BOMBERS
B-52
Stratofortress (BUFF)
Long Range Heavy Bomber. Delivered 40% out of all weapons
delivered by coalition forces in Desert Storm. Entered military
service in 1955. Capable of dropping the widest array of
weapons in the Air Force inventory. Started it’s life as the
backbone of nuclear deterrence but has adapted to modern
joint direct attack munitions. Air Force.
B-1
Lancer (BONE)
Long Range Heavy Bomber. Variable geometry design to provide
greater range and high speed with enhanced survivability. The first
production model flew in 1984 and the first operational B-1B was
delivered in June 1985. The B-1B holds several world records for
speed, payload, and distance. Forward wing settings are used for
Takeoff, landing, and High altitude max cruise. Aft wing settings
Are used for high subsonic and supersonic flight. Air Force.
BOMBERS
B-2
Spirit (Boomerang)
Multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and
nuclear munitions. It’s low-observable, or “stealth,” characteristics
give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy’s defenses and
threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. Its
unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles. The B-2 has
a crew of two pilots, a pilot in the left seat and a mission commander
In the right, compared to the B-1B’s crew of four and B-52’s crew of
Five. Air Force.
FIGHTERS
Eagle
F-15
All weather and extremely maneuverable tactical fighter designed
to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air superiority in
aerial combat. It can penetrate enemy defenses, outperform and
outfight any current enemy aircraft. The F-15’s superior
maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine
thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading (the ratio of aircraft
weight to its wing area). F-15 fighter accounted for 36 of 39 Air
Force air-to-air victories in Operation Desert Storm. The Eagle is
light grey in color. Air Force.
F-15E
Strike Eagle (MUD HEN)
The F-15 Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform
air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft uses two crew
members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer (WSO). One of
the most important additions to the F-15E is the rear cockpit,
reserved for the weapons system officer. It has the ability to
fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground
positions and fight its way out. The Strike Eagle is a dark titanium
grey color. Air Force.
FIGHTERS
F-35
Lightning II (Reaper, most
common)
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation,
single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable multirole fighter
that can perform close air support, tactical bombing, and air
defense missions. The F-35 has three different models; one is
the conventional takeoff and landing variant, the second is
short takeoff and vertical-landing variant, and the third is a
carrier-based variant While the United States is the primary
customer and financial backer, the United Kingdom, Italy, the
Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway and
Denmark have agreed to contribute $4.375 billion toward the
development costs of the program. This aircraft was designed
to replace the F-16 and the AV-8B. Air Force, Navy, & Marine
Corps. Made in Ft Worth, TX!
F-16
Fighting Falcon (VIPER)
A compact, multi-role 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 US and many other allied nations. 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. The F-16B is a two seat model. 1,000s
of F-16 have been sold around the world to US allies. Air Force.
FIGHTERS
Raptor
F-22
The F-22 construction is 39% titanium, 24% composite, 16%
aluminum and 1% thermoplastic. The F-22 has the ability to
penetrate high-threat enemy airspace and achieve air superiority
with a first look, first kill capability against multiple targets. The
F-22 is capable of supersonic dash and supersonic cruise without
its afterburners (Super Cruise),. The F-22A possesses a
sophisticated sensor suite allowing the pilot to track, identify,
shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected. The F-22A
engines produce more thrust than any current fighter engine. Air
Force.
Hornet/Super Hornet
(Super Hornet often called the “Rhino”)
A lightweight, carrier based fighter that has flight characteristics
similar to the F-16. F/A-18 can carry 17,000 of ordinance
beneath the fuselage and wing. The F/A-18 demonstrated its
capabilities and versatility during Operation Desert Storm,
shooting down enemy fighters and subsequently bombing
enemy targets with the same aircraft on the same mission,
and breaking all records for tactical aircraft in availability,
reliability, and maintainability. Canada has ordered 138
Hornets and Spain has purchased 72 that are used as
reconnaissance planes. Navy & Marine Corps.
