-
The newest and perhaps greatest advancement to fighter jets, the F-35 is an incredible aircraft with technological capabilities that are beyond anything seen before. With the first test flight being conducted in 2006, the F-35 sets the benchmarks for future fighter jets with vertical take-off and landing capability, ultra-advanced radar and sensors, stealth capability, and precision weapons.
-
Developed from concerns that a true lightweight, nimble fighter was necessary, the F-16 was born to fill the weight gap even if it meant lower weapons capability.Developed using every bit of new technology available in the mid-'70s, the F-16 has been a truly successful aircraft, serving to this day with no real replacement in sight.
-
The F-111 Aardvark took the Phantom's multi-role capabilities and speed and kicked things up a notch. Using wings that could sweep out for low-speed stability, and inwards for Mach 2 flight, the F-111 proved itself to be an extremely capable fighter.
-
With nuclear bombers becoming a growing concern during the Cold War, Interceptors that could reach those incoming bombers became a priority in jet development. While the F-104 Starfighter was a worthy interceptor, the Convair F-106 proved to be the next step in their evolution. Setting an absolute speed record of 1,525 MPH when it first flew in 1956, the F-106 went on to reliably serve as the "Ultimate Interceptor" until 1987.
-
The F-100 was the first American jet to enter service that could break the sound barrier in level flight and could hit almost 1,000 MPH.While it proved to be an extremely capable aircraft, flaws with the design, such as the pilot killing "Sabre Dance" dampened the legendary status of this revolutionary jet.
-
The F-86 Sabre proved to be a dominating force of a fighter,Using swept swings and a more refined engine, the Sabre was able to hit an unmatched top speed of 650 MPH. In the Korean Wars 10 enemy aircraft's were destroyed per each Sabre.
-
Carrying a wide range of guns, bombs, rockets, and even nuclear bombs, the F-84 was a prolific workhorse during the Korean War, but the new technologies were a nightmare to maintain, and the old fighter style of straight wings severely limited its top speed.
-
First-generation fighter jets were being born throughout WWII, with Germany developing the first in 1939. During 1941, Bell Aircraft were chosen to develop America's first fighter jet, what they made was the P-59 Airacomet.
