The United States military is one of the most powerful in the world. Its troops, technology, and training program have made it an incredible force, and it's hardly a surprise that so many people volunteer to enter the service on a daily basis. But warfare is constantly changing, and these days, many (if not most) battles are fought from the air rather than the ground. When you see the incredible planes that the U.S. Air Force has in their inventory, you'll know exactly why.
If your dream is to take to the skies, you've probably fantasized a few times about flying in a machine as cool as these record-setting speedy planes. Not only are the Air Force's planes super-fast, but they also have some unbelievable attachments, including radar, stealth properties, and of course, weapons. It's no wonder this retired military pilot wanted to save up for so long to buy his old fighter jet! These planes are way cooler than anything you'll fly on for an average business trip.
Whether you're an Air Force vet yourself, thinking about becoming a military pilot, or just appreciate a really cool plane, you'll love these supercharged birds that currently have a home in the Air Force. I've always wanted to be a passenger in number 9!
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1. B-2 Spirit Bomber
There's a reason this plane looks like it belongs in a spy movie: it's designed to be hard to detect on radar, making it a stealth bomber. It can fly for up to 6,000 miles at a time before refueling, and only two of them are currently active in the Air Force.
2. CV-22 Osprey
This tiltrotor aircraft is like a helicopter and a plane all in one. It can take off, hover, and land like a helicopter, but the rest of its functions are more similar to those of a plane. The Air Force's current 33 Ospreys are used to transport troops to and from field operations.
3. F-35A Lightning
These supersonic jets are able to attack both in the air and from the air to the ground, making them a deadly new addition to the Air Force.
4. WC-135 Constant Phoenix
The two planes the Air Force currently has are used to detect residue from nuclear attacks. They have filter paper used to collect air particles from areas where nuclear blasts have occurred.
5. F-15 Eagle
Since 1975, the F-15 Eagle has been a crucial component of the U.S. Air Force. Currently, 249 of these planes are operational and ready to defend the skies.
6. B-52 Stratofortress
These long-range bombers can carry up to 70,000 pounds of artillery and have the ability to fly for up to 8,800 miles straight.
7. F-15E Strike Eagle
This plane is a version of the F-15 Eagle that's built to carry out ground-strike missions. The Air Force currently has 219 of these aircraft in operation.
8. KC-10 Extender
This massive refueling plane can carry 170,000 pounds of cargo and 350,000 pounds of fuel. If that weren't impressive enough, all that fuel can be given out to other planes while airborne.
9. A-10 Thunderbolt
A-10 Thunderbolts, or "Warthogs," are covered with titanium armor that protects the pilot when these planes move in to support ground forces. They're armed with a Gatling gun and have fuel cells that reseal themselves if they're punctured.
10. B-1B Lancer Bomber
With a maximum speed of 900 mph and the capability to carry more bombs and missiles than any other plane in the Air Force, these bombers are a force to be reckoned with.
11. C-130 Hercules Transport
Hundreds of these airlift platforms remain in the Air Force today, which is pretty impressive considering they were first added to the inventory in 1956.
12. E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System
The circular attachment on top of this plane is a radar dome that can monitor what is happening in a battle. It's run by a four-person team that can communicate with other aircraft working within a battle space.
13. F-22 Raptor
This stealth plane is one that you do not want to mess with. It packs heat-seeking missiles, radar-guided bombs and missiles, and a 20mm cannon.
14. T-38 Talon
There are 550 of these planes currently in the active Air Force. They're used to train pilots to fly planes such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the F-22 Raptor.
15. F-16 Fighting Falcon
Over a thousand of these planes are currently used by the Air Force, and with its capability to carry missiles and bombs and its 20mm cannon, it's easy to see why.
16. C-17 Globemaster Transport
This transport plane can carry a large load: up to 102 passengers or nearly 180,000 pounds of cargo. Over 200 of these planes are currently in the Air Force.
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