F/A-18
ATTACK
Thunderbolt II (WARTHOG)
A-10
The A-10 is the first Air Force aircraft specifically designed for
close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and
survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all
ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The
pilots are protected by titanium armor that also protects parts of
the flight control system. The aircraft is designed to survive direct
hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to
23mm. The 30mm gatling gun can fire 3,900 rounds a minute and
can defeat an array of ground targets to include tanks. The A-10
launched 90% of the maverick missiles used in the Gulf War. To
be replaced by the F-35 in 2028. Air Force.
AC-130
Spooky/Spectre
The AC-130’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction,
and force protection. These heavily armed aircraft incorporate
side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation
and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation
During extended loiter periods, at night, in adverse weather. The AC-130
Gunship has a combat history dating to Vietnam. Gunships destroyed
more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving close
air support missions. Air Force.
ATTACK
Harrier
The AV-8B Harrier II, is a second generation, vertical/short takeoff and
landing (V/STOL) light-attack jet aircraft utilized by the Marine Corps. The
primary mission of the AV8-B is to provide responsive close air support for
the ground forces. This single-piloted, advanced V/STOL aircraft can
operate from short fields, forward sites, roads and surface ships providing
minimum response time to targets. A decade ago, the Harrier was the most
accident-prone plane in America's arsenal. After a series of deadly
accidents killed 45 Marine pilots, engine program manager Lt. Col. Robert
Kuckuk of the Marines' Harrier program office helped redesign both its
engine and its maintenance program. That program now takes 25 manhours per flight hour, but accident rates plunged. At the same time, the AV8 has found its niche amidst the urban operations that have characterized
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Marine Corps.
AV-8B
ATTACK
AH-64
Apache
The AH-64 was designed to survive on the battlefield, using
experience gained in Vietnam. The AH-64 carries a crew of two
(pilot and a gunner) in a heavily armed cabin. It’s main armament
consists of a rapid-fire, 30-mm cannon, and it can carry up to 16
TOW or Hellfire missiles. The AH-64 flies about 180 mph and has
a range of over 1,100 miles. Credited with firing the first shots of
Desert Storm, the AH-64 Apache is the world’s most sophisticated
attack helicopter. Army.
Huey Cobra
The Huey Cobra is very narrow (38 inches) and has a low silhouette
which makes it harder to hit with ground fire. The pilot sits behind the
gunner, and both are protected by armor. The pilot also sits higher than
the gunner, enabling the pilot to see over the gunner’s shoulder to fl the
aircraft. The Huey Cobra is very fast for a helicopter (200+mph) and has
a maximum range of about 350 miles. In addition to a chin turret housing
machine guns or grenade launchers, the AH-1S can carry cannons,
rockets, Tank Optical Wire (TOW) guided missles or machine guns on
the stub wings. Army and Marine Corps.
AH-1
UH-60
Black Hawk
The UH-60A entered service with the Army in 1979, to replace
the UH-1 Iroquois as the Army's tactical transport helicopter.
The UH-60 entered service with the U.S. Army's 101st
Airborne Division in June 1979. The U.S. military first utilized
the UH-60 in combat during the invasion of Grenada in 1983,
and again in the invasion of Panama in 1989. During the Gulf
War, UH-60 participated in the longest air assault mission in
U.S. Army history, in 1991. In 1993, Black Hawks featured
prominently in the assault on Mogadishu in Somalia. Black
Hawks also saw action in the Balkans and Haiti in the 1990s.
UH-60s continue to serve in Afghanistan and Iraq. Army.
Chinook
CH-47
The Chinook is a multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopter.
