahawk US Carrier fighter 1927 Retired 17 Curtiss F8C Falcon/Helldiver US Carrier fighter-bomber 1928 Retired 153 Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk US Parasite fighter 1931 Retired 7 Curtiss XF10C Helldiver US Fighter-bomber 1932 Prototype 1 Curtiss F11C Goshawk US Carrier fighter 1932 Retired 30 Curtiss F12C US Carrier fighter-bomber 1933 Prototype 1 Curtiss XF13C US Carrier fighter 1934 Prototype 1 Curtiss XF14C US Carrier fighter 1943 Prototype 1 Curtiss XF15C US Carrier fighter 1945 Prototype 3 Curtiss PW-8 US 1923 Retired 28 Curtiss P-1 Hawk US 1925 Retired 146 Curtiss P-2 Hawk US 1925 Retired 5 Curtiss P-3 Hawk/XP-21 US 1928 Retired 6 Curtiss P-5 Superhawk US 1928 Retired 5 Curtiss P-6 Hawk US 1927 Retired 70 Curtiss XP-10 US 1928 Prototype 1 Curtiss YP-20 US 1928 Prototype 1 Curtiss XP-31 Swift US 1933 Prototype 1 Curtiss P-36 Hawk US 1935 Retired 1,115 Curtiss XP-37 US 1939 Prototype 14 Curtiss P-40 Warhawk US 1938 Retired 13,738 Curtiss XP-46 US 1941 Prototype 2 Curtiss XP-53 & P-60 US 1941 Prototype 5 Curtiss XP-62 US Interceptor 1943 Prototype 1 Curtiss-Wright CW-21 US Lightweight fighter 1938 Retired 62 Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender US 1943 Prototype 3 Curtiss-Wright XF-87 Blackhawk US All-weather interceptor 1948 Prototype 2 Daimler D.I Germany 1918 Prototype 6 Daimler L11 Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Daimler L14 Germany 1919 Prototype 1 Dassault Balzac V France VTOL fighter 1962 Prototype 1 Dassault Étendard II France 1956 Prototype 1 Dassault Étendard IV France Strike fighter 1958 Retired 90 Dassault Étendard VI France Fighter-bomber 1957 Prototype 2 Dassault Mirage III France Interceptor 1956 Operational 1,422 Dassault Mirage IIIV France VTOL fighter 1965 Prototype 2 Dassault Mirage 5 & 50 France Fighter-bomber 1967 Operational 582 Dassault Mirage 2000 France Lightweight fighter-bomber 1978 Operational 601 [note 2] Dassault Mirage 4000 France Interceptor/fighter-bomber 1979 Prototype 1 Dassault Mirage F1 France Fighter-bomber 1966 Operational 720 Dassault Mirage F2 France Fighter-bomber 1966 Prototype 1 Dassault Mirage G France 1967 Prototype 3 Dassault Mystère France Fighter-bomber 1951 Retired 166 Dassault Mystère IV France Fighter-bomber 1952 Retired 411 Dassault Ouragan France Fighter-bomber 1949 Retired 362 Dassault Rafale France Multirole fighter 1986 Operational 253 [6] Dassault Super Mystère France Fighter-bomber 1955 Retired 180 Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard France Strike fighter 1974 Operational 85 Dayton-Wright XPS-1 US 1923 Prototype 3 de Bruyère C.1 France 1917 Prototype 1 [7] de Havilland Dormouse UK 1924 Prototype 1 de Havilland DH.77 UK Interceptor 1929 Prototype 1 de Havilland Hornet/Sea Hornet UK Heavy fighter 1944 Retired 383 de Havilland Mosquito UK Fighter-bomber/night fighter 1941 Retired 7,781 [note 2] de Havilland Sea Venom UK Carrier fighter-bomber 1951 Retired 349 de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen UK Carrier fighter 1951 Retired 145 de Havilland Vampire/Sea Vampire UK 1943 Retired 3,268 de Havilland Venom UK Fighter-bomber 1949 Retired 1,431 De Marçay 2 France 1918 Prototype 1 De Marçay 4 France 1923 Prototype 1 de Monge M-101 France, Netherlands Two-seat fighter 1924 Prototype 1 Descamps 27 France 1918 Prototype 1 Dewoitine D.1 France 1922 Retired 225 Dewoitine D.8 France 1923 Prototype 1 Dewoitine D.9 France 1924 Retired 157 Dewoitine D.12 France 1925 Prototype 2 Dewoitine D.15 France 1924 Prototype 1 Dewoitine D.19 France 1925 Retired 5 Dewoitine D.21 & D.53 France 1925 Retired 100 Dewoitine D.25 France Two-seat fighter 1926 Retired 5 Dewoitine D.27 France 1928 Retired 93 Dewoitine D.371 France 1931 Retired 87 Dewoitine D.500 & D.501 France 1932 Retired 259 Dewoitine D.510 France 1934 Retired 120 Dewoitine D.503/D.511 France 1935 Prototype 1 Dewoitine D.513 & 514 France 1936 Prototype 2 Dewoitine D.520 France 1938 Retired 900 Dewoitine D.535 France 1932 Prototype 1 Dewoitine D.560 & D.570 France 1932 Prototype 1 DFW Floh Germany 1915 Prototype 1 Díaz Type C Spain 1919 Prototype 1 Dobi-III Lithuania 1924 Prototype 1 Doflug D-3802 Switzerland 1944 Retired 12 Doflug D-3803 Switzerland 1947 Prototype 1 Dornier Do H Germany 1922 Prototype 4 Dornier Do 10 Germany Two-seat fighter 1931 Prototype 2 Dornier Do 17 Germany Night fighter 1934 Retired 2,139 [note 2] Dornier Do 215 Germany Night fighter 1938 Retired 105 [note 2] Dornier Do 217 Germany Night fighter 1938 Retired 1,925 [note 2] Dornier Do 335 Germany Heavy fighter 1943 Retired 37 Douglas P-70 Havoc US Night fighter 1939 Retired 7,478 [note 2] Douglas XA-26A US Night fighter 1942 Prototype 1 Douglas XFD US Carrier fighter 1933 Prototype 1 Douglas F3D Skyknight US Carrier night fighter 1948 Retired 265 Douglas F4D Skyray US Carrier fighter 1951 Retired 422 Douglas F5D Skylancer US Carrier fighter 1956 Retired 4 Ducrot SLD Italy 1918 Prototype 1 Dufaux avions-canon Switzerland Cannon fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Dufaux C.1 Switzerland 1916 Prototype 1 Eberhart XFG & XF2G US Carrier fighter 1927 Prototype 1 EFW N-20 Switzerland 1952 Prototype 1 ENAER Pantera Chile Fighter-bomber 1988 Operational 15 Engels MI Russia 1916 Retired 4 Engineering Division PW-1 US 1921 Prototype 1 Engineering Division TP-1 US Two-seat fighter 1923 Prototype 1 English Electric Lightning UK Interceptor 1954 Retired 337 Euler D.I Germany 1916 Retired 75 Euler D.II Germany 1917 Retired 30 Euler Dr 1 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Euler Dr 2 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Euler Dr 3 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Euler Gelber Hund Germany 1915 Prototype 1 Euler Vierdecker Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Euler Versuchszweisitzer Germany Two-seat fighter 1915 Prototype 1 Eurofighter Typhoon UK, Germany, Italy, Spain Fighter-bomber 1994 Operational 571 F/A-XX US Stealth multirole fighter 2012 In Development Fairey F.2 UK Long-range fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Fairey Fantôme UK 1935 Prototype 4 Fairey Fleetwing UK Fleet fighter 1929 Prototype 1 Fairey Flycatcher UK 1922 Retired 196 Fairey Firefly UK Fleet fighter 1941 Retired 1,702 Fairey Firefly II UK 1929 Retired 91 Fairey Fox UK Fighter-reconnaissance 1929 Retired 112 ca. Fairey Fulmar UK Fleet fighter 1940 Retired 600 Fairey Hamble Baby UK Floatplane fighter 1916 Retired 180 Fairey Pintail UK Floatplane fighter 1921 Retired 6 Farman HF.30 France Two-seat fighter 1916 Prototype 3 Farman F.31 France Two-seat fighter 1918 Prototype 1 FBA Ca2 Avion-Canon France Cannon fighter 1916 Prototype 1 FFA P-16 Switzerland 1955 Prototype 5 FFVS 22 Sweden 1942 Retired 198 FMA I.Ae. 27 Pulqui I Argentina 1947 Prototype 1 FMA I.Ae. 30 Ñancú Argentina Escort fighter 1948 Prototype 1 FMA I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II Argentina 1950 Prototype 5 Fiat CR.1/CR.2/CR.5/CR.10 Italy 1924 Retired 251 Fiat CR.20 Italy 1926 Retired 735 Fiat CR.25 Italy Heavy fighter 1937 Retired 10 [note 2] Fiat CR.30 Italy 1932 Retired 176 Fiat CR.32/CR.33/CR.40/CR.41 Italy 1933 Retired 1,306 