Military Aircraft - From Balloons to Stealth Fighters
Land here to explore the wide variety of aircraft that have been used by the world's armed forces. From the Sopwith Camel to the F-14, this is your place for information about the planes that have dominated the skies.
Naval Aviation: USS Shenandoah
USS Shenandoah was the first rigid airship built for the US Navy. Finished in 1923, USS Shenandoah acted as a test platform for rigid airship technology and served as a scout for the fleet. The airship's brief career ended on September 2, 1925, when it crashed in Ohio.
USS Shenandoah was the first rigid airship built for the US Navy. Finished in 1923, USS Shenandoah acted as a test platform for rigid airship technology and served as a scout for the fleet. The airship's brief career ended on September 2, 1925, when it crashed in Ohio.
Korean War: F-86 Sabre
The F-86 Sabre was the iconic US aircraft of the Korean War. Introduced in 1949, the F-86 saw extensive service over the Korean Peninsula between 1950 and 1953. Able to achieve supersonic speeds in a dive, the F-86 is best remembered for dueling MiG-15s in an area known as MiG Alley. Retired in the late 1950s by the US Air Force, the F-86 was exported heavily.
The F-86 Sabre was the iconic US aircraft of the Korean War. Introduced in 1949, the F-86 saw extensive service over the Korean Peninsula between 1950 and 1953. Able to achieve supersonic speeds in a dive, the F-86 is best remembered for dueling MiG-15s in an area known as MiG Alley. Retired in the late 1950s by the US Air Force, the F-86 was exported heavily.
Cold War: XB-70 Valkyrie
The XB-70 Valkyrie was first developed in the 1950s as a high-altitude, supersonic bomber. Intended to carrying nuclear weapons to strike the Soviet Union, the XB-70 program was largely cancelled due to the development of effective surface-to-air missiles. Two XB-70 prototypes were built and used in high-speed testing.
The XB-70 Valkyrie was first developed in the 1950s as a high-altitude, supersonic bomber. Intended to carrying nuclear weapons to strike the Soviet Union, the XB-70 program was largely cancelled due to the development of effective surface-to-air missiles. Two XB-70 prototypes were built and used in high-speed testing.
Vietnam War: F-105 Thunderchief
The F-105 Thunderchief was one of the US Air Force's primary fighter-bombers during the Vietnam War. Widely used for strike bombing over North Vietnam, the F-105 also was employed in a "wild weasel" role to suppress enemy surface-to-air missiles. The Thunderchief remained in use until 1984.
The F-105 Thunderchief was one of the US Air Force's primary fighter-bombers during the Vietnam War. Widely used for strike bombing over North Vietnam, the F-105 also was employed in a "wild weasel" role to suppress enemy surface-to-air missiles. The Thunderchief remained in use until 1984.
Cold War: F-14 Tomcat - Fleet Defender
The F-14 Tomcat entered service in 1972, as the US Navy's principal fleet defense fighter. Armed with a variety of missiles, the F-14 was intended to prevent long-range attacks against US carrier groups as well as perform air superiority roles. The F-14 later was adapted for air-to-ground attack prior to its retirement in 2006.
The F-14 Tomcat entered service in 1972, as the US Navy's principal fleet defense fighter. Armed with a variety of missiles, the F-14 was intended to prevent long-range attacks against US carrier groups as well as perform air superiority roles. The F-14 later was adapted for air-to-ground attack prior to its retirement in 2006.
Current Conflicts: F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II is result of the multi-nation Joint Strike Fighter program. Spearheaded by the United States and Great Britain, the F-35 will be both nations' next generation close air support, tactical bombing, and air-to-air aircraft. The F-35 Lightning II will also be built in a carrier version for use at sea.
The F-35 Lightning II is result of the multi-nation Joint Strike Fighter program. Spearheaded by the United States and Great Britain, the F-35 will be both nations' next generation close air support, tactical bombing, and air-to-air aircraft. The F-35 Lightning II will also be built in a carrier version for use at sea.
Aircraft and Aces of World War I
A comprehensive site that provides information on World War I aircraft and the men who flew them.
A comprehensive site that provides information on World War I aircraft and the men who flew them.
Aircraft of the Spanish Civil War
An illustrated list of aircraft used by Fascist and Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War.
An illustrated list of aircraft used by Fascist and Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War.
Aircraft of the Battle of Britain
Direct from the Royal Air Force Museum, this page highlights many of the aircraft involved in Battle of Britain (1940). See German bombers, the RAF's famed Spitfire and Hurricane fighters, and a host of other aircraft involved in one of history's great aerial battles.
Direct from the Royal Air Force Museum, this page highlights many of the aircraft involved in Battle of Britain (1940). See German bombers, the RAF's famed Spitfire and Hurricane fighters, and a host of other aircraft involved in one of history's great aerial battles.
Aircraft of the Korean War
A list and image gallery of aircraft used by US and United Nations forces during the Korean Conflict.
A list and image gallery of aircraft used by US and United Nations forces during the Korean Conflict.
Aircraft of the Vietnam War
A list of Vietnam War-era aircraft with photographs.
A list of Vietnam War-era aircraft with photographs.
BAE F/A.2 Sea Harrier
A site providing detailed information on the Royal Navy's F/A.2 Sea Harrier from its baptism by fire in the Falklands to its retirement.
A site providing detailed information on the Royal Navy's F/A.2 Sea Harrier from its baptism by fire in the Falklands to its retirement.