Its primary mission is to move troops, artillery, ammunition,
fuel, water, barrier materials, supplies and equipment on the
battlefield. Its secondary missions include medical evacuation,
disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire
fighting, parachute drops, heavy construction and civil
development. Army
10
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
U-2
Dragon Lady
The U-2S is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude, surveillance
and reconnaissance aircraft. Long, narrow, straight wings give the
U-2 glider-like characteristics and allow it to lift heavy sensor
payloads to unmatched high altitudes quickly, and keep them there
for a long time. The U-2 is capable of collecting multi-sensor
photo, electro-optic, infrared and radar imagery, as well as
collecting signals intelligence data. It can down link all data, except
wet film, in near real-time to anywhere in the world, providing war
planners with the latest intelligence possible. Air Force.
E-3
Sentry (AWACS)
The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS)
aircraft provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and
communications needed by commanders of U.S., NATO and other
allied air defense forces. As an air defense system, E-3s can detect,
identify and track airborne enemy forces far from the boundaries of
the United States or NATO countries. It can direct fighter-interceptor
aircraft to these enemy targets. Experience has proven that the E-3
Sentry can respond quickly and effectively to a crisis and support
worldwide military deployment operations. Air Force.
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
E-4B
National Airborne Operations Center
(Nightwatch)
The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center
(NAOC) for the National Command Authorities. In case of a
national emergency or destruction of ground command control
Centers, the aircraft provides a modern, highly survivable,
command, control, and communications center to direct U. S.
forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by
civil authorities. The E-4B has electromagnetic pulse protection,
an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and
a wide variety of new communications equipment. This aircraft
travels with the president and there is one on alert at all times. Air
Force.
JSTARS
The E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System is an
Airborne battle management and command and control (C2) platform
That conducts ground surveillance to develop an understanding of
The enemy situation and to support attack operations and targeting
that contributes to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy
forces. These functions support the primary mission of Joint STARS
which is to provide dedicated support of ground commanders
requirements. It developed from Army and Air Force programs to
develop, detect, locate, and attack enemy armor at ranges beyond
The forward area of troops. A modified C-135 platform. Air Force.
E-8C
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
Open Skies
OC-135B
The United States of America Open Skies OC-135B Observation
Aircraft supports the Open Skies Treaty. The aircraft flies unarmed
observation flights over participating parties of the treaty. The
aircraft is a modified WC-135B. The OC-135B modifications center
around four cameras installed in the rear of the aircraft. Since its
primary mission is to take pictures, most of the installed equipment
and systems provide direct support to the cameras and the
camera operator. The interior seats 35 people, including the
cockpit crew, aircraft maintenance crew, foreign country
representatives and crew members from the Department of
Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Air Force.
Rivet Joint
The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft supports theater
and national level consumers with near real time on-scene
intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. The
aircraft is an extensively modified C-135. The Rivet Joint's
modifications are primarily related to its on-board sensor suite, which
allows the mission crew to detect, identify and geolocate signals
throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The mission crew can then
forward gathered information in a variety of formats to a wide range of
consumers via Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite. Also
known as "RJ", the aircraft are sometimes called "hogs" due to the
extended "hog nose" and "hog cheeks". Air Force.
RC-135V/W
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
Constant Phoenix
WC-135W
The WC-135W Constant Phoenix atmospheric
collection aircraft supports national level consumers by
collecting particulate and gaseous effluents and debris
from accessible regions of the atmosphere in support
of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963. The
aircraft is a modified C-135B. The Constant Phoenix’s
modifications are primarily related to its on-board
atmospheric collection suite, which allows the mission
crew to detect radioactive "clouds" in real time. The
aircraft is equipped with external flow-through devices
to collect particulates on filter paper and a compressor
system for whole air samples collected in holding
spheres. Air Force.
Mercury
The E-6 Mercury is a communications relay and
strategic airborne command post aircraft. This platform
provides survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne
command, control, and communications between the
National Command Authority (NCA) and U.S. strategic
and non-strategic forces. Two squadrons, the
"Ironmen" of VQ-3 and the "Shadows" of VQ-4 deploy
more than 20 aircrews from Tinker Air Force Base,
Oklahoma to meet these requirements. Navy.