Fiat CR.42 Falco Italy 1938 Retired 1,817 Fiat G.50 Freccia Italy 1937 Retired 791 Fiat G.55/G.56/G.59 Centauro Italy 1942 Retired 349 Fiat G.91 Italy Strike fighter 1956 Retired 770 Fisher P-75 Eagle US Heavy fighter 1943 Prototype 13 Focke-Wulf Fw 57 Germany Fighter-bomber 1936 Prototype 3 Focke-Wulf Fw 159 Germany 1935 Prototype 2 Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Germany Heavy fighter 1937 Prototype 9 Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Germany Fighter-bomber 1939 Retired 20,000+ Focke-Wulf Ta 152 Germany High-altitude interceptor 1944 Retired 49 Focke-Wulf Ta 154 Germany Night fighter 1943 Retired 50 Fokker D.I Germany 1916 Retired 144 Fokker D.II Germany 1916 Retired 177 Fokker D.III Germany 1916 Retired 210 Fokker D.IV Germany 1916 Retired 44 Fokker D.V Germany 1916 Retired 216 Fokker D.VI Germany 1918 Retired 59 Fokker D.VII & V.34 & 36 Germany 1918 Retired 3,300 Fokker D.IX/PW-6 Netherlands 1921 Prototype 1 Fokker D.X Netherlands 1918 Retired 11 Fokker D.XI/PW-7 Netherlands 1923 Retired 117 Fokker D.XII Netherlands 1924 Prototype 1 Fokker D.XIII Netherlands 1924 Retired 53 Fokker D.XIV Netherlands 1925 Prototype 1 Fokker D.XVI Netherlands 1929 Retired 22 Fokker D.XVII Netherlands 1931 Prototype 11 Fokker D.XXI Netherlands 1936 Retired 148 Fokker D.XXIII Netherlands 1939 Prototype 1 Fokker DC.I Netherlands 1923 Retired 10 Fokker Dr.I Germany 1917 Retired 320 Fokker E.I Germany 1915 Retired 54 Fokker E.II Germany 1915 Retired 49 Fokker E.III Germany 1915 Retired 249 Fokker E.IV Germany 1915 Retired 49 Fokker E.V/D.VIII Germany 1918 Retired 381 ca. Fokker G.I Netherlands 1937 Retired 63 Fokker K.I Germany Heavy fighter 1915 Prototype 1 Fokker M.16/B.III Germany 1915 Retired 28 Fokker PW-5 Netherlands 1921 Retired 12 Fokker V.1 Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Fokker V.2 Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Fokker V.3 Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Fokker V.4 Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Fokker V.6 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Fokker V.7 Germany 1918 Prototype 5 Fokker V.8 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Fokker V.17, V.20, V.23 & V.25 Germany 1917 Prototype 4 Fokker V.27 & V.37 Germany 1918 Prototype 2 Folland Gnat UK Lightweight fighter 1955 Retired 449 Folland Midge UK Lightweight fighter 1954 Prototype 1 Friedrichshafen FF.43 Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Friedrichshafen FF.46 Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Friedrichshafen FF.54 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 ca. FVM J 23 Sweden 1923 Retired 5 FVM J 24 Sweden 1924 Prototype 2 Gabardini G.8 Italy 1923 Prototype 1+ Gabardini G.9 Italy 1923 Prototype 1+ Galvin HC France Floatplane fighter 1919 Prototype 1 Geest Fighter Germany 1917 Prototype 1 General Aviation XFA US 1932 Prototype 1 General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon US Multirole fighter 1974 Operational 4,500 General Dynamics F-16XL US Strike fighter 1982 Prototype 2 General Dynamics/Grumman F-111B US Interceptor 1965 Prototype 7 Germania DB Germany Two-seat fighter 1915 Prototype 1 Germania JM Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Gloster E.1/44 UK Jet 1948 Prototype 3 Gloster F.5/34 UK 1937 Prototype 2 Gloster F.9/37 UK 1939 Prototype 2 Gloster Gambet UK, Japan 1927 Retired 151 Gloster Gamecock UK 1925 Retired 98 Gloster Gauntlet UK 1933 Retired 246 Gloster Gladiator & Sea Gladiator UK 1934 Retired 747 Gloster Gnatsnapper UK Carrier fighter 1928 Prototype 2 Gloster Goldfinch UK 1927 Prototype 1 Gloster Gorcock UK 1925 Prototype 3 Gloster Grebe UK 1923 Retired 133 Gloster Grouse UK 1923 Prototype 1 Gloster Guan UK 1926 Prototype 2 Gloster Javelin UK All-weather interceptor 1951 Retired 436 Gloster Mars, Nightjar & Sparrowhawk UK 1921 Retired 91 Gloster Meteor UK Jet 1943 Retired 3,947 Goodyear F2G Corsair US 1945 Prototype 10 Gorbunov 105 USSR 1943 Prototype 10 Gourdou-Leseurre Type A France 1918 Prototype 1 Gourdou-Leseurre Type B, GL.2/21/22/23/24 France 1918 Retired 136+ Gourdou-Leseurre GL.30 series France 1920 Retired 500+ Gourdou-Leseurre GL.40, 410 & 450 France 1932 Prototype 3 Gourdou-Leseurre GL.50 France 1922 Prototype 2 Gourdou-Leseurre GL.482 France 1933 Prototype 1 Grigorovich I-1 USSR 1924 Prototype 1 Grigorovich I-2 & I-2bis USSR 1924 Retired 211 Grigorovich DI-3 USSR 1931 Prototype 1 Grigorovich I-Z USSR 1931 Retired 73 Grigorovich IP-1 USSR Cannon fighter 1935 Retired 90 Grigorovich IP-4 USSR Cannon fighter 1934 Prototype 1 Grumman FF/G-5/G-23 Goblin US Carrier fighter 1931 Retired 85 Grumman F2F US Carrier fighter 1933 Retired 55 Grumman F3F US Carrier fighter 1935 Retired 147 Grumman F4F Wildcat US Carrier fighter 1937 Retired 7,885 [note 3] Grumman XF5F Skyrocket US Carrier interceptor 1940 Prototype 1 Grumman F6F Hellcat US Carrier fighter 1942 Retired 12,275 Grumman F7F Tigercat US Carrier heavy fighter 1943 Retired 364 Grumman F8F Bearcat US Carrier fighter-bomber 1944 Retired 1,266 Grumman F9F Panther US Carrier fighter-bomber 1947 Retired 1,382 Grumman F-9 Cougar US Carrier fighter 1951 Retired 1,392 Grumman XF10F Jaguar US Carrier fighter 1952 Prototype 1 Grumman F-11 Tiger US Carrier fighter 1954 Retired 200 Grumman F-14 Tomcat US Carrier interceptor 1970 Operational 712 Grumman XP-50 US 1941 Prototype 1 Grumman GG US 1934 Prototype 1 Grumman SF/G-6 US Carrier fighter 1932 Retired 35 Gudkov GU-1 USSR 1943 Prototype 1 Gudkov GU-82 USSR 1941 Prototype 1 Guizhou JL-9 China 2003 Operational 12+ Häfeli DH-4 Switzerland 1918 Prototype 1 HAL Ajeet India, UK Lightweight fighter 1976 Retired 89 HAL HF-24 Marut India Fighter-bomber 1961 Retired 147 HAL Tejas Mk1/Mk1A India Lightweight fighter-bomber 2001 Operational 32 HAL Tejas Mk2 India Fighter-bomber 2019 In Development 0 HAL TEDBF India Carrier fighter-bomber 2020 In Development 0 HAL AMCA India Fighter-bomber 2019 In Development 0 [8] Halberstadt D.I Germany 1915 Prototype 2 Halberstadt D.II - D.V Germany 1915 Retired 85 Hall XFH US Carrier fighter 1929 Prototype 1 Handley Page Type S UK 1923 Prototype 2 Hannover CL.II Germany Escort fighter 1917 Retired 439 Hanriot HD.1 France 1916 Retired 1,200 Hanriot HD.2 France Floatplane fighter 1917 Retired 140 ca. Hanriot HD.3 France 1917 Retired 90 ca. Hanriot HD.5 France Two-seat fighter 1918 Prototype 1 Hanriot HD.6 France Two-seat fighter 1919 Prototype 1 Hanriot HD.7 France 1918 Prototype 1 Hanriot HD.8 France 1918 Prototype 1 Hanriot HD.12 France 1921 Prototype 1 Hanriot HD.15 France High-altitude fighter 1922 Prototype 4 Hanriot HD.20 France Shipboard fighter 1923 Prototype 1 Hanriot H.26 France 1923 Prototype 1 Hanriot H.31 France 1925 Prototype 1 Hanriot H.33 France Two-seat fighter 1926 Prototype 1 Hanriot H.110 & H.115 France 1933 Prototype 1 Hanriot H.220, H.220-2 & SNCAC NC-600 France Heavy fighter 1937 Prototype 3 Hansa-Brandenburg CC Germany Flying boat fighter 1916 Retired 73 Hansa-Brandenburg D.I Austria-Hungary 1916 Retired 122 Hansa-Brandenburg KDW Germany Floatplane fighter 1916 Retired 60 ca. Hansa-Brandenburg