Military Aircraft Information Gallery

Welcome to the aircraft information gallery. This section provides background information on some popular military aircraft. To find out more information on a particular aircraft, just click on one of the links below.

A-10 Thunderbolt II

The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. These aircraft are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets.

B-1 Lancer

The original B-1A was retired because of its large radar cross-section and to make the B-1 less vulnerable, modifications were made resulting in the B-1B. The B-1B is a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling, and then penetrating enemy defenses.

B-2A Spirit

The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. The aircraft is a dramatic leap forward in technology and the bomber represents a milestone in the United States bomber modernization program.

B-52 Stratofortress

The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. It can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and it is capable of carrying nuclear or conventional weapons.

C-17 Globemaster III

The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of all types of cargo to any base. The fundamental flexibility and performance characteristics of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.

C-5 Galaxy

This huge aircraft was the largest aircraft in the world when it was first built. The C-5 has a tremendous payload capability, thus providing for the Air Mobility Command in support of United States national defense.

F-117A Nighthawk

The F-117A Nighthawk is the world's first operational aircraft designed to take advantage of stealth technology. The design of the F-117A gives it exceptional combat capabilities. It is powered by two General Electric F404 turbofan engines and has quadruple redundant fly-by-wire flight controls.

F-15 Eagle

The F-15 Eagle is an extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the USAF to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. However, some F-15s will soon be replaced by the next air-superiority fighter, the F-22 Raptor.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a small, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.

KC-10 Extender

A modified DC-10, the KC-10A entered service in 1981. The KC-10A Extender is an advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility. The KC-10A can transport up to 75 people and about 170,000 pounds of cargo a distance of about 4,400 miles unrefueled.

KC-135 Stratotanker

The KC-135 Stratotanker's primary mission is air refueling. This asset greatly strengthens the USAF's capability to accomplish its mission of Global Engagement.

T-38 Talon

The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record.

U-2 Dragon Lady

The U-2 provides high-altitude reconnaissance of an area in direct support of the United States and allied ground and air forces. Although it was supposed to be succeeded by the SR-71 Blackbird, it remains in the skies whereas the Blackbirds are in museums.

XB-70 Valkyrie

The XB-70 is one of the world's most exotic aircraft that was conceived for the SAC in the 1950s as a high-altitude bomber that could fly three times the speed of sound. Due to limitations on funding, only two XB-70 aircraft were built for the advanced study of aerodynamics, propulsion, and other related subjects of large supersonic aircraft.

Role of USAAF Aircraft During World War II

An essay discussing the role of Army Air Force aircraft from 1935-1945.