E-6
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
Predator & Reaper Hunter/Killer
RQ-1 & MQ-9
RQ-1 Predator is a long endurance, medium altitude unmanned
aircraft system for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Surveillance imagery from synthetic aperture radar, video cameras
and a Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) can be distributed in realtime both to the front line soldier and to the operational
commander, or worldwide in real-time via satellite communication
links. MQ-1, armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, is the multi-role
version which is used for armed reconnaissance and interdiction.
The upgraded Predator, the MQ-9 Reaper Hunter/Killer, has been
operational in the Balkans since April 2001. The Reaper has been
flight tested with Hellfire II anti-armour missiles and can carry up to
14 missiles. The MQ-9 is also able to deploy the GBU-12 and
EGBU-12 bombs and 500lb GBU-38 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack
Munition). Air Force, CIA, NASA, Border Patrol.
RQ-4
Global Hawk
The Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) provides Air Force
and joint battlefield commanders near-real-time, high-resolution,
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance imagery. Cruising at
extremely high altitudes, Global Hawk can survey large geographic
areas with pinpoint accuracy, to give military decision-makers the
most current information about enemy location, resources and
personnel. Global Hawk, which has a wingspan of 116 feet (35.3
meters) and is 44 feet (13.4 meters) long, can range as far as 12,000
nautical miles, at altitudes up to 65,000 feet (19,812 meters), flying at
speeds approaching 340 knots (about 400 mph) for as long as 35
hours. Air Force.
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
Sentinel
The RQ-170 is a low observable remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) being developed, tested and fielded by the Air Force. It will
provide reconnaissance and surveillance in support of the joint forces commander. This aircraft is likely to replace much of the
activity previously assigned to the U-2.
Rumor: The RQ-170 Sentinel has been operating out of Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan since 2007. It was developed by
Lockheed Martin's secretive aviation shop, nicknamed Skunk Works. The "R" designation means it is not armed, and the fact
that the 432nd Wing operates it indicates that the aircraft supports troops on the ground, not spy agencies.
True: One aircraft was lost in Dec 2011 and soon showed up on the Iranian government television station as a “captured”
aircraft. It appears the aircraft on Iranian TV is authentic. Iran now claims to have reverse engineered this drone and to have
successfully flown the Iranian version. Operated by the Air Force for the CIA.
RQ-170
Sentinel Incident
17
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
Orion
The P-3C is a land-based, long range anti-submarine warfare
(ASW) patrol aircraft. It has advanced submarine detection
sensors such as directional frequency and ranging (DIFAR)
sonobuoys and magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) equipment.
The avionics system is integrated by a general purpose digital
computer that supports all of the tactical displays, monitors and
automatically launches ordnance and provides flight information to
the pilots. The P-3 has an internal bomb bay under the front
fuselage, as well as underwing stations which can carry missiles
such as the AGM-84 Harpoon It has a characteristic long stinger in
the tail which houses the magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and
domed windows for observation. Sonobuoys can be dropped from
externally loaded tubes, or from inside the fuselage. Navy.
Shadow
The RQ-7 Shadow remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) is used by the
Army. Launched from a rail, it is recovered with the aid of arresting
gear similar to jets on an aircraft carrier. Its liquid nitrogen cooled
gimbal and digitally stabilized electro-optical/infared (EO/IR) camera
relays video in real time via a C-band LOS data link to the ground
control station (GCS). The "R" is the Department of Defense
designation for reconnaissance; "Q" means unmanned aircraft
system. The "7" refers to it being the seventh of a series of purposebuilt unmanned reconnaissance aircraft systems. Army.
P-3C
RQ-7
RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION
Raven
RQ-11
The RQ-11 Raven is a small hand-launched remote-controlled
unmanned aerial vehicle developed for the United States military,
but now adopted by the military forces of many other countries.