KF Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Hansa-Brandenburg L.14 Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 2 Hansa-Brandenburg L.16 Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 1 Hansa-Brandenburg W.11 Germany Floatplane fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 Germany Floatplane fighter 1917 Retired 181 Hansa-Brandenburg W.16 Germany Floatplane fighter 1917 Prototype 3 Hansa-Brandenburg W.17 Germany Flying-boat fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Hansa-Brandenburg W.18 Germany Flying-boat fighter 1917 Retired 48 Hansa-Brandenburg W.19 Germany Floatplane fighter 1918 Retired 55 Hansa-Brandenburg W.25 Germany Floatplane fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Hansa-Brandenburg W.27 Germany Floatplane fighter 1918 Prototype 1 Hansa-Brandenburg W.29/W.33 Germany Floatplane fighter 1918 Retired 78+ Hansa-Brandenburg W.32 Germany Floatplane fighter 1918 Prototype 1 Hawker Demon UK 1931 Retired 290 Hawker F.20/27 UK 1928 Prototype 1 Hawker Fury UK 1931 Retired 275 Hawker Fury (monoplane) UK 1944 Prototype 3 Hawker Hart Fighter UK 1931 Retired 6 Hawker Hawfinch UK 1927 Prototype 1 Hawker Heron UK 1925 Prototype 1 Hawker Hoopoe UK 1928 Prototype 1 Hawker Hornbill UK 1925 Prototype 1 Hawker Hotspur UK Turret fighter 1938 Prototype 1 Hawker Hunter UK Fighter-bomber 1951 Retired 1,972 Hawker Hurricane & Sea Hurricane UK Fighter-bomber 1935 Retired 14,533 Hawker Siddeley Kestrel FGA.1 UK V/STOL Fighter-bomber 1964 Retired 9 Hawker Nimrod UK Carrier fighter 1931 Retired 92 Hawker Osprey UK Fleet fighter/reconnaissance 1930 Retired 124 Hawker P.1081 UK 1950 Prototype 1 Hawker P.V.3 UK Day & night fighter 1934 Prototype 1 Hawker Sea Fury UK Carrier fighter 1945 Retired 860 Hawker Sea Hawk UK Carrier jet fighter 1947 Retired 542 Hawker Tempest UK 1942 Retired 1,702 Hawker Tornado UK 1939 Prototype 4 Hawker Typhoon UK Fighter-bomber 1940 Retired 3,317 Hawker Woodcock/Danecock/Dankok UK 1923 Retired 64 Heinkel HD 23 Germany 1926 Prototype 4 Heinkel HD 37 Germany 1928 Retired 134 Heinkel HD 38 Germany 1928 Retired 12 Heinkel HD 43 Germany 1931 Prototype 1 Heinkel He 49 Germany 1932 Prototype 4 Heinkel He 51 Germany 1933 Retired 700 Heinkel He 74 Germany Lightweight fighter 1933 Prototype 3 Heinkel He 100/He 113 Germany 1938 Prototype 25 Heinkel He 112 Germany 1935 Retired 104 Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger Germany 1944 Retired 170 Heinkel He 219 Germany Night fighter 1942 Retired 300 Heinkel He 280 Germany 1940 Prototype 9 Heinrich Pursuit US 1917 Prototype 4 Helwan HA-300 Egypt 1964 Prototype 3 Henschel Hs 124 Germany Heavy fighter 1936 Prototype 2 HESA Azarakhsh Iran Strike fighter 1997 Operational 11 HESA Saeqeh Iran Fighter 2004 Operational 24 Hispano Aviación HA-1112 Spain, Germany 1951 Retired 239 Hispano Barrón Spain 1919 Prototype 2 Horten Ho 229 Germany Fighter-bomber jet flying wing 1944 Prototype 3 Hughes D-2 US fighter-bomber 1943 Prototype 1 IAI Kfir Israel Fighter-bomber 1973 Operational 220 IAI Lavi Israel 1986 Prototype 3 IAI Nammer Israel 1991 Prototype 1 IAI Nesher/Dagger Israel 1971 Retired 61 IAR-11 Romania 1930 Prototype 2 IAR-12 Romania 1933 Prototype 1 IAR-13 Romania 1933 Prototype 1 IAR-14 Romania 1933 Retired 20 IAR-15 Romania 1933 Prototype 5 IAR-16 Romania 1934 Prototype 1 IAR-80 Romania 1939 Retired 346 Ikarus IK-2 Yugoslavia 1935 Retired 12 Ikarus S-49 Yugoslavia 1949 Retired 158 Ilyushin I-21/TsKB-32 USSR 1936 Prototype 2 Ilyushin Il-1 USSR 1944 Prototype 1 Ilyushin Il-2I USSR 1939 Prototype 1 [note 4] IMAM Ro.41 Italy 1934 Retired 753 IMAM Ro.44 Italy Floatplane fighter 1936 Retired 35 IMAM Ro.51 Italy 1937 Prototype 2 IMAM Ro.57 Italy Interceptor/ground attack 1939 Retired 50 IMAM Ro.58 Italy fighter-bomber 1942 Prototype 1 IVL C.24 Finland 1924 Prototype 1 IVL C.VI.25 Finland 1925 Prototype 1 IVL Haukka Finland 1927 Prototype 5 Junkers CL.I Germany 1917 Retired 51 Junkers EF 126 Germany 1947 Prototype 5 Junkers J 2 Germany 1916 Prototype 6 Junkers J 7 Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Junkers J 9/D.I Germany 1917 Retired 40 Junkers T.22 Germany 1923 Prototype 2 Junkers K 47 Germany 1929 Retired 23 Junkers Ju 88 Germany Night fighter 1936 Retired 15,000 ca. [note 2] Junkers Ju 388 Germany Night fighter 1943 Retired 100 [note 2] KAI KF-21 Boramae South Korea, Indonesia 2021 Prototype 1 Kasyanenko KPI-5 Russia 1917 Prototype 1 Kawanishi N1K Kyofu Japan Floatplane fighter 1942 Retired 97 Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden Japan Interceptor 1942 Retired 1,435 Kawanishi K-11 Japan Carrier fighter 1927 Prototype 2 Kawasaki KDA-3 Japan 1928 Prototype 3 Kawasaki KDA-5 Army Type 92 Japan 1930 Retired 385 Kawasaki Ki-5 Japan 1934 Prototype 4 Kawasaki Ki-10 Japan 1935 Retired 588 Kawasaki Ki-28 Japan 1936 Prototype 1 Kawasaki Ki-45 Japan Interceptor 1941 Retired 1,691 Kawasaki Ki-60 Japan 1941 Prototype 3 Kawasaki Ki-61 Japan 1941 Retired 3,159 Kawasaki Ki-64 Japan Interceptor 1943 Prototype 1 Kawasaki Ki-96 Japan 1943 Prototype 3 Kawasaki Ki-100 Japan 1945 Retired 395 Kawasaki Ki-102 & Ki-108 Japan 1944 Retired 238 Kochyerigin DI-6 USSR 1934 Retired 222 Kondor D.I Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Kondor D.II Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Kondor D.VI Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Kondor D.VII Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Koolhoven F.K.55 Netherlands 1938 Prototype 1 Koolhoven F.K.58 Netherlands 1938 Retired 18 Kyushu J7W Japan 1945 Prototype 2 Laville DI-4 USSR 1932 Prototype 1 Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-1 USSR 1940 Retired 100 Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3 USSR 1940 Retired 6,258 Lavochkin La-5 USSR 1942 Retired 9,920 Lavochkin La-7 USSR 1944 Retired 5,753 Lavochkin La-9 USSR 1946 Retired 1,559 Lavochkin La-11 USSR 1947 Retired 1,182 Lavochkin La-15 USSR 1948 Retired 235 Lavochkin La-126 USSR 1945 Prototype 1 Lavochkin La-150 USSR 1946 Prototype 8 Lavochkin La-152 USSR 1946 Prototype 1 Lavochkin La-156 USSR 1947 Prototype 2 Lavochkin La-160 USSR 1947 Prototype 1 Lavochkin La-168 USSR 1948 Prototype 1 Lavochkin La-176 USSR 1948 Prototype 1 Lavochkin La-190 USSR 1951 Prototype 1 Lavochkin La-200 USSR 1949 Prototype 1 Lavochkin La-250 USSR 1956 Prototype 5 Letov Š-3 Czechoslovakia 1922 Prototype 2 Letov Š-4 Czechoslovakia 1922 Retired 20 Letov Š-7 Czechoslovakia 1923 Prototype 1 Letov Š-12 Czechoslovakia 1924 Prototype 1 Letov Š-13 Czechoslovakia 1924 Prototype 1 Letov Š-14 Czechoslovakia 1924 Prototype 1 Letov Š-20 Czechoslovakia 1925 Retired 117 Letov Š-22 Czechoslovakia 1926 Prototype 1 Letov Š-31 Czechoslovakia 1929 Retired 32 Letov Š-231 Czechoslovakia 1933 Retired 25 Levasseur PL.5 France Carrier fighter 1924 Retired 24 Levasseur PL.6 France Two-seat fighter 1926 Prototype 1 Levy-Biche LB.2 & LB.6 France Shipboard fighter 1927 Retired 26 LFG Roland D.II Germany 1916 Retired 300 LFG Roland D.III Germany 1916 Retired 20 ca. LFG Roland D.VI Germany 1917 Retired 350 Lioré et Olivier LeO 7 France Escort fighter 1922 Retired 33 Liuchow Kwangsi Type 3 China 1937 Prototype 1 Lloyd 40.15 Austria-Hungary 1918 Prototype 1 Lloyd 40.16 Austria-Hungary 1918 Prototype 1 Lockheed YP-24 US 1931 Prototype 1 Lockheed P-38 Lightning US 1939 Retired 10,037 Lockheed XP-49 US 1942 Prototype 1 Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning US 1944 Prototype 1 Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star US 1944 Retired 1,715 Lockheed XF-90 US 1949 Prototype 2 Lockheed F-94/F-97 Starfire US 1949 Retired 855 Lockheed F-104 Starfighter US 1954 Retired 2,578 [note 5] Lockheed YF-12 US 1963 Prototype 3 Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor US Stealth fighter 1997 Operational 195 [9] Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II US Stealth multirole fighter 2006 Operational 920+ as of May 2023[10] Lockheed XFV US VTOL fighter 1953 Prototype 1 Loening M-8 US 1918 Retired 55 Loening PA-1 US 1922 Prototype 1 Loening PW-2 US 1918 Retired 7 Lohner 10.20 Spuckerl Austria-Hungary 1916 Prototype 2 Lohner Type AA Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 1 Lohner Type A/Dr.I Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 1 Loire 43 France 1932 Prototype 1 Loire 45 France 1933 Prototype 1 Loire 46 France 1934 Retired 61 Loire 210 France 1935 Retired 21 Loire 250 France 1935 Prototype 1 Loire-Nieuport LN.160, 161 & SNCAO 161 France 1935 Prototype 3 Loring C-1 Spain 1927 Prototype 1 LVG E.I Germany 1915 Prototype 1 LVG D 10 Germany 1916 Prototype 1 LVG D.II Germany 1916 Prototype 1 LVG D.III Germany 1917 Prototype 1 LVG D.IV Germany 1918 Prototype 1 LVG D.V Germany 1918 Prototype 1 LVG D.VI Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Macchi M.C.200 Italy 1937 Retired 1,153 Macchi M.C.201 Italy 1940 Prototype 2 Macchi M.C.202 Italy 1940 Retired 1,200 Macchi M.C.205 Italy 1942 Retired 262 Macchi M.5 Italy Flying-boat fighter 1917 Retired 244 Macchi M.6 Italy Flying-boat fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Macchi M.7 Italy Flying-boat fighter 1918 Retired 110+ Macchi M.14 Italy 1918 Retired 11 Macchi M.26 Italy Flying-boat fighter 1924 Prototype 2 Macchi M.41 & M.41bis Italy Flying-boat fighter 1927 Retired 42 Macchi M.71 Italy Flying-boat fighter 1930 Retired 12 ca. Mann Egerton Type H UK Shipboard fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Mann & Grimmer M.1 Two-seat fighter UK 1915 Prototype 1 Marchetti MVT/SIAI S.50 Italy 1919 Prototype 3 Marinens Flyvebaatfabrikk M.F.9 Norway 1925 Retired 10 Mark D.I Germany 1918 Prototype 2 Martin-Baker MB 2 UK 1938 Prototype 1 Martin-Baker MB 3 UK 1942 Prototype 1 Martin-Baker MB 5 UK 1944 Prototype 1 Martinsyde F.1 UK 1917 Prototype 2 Martinsyde Buzzard UK 1918 Retired 370+ Martinsyde G.100 UK Fighter-bomber 1916 Retired 271 MÁVAG Héja Hungary 1940 Retired 204 McDonnell XP-67 US Interceptor 1944 Prototype 1 McDonnell XF-85 Goblin US Parasite fighter 1948 Prototype 2 McDonnell XF-88 US Escort fighter 1948 Prototype 2 McDonnell F-101 Voodoo US Fighter-bomber 1954 Retired 807 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle US Fighter/Interceptor 1972 Operational 1,196 McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle US Fighter-bomber 1986 Operational 418 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet US Carrier fighter-bomber 1978 Operational 1,480 McDonnell FH Phantom US Carrier fighter 1945 Retired 62 McDonnell F2H Banshee US Carrier fighter-bomber 1947 Retired 895 McDonnell F3H Demon US Carrier interceptor 1951 Retired 519 McDonnell Douglas F4H/F-110/F-4 Phantom II US Carrier fighter-bomber 1958 Operational 5,195 Messerschmitt Bf 109 Germany 1935 Retired 33,984 Messerschmitt Bf 110 Germany Heavy fighter 1936 Retired 6,170 Messerschmitt Me 163 Germany Interceptor rocket 1941 Retired 370 Messerschmitt Me 209 (1943) Germany 1943 Prototype 4 Messerschmitt Me 210 Germany Heavy fighter 1939 Retired 90 Messerschmitt Me 262/Avia S-92 Germany Fighter-bomber jet 1941 Retired 1,430 Messerschmitt Me 263 Germany Interceptor rocket 1945 Prototype 3 Messerschmitt Me 309 Germany 1942 Prototype 4 Messerschmitt Me 310 Germany Heavy fighter 1943 Prototype 1 Messerschmitt Me 328 Germany Parasite fighter 1944 Prototype 9 Messerschmitt Me 410 Germany Heavy fighter 1942 Retired 1,200 ca. Mikhelson/Korvin MK-1 Rybka USSR Floatplane fighter 1923 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-210 USSR 1941 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-211 USSR 1943 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-220 USSR 1943 Prototype 2 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-221 USSR 1943 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-222 USSR 1944 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-224 USSR 1944 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-225 USSR 1944 Prototype 2 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-230 USSR 1942 Prototype 7 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-231 USSR 1943 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-250 USSR Mixed power 1945 Prototype 12 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-70 & 270 USSR 1946 Prototype 2 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-320 USSR 1949 Prototype 2 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-370/I-1/I-2 USSR 1955 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-380/I-3 USSR 1956 Prototype 2 Mikoyan-Gurevich I-75 USSR 1958 Prototype 2 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-1 USSR 1940 Retired 103 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 USSR 1940 Retired 3,172 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-5/DIS USSR Escort fighter 1941 Prototype 2 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-7 USSR 1941 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9 USSR 1946 Retired 598 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 USSR 1947 Retired 18,000 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 USSR 1950 Retired 10,603 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 USSR 1953 Retired 2,172 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 USSR Fighter-interceptor 1955 Operational 11,496 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PD USSR VTOL fighter 1966 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23PD USSR VTOL fighter 1967 Prototype 1 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 USSR Fighter-bomber 1967 Operational 5,047 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 USSR Interceptor 1964 Operational 1,190 Mikoyan MiG-29 USSR Fighter 1977 Operational 1,600 [note 6][11] Mikoyan MiG-31 USSR Interceptor 1975 Operational 500 Mikoyan MiG-35 Russia Multirole fighter 2007 Operational 10 [12] Mikoyan-Gurevich SM-12 USSR 1957 Prototype 3 Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-150 & Ye-152 USSR 1959 Prototype 4 Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-8 USSR 1962 Prototype 2 Mikoyan Project 1.44 Russia 2000 Prototype 2 Miles M.20 UK 1940 Prototype 2 Miles M.35 Libellula UK 1942 Prototype 1 Miles Master Fighter UK 1940 Retired 26 Militär-Apparat MA-7 Switzerland 1925 Prototype 1 Mitsubishi 1MF Japan 1921 Retired 138 Mitsubishi 1MF2 Japan 1928 Prototype 2 Mitsubishi 1MF9 Japan 1927 Prototype 2 Mitsubishi 1MF10 Japan Carrier fighter 1933 Prototype 2 [1] Mitsubishi A5M Japan 1935 Retired 1,094 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japan 1939 Retired 10,939 Mitsubishi A7M Japan 1944 Prototype 8 Mitsubishi F-2 Japan, US Multirole fighter 1995 Operational 98 Mitsubishi F-X Japan, US Stealth fighter 2020 In Development 0 Mitsubishi G6M Japan Heavy fighter 1940 Retired 30 Mitsubishi J2M Japan 1942 Retired 621 Mitsubishi J8M/Ki-200 Japan 1945 Prototype 7 Mitsubishi Ka-8 Japan Carrier fighter 1934 Prototype 2 [1] Mitsubishi Ki-18 Japan 1935 Prototype 1 Mitsubishi Ki-33 Japan 1936 Prototype 2 Mitsubishi Ki-46-III KAI Japan Heavy fighter (conversion) 1944 Retired 200 ca. Mitsubishi Ki-83 Japan Heavy fighter 1944 Prototype 4 Mitsubishi Ki-109 Japan Heavy day/night fighter 1942 Retired 24 [note 4] Morane-Saulnier L/Pfalz E.III France 1914 Retired 600 [note 7] Morane-Saulnier N France 1915 Retired 49 Morane-Saulnier I France 1916 Retired 4 Morane-Saulnier V France 1916 Retired 30 ca. Morane-Saulnier AC France 1916 Retired 32 ca. Morane-Saulnier AF France 1917 Prototype 1 Morane-Saulnier AI France 1917 Retired 1,210 Morane-Saulnier AN series France 1918 Prototype 4 Morane-Saulnier M.S.121 France 1927 Prototype 1 Morane-Saulnier M.S.225 France 1932 Retired 75 Morane-Saulnier M.S.325 France 1933 Prototype 1 Morane-Saulnier M.S.405 France 1935 Prototype 18 Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 France 1935 Retired 1,094 ca. Morane-Saulnier M.S.410 France 1940 Retired 74 Mosca-Bystritsky MBbis Russia 1916 Retired 50 Moskalyev SAM-13 USSR 1940 Prototype 1 Nakajima A2N Japan 1929 Retired 100 Nakajima A4N Japan 1934 Retired 221 Nakajima A6M2-N Japan Floatplane fighter 1941 Retired 327 Nakajima Army Type 91 Fighter Japan 1928 Retired 450 Nakajima C6N-1S Japan Night fighter 1943 Prototype 6 [note 4] Nakajima J1N Japan Night fighter 1941 Retired 479 Nakajima J5N Japan Interceptor 1944 Prototype 6 Nakajima Ki-8 Japan 1934 Prototype 5 Nakajima Ki-11 Japan 1934 Prototype 4 Nakajima Ki-12 & PE Japan 1936 Prototype 2 Nakajima Ki-27 Japan 1936 Retired 3,368 Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa Japan 1938 Retired 5,919 Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki Japan 1940 Retired 1,225 Nakajima Ki-58 Japan Escort fighter 1939 Prototype 3 [note 4] Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate Japan 1943 Retired 3,514 Nakajima Ki-87 Japan 1945 Prototype 1 Nakajima Ki-116 Japan 1945 Prototype 1 Nakajima Kikka Japan 1945 Prototype 2 Nakajima NAF-1 Japan Carrier fighter 1933 Prototype 1 [1] Nakajima NAF-2 Japan Carrier fighter 1934 Prototype 2 [1] Nanchang J-12 China 1970 Prototype 9 Nielsen & Winther Type AA Denmark 1917 Retired 6 Nieuport 10 France 1914 Retired 300 ca. Nieuport 11 France 1915 Retired 900 ca. [13] Nieuport 16 France 1916 Retired 300 ca. [13] Nieuport 17, 21 & 23 France 1916 Retired 4,000 ca. Nieuport 17bis & 23bis France 1917 Retired 101 ca. Nieuport 24 & 24bis France 1917 Retired 700 ca. Nieuport 25 & 27 France 1917 Retired 1,000 ca. Nieuport 28 France 1917 Retired 300 Nieuport-Delage NiD 29 France 1918 Retired 1,571 ca. Nieuport Nie 31RH France 1919 Prototype 1 Nieuport-Delage NiD 32RH France Shipboard fighter 1919 Retired 10 Nieuport-Delage NiD 37 France High-altitude fighter 1923 Prototype 1 Nieuport-Delage NiD 40 France High-altitude fighter 1923 Prototype 1 Nieuport-Delage NiD 42 France 1924 Retired 31 Nieuport-Delage NiD 43 France Floatplane fighter 1924 Prototype 1 Nieuport-Delage NiD 48, 48bis & 481 France Lightweight Jockey fighter 1926 Prototype 2 Nieuport-Delage NiD 52 France 1927 Retired 135 Nieuport-Delage NiD 62 France 1928 Retired 322 Nieuport-Delage NiD 622 France 1930 Retired 314 Nieuport-Delage NiD 626 France 1932 Retired 12 Nieuport-Delage NiD 628 France High-altitude fighter 1932 Prototype 2 Nieuport-Delage NiD 629 France 1932 Retired 50 Nieuport-Delage NiD 72 France 1928 Retired 8 Nieuport-Delage NiD 82 France 1930 Prototype 1 Nieuport-Delage NiD 120 - NiD 125 France 1932 Retired 11 Nieuport Nighthawk\Gloster Nighthawk UK 1919 Retired 70 Nikitin-Shevchenko IS USSR Polymorphic fighter 1940 Prototype 2 North American NA-50 & P-64 US 1939 Retired 13 North American P-51 Mustang US 1940 Retired 16,766 North American P-82/F-82 Twin Mustang US 1945 Retired 270 North American/Canadair/CAC F-86 Sabre US 1947 Retired 9,860 North American F-86D Sabre US 1949 Retired 2,847 North American FJ-1 Fury US 1946 Retired 31 North American FJ-2/-3 Fury US 1951 Retired 741 North American FJ-4 Fury US 1954 Retired 374 North American YF-93 US 1950 Prototype 2 North American F-100 Super Sabre US 1953 Retired 2,294 North American F-107 US 1956 Prototype 3 Northrop XFT US 1933 Prototype 1 Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet US 1943 Prototype 2 Northrop P-61 Black Widow US 1942 Retired 742 Northrop XP-79 US 1945 Prototype 1 Northrop F-89 Scorpion US 1948 Retired 1,050 Northrop F-5 US 1959 Operational 2,246 Northrop YF-17 US 1974 Prototype 2 Northrop F-20 Tigershark US 1982 Prototype 3 Northrop YF-23 US 1990 Prototype 2 NVI F.K.31 Netherlands 1923 Retired 17 Oeffag D.III Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 526 ca. Orenco B US 1918 Prototype 4 Orenco D US 1919 Retired 54 Packard-Le Peré LUSAC-11 & LUSAC-21 US 1918 Retired 30 Panavia Tornado ADV UK Interceptor 1979 Retired 218 Parnall Pipit UK 1928 Prototype 2 Parnall Plover UK 1922 Retired 13 Parnall Puffin UK Amphibious fighter 1920 Prototype 3 Parnall Scout UK Zeppelin interceptor 1916 Prototype 1 Pashinin I-21 USSR 1940 Prototype 3 Pemberton-Billing P.B.9 UK 1914 Prototype 1 Pemberton-Billing Nighthawk UK Zeppelin interceptor 1917 Prototype 1 Petlyakov Pe-3 USSR Night fighter 1941 Retired 360 Petlyakov VI-100 USSR High-altitude fighter 1939 Prototype 1 Pfalz D.III Germany 1917 Retired 1,010 Pfalz D.IV Germany 1916 Prototype 1 Pfalz D.VI Germany 1917 Prototype 2+ Pfalz D.VII Germany 1917 Retired 15+ Pfalz D.VIII Germany 1918 Retired 40 Pfalz D.XII Germany 1918 Retired 800 Pfalz D.XIII Germany 1918 Prototype 1+ Pfalz D.XIV Germany 1918 Prototype 3+ Pfalz D.XV Germany 1918 Prototype 2+ Pfalz Dr.I Germany 1917 Retired 10 Pfalz Dr.II Germany 1918 Prototype 2 Pfalz E.I France, Germany 1915 Retired 45 Pfalz E.II France, Germany 1915 Retired 130 Pfalz E.IV France, Germany 1916 Retired 46 Pfalz E.V France, Germany 1916 Retired 20 Phönix 20.14 Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 158 Phönix 20.15 Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 158 Phönix 20.16 Austria-Hungary Two-seat fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Phönix 20.22 Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 1 Phönix 20.23 Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 1 Phönix 20.24 Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 1 Phönix 20.25 Austria-Hungary 1917 Prototype 1 Phönix D.I Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 158 Phönix D.II Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 158 Phönix D.III Austria-Hungary 1917 Retired 158 Piaggio P.2 Italy 1923 Prototype 2 Piaggio P.119 Italy 1942 Prototype 1 Polikarpov DI-1 USSR Two-seat fighter 1926 Prototype 1 Polikarpov I-1 USSR 1923 Prototype 18 Polikarpov I-3 USSR 1928 Retired 389 Polikarpov I-5 USSR 1930 Retired 803 Polikarpov I-6 USSR 1930 Prototype 2 Polikarpov I-15 USSR 1933 Retired 671 Polikarpov I-15bis USSR 1937 Retired 2,408 Polikarpov I-152 USSR 1938 Prototype 3 Polikarpov I-153 USSR 1938 Retired 3,437 Polikarpov I-16 USSR 1933 Retired 8,644 Polikarpov I-17 USSR 1934 Prototype 3 Polikarpov I-180 USSR 1938 Prototype 13 Polikarpov I-185 USSR 1941 Prototype 4 Polikarpov I-190 USSR 1939 Prototype 2 Polikarpov ITP USSR 1942 Prototype 2 Polikarpov TIS USSR Heavy fighter 1941 Prototype 2 Pomilio FVL-8 Italy 1919 Prototype 6 Pomilio Gamma Italy 1918 Prototype 2 Pomilio PD Italy 1917 Retired 431 Ponnier M-1 France 1915 Retired 20 Port Victoria P.V.1 UK Floatplane fighter 1916 Prototype 1 Port Victoria P.V.2 & P.V.2bis UK Floatplane fighter 1916 Prototype 1 Port Victoria P.V.5 & P.V.5A UK Floatplane fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Port Victoria P.V.7 UK Lightweight fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Port Victoria P.V.8 UK Lightweight fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Port Victoria P.V.9 UK Floatplane fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Potez XI France 1922 Prototype 1 Potez 23 France 1924 Prototype 1 Potez 26 France 1924 Prototype 1 Potez 31 France Night fighter 1929 Prototype 1 Potez 630 France 1936 Retired 1,360 [note 2] Prajadhipok Siam 1929 Prototype 1 Praga E-44 Czechoslovakia 1932 Prototype 2 Praga E-45 Czechoslovakia 1934 Prototype 1 PWS-1 & 1bis Poland Two-seat fighter 1927 Prototype 1 PWS-10 Poland 1930 Retired 80 PZL P.1 Poland 1929 Prototype 2 PZL P.6 Poland 1930 Prototype 1 PZL P.7 Poland 1930 Retired 151 PZL P.8 Poland 1931 Prototype 2 PZL P.11 Poland 1931 Retired 325 PZL P.24 Poland 1933 Retired 192 ca. PZL.38 Wilk Poland Heavy fighter 1938 Prototype 2 PZL.50 Jastrząb Poland 1939 Prototype 1 Qaher-313 Iran Stealth fighter 2017 Abandoned 1 Reggiane Re.2000 Italy 1939 Retired 180 Reggiane Re.2001 Italy 1940 Retired 252 Reggiane Re.2002 Italy 1940 Retired 225 Reggiane Re.2004 Italy 1942 Prototype 1 Reggiane Re.2005 Italy 1942 Retired 48 Renard Epervier Belgium 1928 Prototype 2 Renard R.36, R.37 & R.38 Belgium 1937 Prototype 3 R.E.P. C.1 France 1918 Prototype 1 Republic P-43 Lancer US 1940 Retired 272 Republic P-47 Thunderbolt US 1941 Retired 15,686 Republic XP-72 US 1944 Prototype 2 Republic F-84 Thunderjet US 1946 Retired 7,524 Republic XF-96/F-84F Thunderstreak US 1950 Retired 3,428 Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor US 1949 Prototype 2 Republic F-105 Thunderchief US 1955 Retired 833 Rex D (1917) Germany 1917 Prototype 1 Rikugun Ki-93 Japan Heavy fighter 1945 Prototype 2 Rockwell XFV-12 US 1977 Prototype 1 [note 8] Rogožarski IK-3 Yugoslavia 1938 Retired 12 Romano R-110 France Heavy fighter 1938 Prototype 1 Roussel R.30 France 1939 Prototype 1 Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 UK Night fighter 1915 Retired 3,500 Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12 UK Zeppelin interceptor 1915 Retired 601 Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 UK 1914 Retired 1,939 Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.8 UK 1915 Retired 295 Royal Aircraft Factory N.E.1 night fighter UK 1917 Prototype 6 Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.2 UK 1913 Prototype 1 Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.4 UK 1914 Prototype 1 Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.4a UK 1915 Prototype 4 Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 & 5a UK 1916 Retired 5,205 Rumpler 6B Germany Floatplane fighter 1916 Retired 88 Rumpler D.I Germany 1917 Prototype 6+ Ryan FR Fireball US Carrier mixe-propulsion fighter 1944 Retired 66 Ryan XF2R Dark Shark US Carrier mixe-propulsion fighter 1946 Prototype 1 Saab 21 Sweden Fighter-bomber 1943 Retired 298 Saab 21R Sweden Fighter-bomber jet 1947 Retired 64 Saab 29 Tunnan Sweden Fighter 1948 Retired 661 Saab J32B Lansen Sweden Fighter 1952 Retired 450 Saab 35 Draken Sweden Fighter-interceptor 1955 Retired 644 Saab 37 Viggen Sweden Multirole fighter 1967 Retired 329 Saab JAS 39 Gripen Sweden Multirole fighter 1988 Operational 271+ Salmson-Béchereau SB-5 France 1925 Prototype 1 Saunders A.10 UK 1929 Prototype 3 Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 UK Flying-boat jet fighter 1947 Prototype 3 Saunders-Roe SR.53 UK Interceptor with mixed propulsion 1957 Prototype 2 Savoia-Marchetti SM.88 Italy Heavy fighter 1939 Prototype 1 Savoia-Marchetti SM.91 Italy Fighter-bomber 1943 Prototype 2 Savoia-Marchetti SM.92 Italy Fighter-bomber 1943 Prototype 1 Schütte-Lanz D.I Germany 1915 Prototype 1 Schütte-Lanz D.II Germany 1915 Prototype 1 Schütte-Lanz D.III Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Schütte-Lanz D.IV Germany 1918 Prototype 1 SEA IV France 1918 Retired 117 SET XV Romania 1934 Prototype 1 Seversky AP-9 US 1939 Prototype 1 Seversky P-35 US 1935 Retired 136 Seversky XP-41 US 1939 Prototype 1 Shchetinin (Grigorovich) M-11 & M-12 Russia Flying-boat fighter 1916 Retired 61 Shenyang J-5 China 1956 Retired 1,952 Shenyang J-6 China 1958 Retired 5,202 Shenyang J-8 & J-8II China 1969 Operational 390 Shenyang J-11 China Air superiority fighter 1998 Operational 440 Shenyang J-15 China Carrier multirole fighter 2009 Operational 50 Shenyang J-16 China Multirole strike fighter 2011 Operational 245+ Shenyang FC-31 China Planned Carrier fighter 2012 Prototype 2+ Short Gurnard UK Shipboard fighter 1929 Prototype 2 SIAI S.52 Italy 1924 Retired 2 SIAI S.58 Italy Flying-boat fighter 1924 Retired 5 SIAI S.67 Italy Flying-boat fighter 1930 Retired 3 Siemens-Schuckert D.I Germany 1916 Retired 95 Siemens-Schuckert D.II Germany 1917 Prototype 3 Siemens-Schuckert D.III Germany 1917 Retired 80 Siemens-Schuckert D.IV Germany 1918 Retired 123 Siemens-Schuckert D.V Germany 1918 Prototype 1 Siemens-Schuckert D.VI Germany 1918 Prototype 2 Siemens-Schuckert DDr.I Germany Twin-engine fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Siemens-Schuckert E.I, E.II & E.III Germany 1915 Retired 28 Sikorsky S-16 Russia 1915 Retired 30 ca. Sikorsky S-18 Russia Escort fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Sikorsky S-20 Russia 1916 Retired 5 SNCAC (Centre) NC.1080 France Carrier fighter 1949 Prototype 1 SNCAN (Nord) N.2200 France Carrier fighter 1949 Prototype 1 SNCAO (Ouest) CAO.200 France 1939 Prototype 1 SNCASO (Sud Aviation) Vautour II France Interceptor 1952 Retired 71 SNCASE Baroudeur France Lightweight fighter 1953 Prototype 2 SNCASE (Sud-Est) Aquilon UK, France Carrier fighter 1951 Retired 101 SNCASE (Sud-Est) SE.100 France Heavy fighter 1939 Prototype 1 SNCASE (Sud-Est) Durandal France Interceptor 1956 Prototype 2 SNCASO (Sud-Ouest) Espadon France Interceptor 1948 Prototype 1 SNCASO (Sud-Ouest) Trident France Interceptor 1953 Prototype 12 Sopwith Baby UK Floatplane fighter 1915 Retired 286 Sopwith Bulldog UK Two-seat fighter 1918 Prototype 2 Sopwith Buffalo UK Fighter-reconnaissance 1918 Prototype 2 Sopwith Camel UK 1916 Retired 5,490 Sopwith Dolphin UK 1917 Retired 2,072 Sopwith Dragon UK 1918 Prototype 200 ca. Sopwith Gunbus UK 1914 Retired 23 Sopwith 3F.2 Hippo UK Two-seat fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Sopwith Hispano-Suiza Triplane UK 1916 Prototype 2 Sopwith 1½ Strutter UK Two-seat fighter 1915 Retired 5,939 Sopwith L.R.T.Tr. UK Escort fighter 1916 Prototype 1 Sopwith Pup UK 1916 Retired 1,770 Sopwith Schneider UK 1914 Retired 136 ca. Sopwith Snail UK 1918 Prototype 2 Sopwith Snapper UK 1919 Prototype 3 Sopwith Snark UK 1919 Prototype 3 Sopwith Snipe UK 1917 Retired 2,097 Sopwith Swallow UK 1918 Prototype 1 Sopwith Triplane UK 1916 Retired 147 SPAD S.A-1, 2, 3, 4 & SG France Two-seat fighter 1915 Retired 99 SPAD S.VII France 1916 Retired 6,000+ SPAD S.XI Cn2 France Night fighter 1917 Prototype 1 [14] SPAD S.XII France Cannon fighter 1917 Retired 20 [note 9] SPAD S.XIII France 1917 Retired 8,472 SPAD S.XIV France Floatplane fighter 1917 Retired 40 SPAD S.XV France 1917 Prototype 5 [15] SPAD S.XVII France 1918 Retired 20 [16] SPAD S.XX France 1918 Retired 100 SPAD S.XXI France 1918 Prototype 2 [17] SPAD S.XXII France 1919 Prototype 1 [17] SPAD S.XXIV France Shipboard fighter 1918 Prototype 1 [18] Spijker/Spijker-Trompenburg V.3 Netherlands 1918 Prototype 1 Standard E-1 US 1917 Retired 168 Sturtevant B US Speed scout/pursuit 1916 Prototype 1 Sukhoi Su-1 & Su-3 USSR High-altitude fighter 1940 Prototype 2 Sukhoi Su-5 USSR Mixed power 1945 Prototype 1 Sukhoi Su-7 (1944) USSR 1944 Prototype 1 Sukhoi Su-9 (1946) USSR 1946 Prototype 1 Sukhoi Su-11 (1947) USSR 1947 Prototype 1 Sukhoi Su-15 (1949) USSR Interceptor 1949 Prototype 1 Sukhoi Su-7 USSR fighter-bomber 1955 Retired 1,847 Sukhoi Su-9 USSR Interceptor 1957 Retired 1,100 Sukhoi Su-11 USSR Interceptor 1958 Retired 108 Sukhoi Su-15 USSR Interceptor 1962 Retired 1,290 Sukhoi Su-17, 20 & 22 USSR Fighter-bomber 1966 Operational 2,867 Sukhoi Su-27 USSR Multirole fighter 1977 Operational 680 Sukhoi Su-30 Russia Multirole fighter 1989 Operational 630+ Sukhoi Su-32/Su-34 Russia Strike fighter 1990 Operational 15 Sukhoi Su-33 Russia Carrier multirole fighter 1987 Operational 24 Sukhoi Su-27M/Su-35 Russia 1988 Operational 18 Sukhoi Su-37 Russia Technology demonstrator 1996 Prototype 2 Sukhoi Su-47 Russia Experimental fighter 1997 Prototype 1 Sukhoi Su-57 Russia Stealth multirole fighter 2010 Operational 21 [19] [20] Sukhoi Su-30MKI India, Russia Multirole air superiority fighter 2000 Operational 272 Sukhoi T-3 USSR Interceptor 1956 Prototype 3 Sukhoi P-1 USSR Interceptor 1957 Prototype 1 Supermarine 224 F.7/30 UK 1934 Prototype 1 Supermarine 508 UK 1951 Prototype 2 Supermarine 510 UK 1948 Prototype 1 Supermarine 525 UK 1954 Prototype 1 Supermarine 528 UK 1950 Prototype 1 Supermarine 529 UK 1952 Prototype 1 Supermarine 535 UK 1950 Prototype 1 Supermarine Attacker UK Carrier jet fighter 1946 Retired 185 Supermarine Scimitar UK Carrier strike fighter 1956 Retired 76 Supermarine Seafang UK Carrier fighter 1946 Prototype 18 Supermarine Seafire UK Carrier fighter 1941 Retired 2,334 Supermarine Sea King UK Flying-boat fighter 1920 Prototype 2 Supermarine Spitfire UK 1936 Retired 20,351 Supermarine Spiteful UK 1944 Prototype 19 Supermarine Swift UK 1948 Retired 197 Svenska Aero Jaktfalken I & II Sweden 1929 Retired 19 Tachikawa Ki-106 Japan 1945 Prototype 3 TAI Hürjet Turkey Light combat 2017 Prototype 1 [21] TAI TF-X Kaan Turkey Stealth multirole fighter 2023 Prototype 1 [22] Tairov Ta-1 USSR Escort fighter 1939 Prototype 2 Tairov Ta-3 USSR Escort fighter 1939 Prototype 4 Tebaldi-Zari Italy 1919 Prototype 1 Tereshchenko No 7 Russia 1916 Prototype 1 Thomas-Morse MB-1 US 1918 Prototype 2 Thomas-Morse MB-2 US 1918 Prototype 2 Thomas-Morse MB-3 US 1919 Retired 260 Thomas-Morse MB-9 US 1922 Prototype 1 Thomas-Morse XP-13 US 1929 Prototype 1 Thomas Morse TM-23 US 1924 Prototype 1 Thulin K Sweden 1917 Retired 19 TNCA Series C Microplano Mexico 1918 Prototype 1 TNCA Series E Tololoche Mexico 1924 Retired 4 Tokorozawa Koshiki-2 Japan 1922 Prototype 2 [1] Tomasevic I-110 USSR Heavy fighter 1942 Prototype 1 Tupolev ANT-5/I-4 USSR 1927 Retired 369 Tupolev ANT-13/I-8 USSR 1930 Prototype 1 Tupolev ANT-21 USSR 1933 Prototype 2 Tupolev ANT-23/I-12 USSR 1931 Prototype 1 Tupolev ANT-29 USSR Cannon fighter 1935 Prototype 1 Tupolev ANT-31/I-14 USSR 1933 Retired 20 Tupolev ANT-46/DI-8 USSR Heavy cannon fighter 1935 Prototype 1 Tupolev Tu-1 USSR Night fighter 1947 Prototype 1 Tupolev Tu-28/Tu-128 USSR Interceptor 1961 Retired 188 VEF I-16 Latvia 1940 Prototype 10 VFW VAK 191B West Germany VTOL fighter 1971 Prototype 3 VL Humu Finland 1944 Prototype 1 VL Mörkö-Morane Finland 1943 Retired 41 VL Myrsky Finland 1941 Retired 51 VL Pyörremyrsky Finland 1945 Prototype 1 Vickers E.F.B.1 UK 1913 Prototype 1 Vickers E.F.B.2 UK 1913 Prototype 1 Vickers E.F.B.3 UK 1913 Prototype 1 Vickers F.B.5 UK 1914 Retired 224 Vickers E.F.B.7 UK Twin-engine fighter 1915 Prototype 1 Vickers E.F.B.8 UK Twin-engine fighter 1915 Prototype 1 Vickers F.B.9 UK 1915 Retired 119 Vickers F.B.11 UK Escort fighter 1916 Prototype 1 Vickers F.B.12 UK 1916 Retired 20 Vickers F.B.16 UK 1916 Prototype 3 Vickers F.B.19 UK 1916 Retired 62 Vickers F.B.24 UK Two-seat fighter 1917 Prototype 3 Vickers F.B.25 UK Night fighter 1917 Prototype 1 Vickers E.S.1 UK 1915 Prototype 3 Vickers Jockey UK 1930 Prototype 1 Vickers Type 123 & 141 UK 1926 Prototype 1 Vickers Type 143 Bolivian Scout UK 1929 Retired 6 Vickers Type 161 UK Interceptor 1931 Prototype 1 Vickers Type 177 UK Carrier fighter 1929 Prototype 1 Vickers Type 432 UK High altitude interceptor 1942 Prototype 1 Vickers Vampire UK 1917 Prototype 4 Vickers Venom UK 1936 Prototype 1 Vickers Vireo UK 1928 Prototype 1 Villiers II France Carrier fighter 1925 Retired 32 Villiers V France Night fighter 1926 Prototype 1 Villiers VIII France Carrier fighter 1926 Prototype 1 Villiers XXIV France Night fighter 1926 Prototype 1 Vought VE-7S & VE-7SF US Shipboard fighter 1917 Retired 12 Vought VE-8 US 1918 Prototype 2 Vought VE-9 US 1922 Retired 41 Vought V-80 US 1933 Retired 5 Vought V-141/V-143 US 1936 Prototype 1 Vought FU US 1926 Retired 20 Vought XF2U US Two-seat fighter 1929 Prototype 1 Vought XF3U US Two-seat fighter 1933 Prototype 1 Vought F4U/FG/F3A Corsair US fighter-bomber 1940 Retired 12,571 Vought XF5U US 1947 Prototype 2 [note 10] Vought F6U Pirate US Carrier fighter 1946 Prototype 33 Vought F7U Cutlass US Carrier fighter 1948 Retired 320 Vought F8U/F-8 Crusader US Carrier fighter 1955 Retired 1,261 Vought XF8U-3 Crusader III US 1958 Prototype 5 Vultee XP-54 US 1943 Prototype 2 Vultee P-66 Vanguard US 1939 Retired 146 Waco CSO-A/240A US 1927 Retired 11 Waco CTO-A US 1927 Prototype 1 Weiss Manfréd WM-23 Ezüst Nyíl Hungary 1941 Prototype 1 Westland C.O.W. Gun Fighter UK Cannon fighter 1930 Prototype 1 Westland F.7/30 UK Day & night fighter 1934 Prototype 1 Westland Interceptor UK Interceptor 1929 Prototype 1 Westland N.1B UK Floatplane fighter 1917 Prototype 2 Westland Wagtail UK 1918 Prototype 5 Westland Weasel UK Fighter-reconnaissance 1918 Prototype 4 Westland Welkin UK High-altitude interceptor 1942 Retired 75 Westland Westbury UK Heavy fighter 1926 Prototype 2 Westland Whirlwind UK Heavy fighter 1938 Retired 116 Westland Wizard UK 1927 Prototype 1 Westland Wyvern UK Torpedo/strike fighter 1946 Retired 127 Weymann W-1 France 1915 Prototype 1 Wibault 1 France 1918 Prototype 1 Wibault 3 France 1923 Prototype 1 Wibault 7 & Vickers Wibault France 1924 Retired 168 Wibault 8 Simoun France 1926 Prototype 1 Wibault 9 France 1926 Prototype 1 Wibault 12, 121 & 122 Sirocco France 1926 Prototype 3 Wibault 130 Trombe & 170 Tornade France Lightweight fighter 1928 Prototype 3 Wibault 210 France 1929 Prototype 1 Wibault 313 France 1932 Prototype 1 Wight Baby UK Floatplane fighter 1916 Prototype 3 Wight Quadruplane UK 1916 Prototype 1 WKF D.I Austria-Hungary 1918 Prototype 2 WKF Dr.I Austria-Hungary 1918 Prototype 1 Wright XF3W US 1926 Prototype 1 Xian JH-7 China Fighter-bomber 1988 Operational 192 Yakovlev I-29 USSR 1939 Prototype 1 Yakovlev Yak-1 USSR 1940 Retired 8,700 Yakovlev I-30/Yak-3 USSR 1941 Retired 4,848 Yakovlev Yak-7 USSR 1940 Retired 6,399 Yakovlev Yak-9 USSR 1942 Retired 16,769 Yakovlev Yak-15 USSR 1946 Retired 280 Yakovlev Yak-17 USSR 1947 Retired 430 Yakovlev Yak-19 USSR 1947 Prototype 2 Yakovlev Yak-23 USSR 1947 Retired 310 Yakovlev Yak-25 (1947) USSR 1947 Prototype 1 Yakovlev Yak-25 USSR Interceptor 1952 Retired 638 Yakovlev Yak-27V/K USSR Interceptor 1956 Prototype 3+ Yakovlev Yak-28P USSR Interceptor 1960 Retired 435 Yakovlev Yak-30 (1948) USSR 1948 Prototype 2 Yakovlev Yak-36 USSR VTOL fighter 1963 Prototype 12 Yakovlev Yak-38 USSR Carrier VTOL fighter 1971 Retired 231 Yakovlev Yak-41/141 USSR 1987 Prototype 2 Yakovlev Yak-50 (1949) USSR 1949 Prototype 3 Yatsenko I-28 USSR 1939 Prototype 7 Yokosuka D4Y2-S Japan Night fighter 1940 Retired 16+ [note 4] Yokosuka P1Y2 Kyokko Japan Night fighter 1943 Retired 96 Zeppelin-Lindau (Dornier) D.I Germany 1918 Prototype 7 [23][note 11] See also List of bomber aircraft List of attack aircraft Notes  Abandoned after problems during taxiing  Production total includes non-fighter variants  Includes FM & FM-2  Date of first flight is for original non-fighter variant  Includes Aeritalia F-104S and Canadiar CF-104  includes Mikoyan MiG-29K, Mikoyan MiG-29M  The Morane-Saulnier L became first fighter when fitted with fixed machine gun  Unsuccessful tethered trials in 1978  as many as 300 SPAD 12 airframes built but not completed  Hopped off ground during taxi run, did not achieve sustained flight.  Additional 50 Dornier D.I aircraft ~50% complete when production halted due to armistice References  Mikesh, 1990  Joint venture led by Chengdu per Global Security.org Archived 2011-12-11 at the Wayback Machine accessed Jan 11 2012 - note 1st flight in China, NOT Pakistan  "Confirmed: Pakistan Air Force Now Operates 70 JF-17 Fighter Jets". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 14 December 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2016.  "China's J-20 stealth fighter joins the People's Liberation Army air force". South China Morning Post. 10 March 2017.  "China is behind on production of its most advanced fighter jet". Business Insider. 22 January 2020.  "Projet de loi de finances pour 2010: Défense – Equipement des forces" (in French) Sénat de France, 2009.  Bruce, 1995  "India to build own stealth fighter". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2014.  "Chronology of the F-22 Program." Archived 2008-03-07 at the Wayback Machine F-22 Team web site. Retrieved: 23 2009.  "F-35 Fast Facts" (PDF). F35.com. Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 2 May 2023.  "Products:MilitaryPrograms." Archived 2010-11-20 at the Wayback Machinemigavia.ru/eng.Retrieved:23 2009.  "MiG-35 Fulcrum-F Multirole Fighter - Airforce Technology". Airforce Technology. Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2014.  Kowalski, 2003  Davilla, 1997, pp.494-497  Davilla, 1997, p.514-515  Davilla, 1997, p.521  Davilla, 1997, p.526  Davilla, 1997, p.528  "Совершил первый полет последний Су-57, — источник". News.rambler.ru. Archived from the original on 26 December 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2023.  "ВКС России получили четыре новых серийных истребителя Су-57". bmpd.livejournal.com. 28 December 2022.  https://www.tusas.com/en/products/new-projects/original-development/hurjet HÜRJET ADVANCED JET TRAINER AND LIGHT ATTACK AIRCRAFT  "Milli Muharip Uçak'ın kapısı ortaklığa açık". 8 January 2023.  Grosz, 1998 Bibliography Bruce, J.M. (1995). "de Bruyère C.1 of 1917". Windsock International. Albatros Publications. 11 (5). Davilla, James J.; Soltan, Arthur M. (1997). French Aircraft of the First World War. Stratford CT: Flying Machines Press. ISBN 0-9637110-4-0. Grosz, Peter M. (1998). Dornier D.I. Windsock Mini Datafile. Vol. 12. Hertfordshire: Albatros Productions Ltd. ISBN 0-948414-92-8. Kowalski, Tomasz J. (2003). Nieuport 1-27. Lublin: Kagero. ISBN 83-89088-09-6. Mikesh, Robert C.; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. ISBN 1-55750-563-2. vte Lists of aircraft By name pre-19140-AhAi-AmAn-AzB-BeBf-BoBr-BzC-CaCd-CnCo-CzDEFG-GnGo-GzHIJKLa-LhLi-LzMNOPQRSTUVWXYZGlidersList of human-powered aircraftList of unmanned aerial vehicle Civil aircraft By characteristic Type AerobaticBush planesElectric aircraftFlying wingsGlidersHuman-poweredProne-pilotRocket-poweredFlying boats and floatplanesSTOLSupersonicTrimotorsTriplanesUnmannedVTOL Fuselage Double-deckNarrow-bodyWide-body WeightSize Maximum takeoff weightLight aircraft very light jetsLarge aircraft Manufacturer  Airbus Antonov Boeing Bombardier Douglas / McDonnell Douglas Embraer Ilyushin Tupolev Engine number TrijetsTrimotorsTwinjets Range Jet airlinersRegional airliners Use RacersRegional airliner regional jet Research Early flying machinesExperimentalX-planes Rotor-powered Rotorcraft utilityTiltrotors ExecutivePrivate Business jetsLight-sport aircraftFlying car Other lists By date and usageBy tail numberMost-produced Military aircraft Role AEWAttackBomber TorpedoCarrier-basedFighterMaritime patrolSubmarine-borneTanker Nation AfghanistanAlbaniaArgentinaAustraliaBangladeshBelizeBrazilBulgariaCanadaChileChinaCzech RepublicDenmarkEgyptFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceIndiaIndonesiaIranIrelandIsraelItalyJapanMalaysiaMoroccoNew ZealandNorwayPakistanPhilippinesPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSouth AfricaSpainSri LankaSwedenSwitzerlandThailandTurkeyUnited KingdomUnited States Era WWI EntenteWWI Central PowersInterwarWorld War IIWorld War II jets Categories: Fighter aircraftLists of aircraft by roleLists of military aircraft
  • Condition: Nuovo
  • Unit of Sale: Single Unit
  • Year Manufactured: 2023
  • Item Length: 8 cm
  • Customised: No
  • Colour: Silver
  • Unit Type: Unit
  • Item Height: 0.5 cm
  • Style: Post-War Design
  • Features: USAF
  • Unit Quantity: 1
  • Item Width: 5 cm
  • Assembly Status: Ready to Go/Pre-built
  • Set Includes: Jet Aircraft
  • Scale: Uknown
  • Material: Metal
  • Age Level: 17 Years & Up
  • Franchise: F16
  • Subject: F16
  • Brand: F16
  • Type: Aircraft
  • Skill Level: 1 – Beginner
  • Model: F16
  • Theme: Militaria
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Item Weight: 33 grams

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