The craft is launched by hand and powered by a pusher
configuration electric motor. The plane can fly up to 6.2 miles at
altitudes of appx 500 feet above ground level, and over 15,000
feet above mean sea level, at flying speeds of 28–60 mph. Over
19,000 built at $173,000 per system. (4 aircraft, 2 controllers, and
spare parts) Special Forces, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
RQ-20
Puma
The RQ-20 Puma is a small, battery powered, hand-launched
unmanned aircraft system produced in California. Primary mission is
surveillance and intelligence gathering using an electro-optical and
infrared camera. Well over 1000 of these drones have been
purchased. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force
TRANSPORT AND TANKER AIRCRAFT
Hercules (Hurkey Bird)
C-130H
Only a few aircraft have earned the description "legendary."
However, the C-130, named "Hercules" from the mythical Greek
hero renowned for his great strength, has become a true, realworld legend. More than 2,200 C-130s have been built, and they
are flown by more than 60 nations worldwide, in more than 70
variations. Air Force.
C-130J
Hercules
The C-130J may look the same with its instantly familiar silhouette;
but it is actually a new airplane with a whole new level of
performance. Compared to the earlier production C-130E, maximum
speed is up 21 percent, and climb time is down 50 percent. Cruising
altitude is 40 percent higher, range 40 percent longer. With new
engines and new propellers, the "J" can reach 28,000 feet in 14
minutes. Moreover, for tricky low-altitude maneuvers, the new
avionics and dual head-up displays make it easier and safer to
operate. Air Force.
TRANSPORT AND TANKER AIRCRAFT
C-21A
Lear Jet
The C-21 is a twin turbofan engine aircraft used for cargo and
passenger airlift. The aircraft is the military version of the Lear Jet
35A business jet. In addition to providing cargo and passenger
airlift, the aircraft is capable of transporting one litter or five
ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. Air Force.
Galaxy (FRED)
The gigantic C-5 Galaxy, with its tremendous payload capability,
provides the Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift in support of
United States national defense. The Galaxy carries nearly all of the
Army's combat equipment, including such bulky items as its 74-ton
mobile scissors bridge, from the United States to any theater of
combat on the globe. The Galaxy has 12 internal wing tanks with a
total capacity of 51,150 gallons (194,370 liters) of fuel -- enough to fill
6 1/2 regular size railroad tank cars. Air Force.
C-5
TRANSPORT AND TANKER AIRCRAFT
C-17
Globemaster III (Barney)
The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo
aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid
strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main
operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment
area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions
and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during
aeromedical evacuations when required. The inherent flexibility
and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total
airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the
United States. Air Force.
KC-10
Extender (Fatboy)
The KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker
and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for
U.S. armed forces. Although the KC-l0's primary mission is aerial
refueling, it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by
refueling fighters and simultaneously carry the fighter support
personnel and equipment on overseas deployments. The KC-10 is
also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using
patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.
Air Force.
TRANSPORT AND TANKER AIRCRAFT
KC-135
Stratotanker
Air Mobility Command manages more than 490 total aircraft inventory
Stratotankers, of which the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard
fly 271 of those in support of AMC's mission. The first aircraft flew in
August 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to
Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in June 1957. The KC-135 Stratotanker's
principal mission is air refueling. This unique asset greatly enhances the
Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global
Reach and Global Power. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air
Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied
nations. Air Force.
Pegasus
The KC-46A is intended to replace the U.S. Air Force's aging
fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers which has been the primary
refueling aircraft for more than 50 years. Nearly all internal fuel
(212,299 lbs) can be pumped through the boom, drogue and
wing aerial refueling pods. The centerline drogue and wing aerial
refueling pods are used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. The
KC-46 has recently been assigned an “air sampling” mission to
collect air samples downwind of where nuclear explosions have
occurred and will equipped with electromagnetic pulse protection
that will allow its electronics to survive a nuclear blast. The Air
Force has currently committed to the purchase of 179 tankers.
Italy and Japan have ordered 4 tankers each.
KC-46A
C-27J
Spartan
The new Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) and will likely see
purchases by all the services as a smaller version of the C130. The US is currently completing a purchase request for
many of these aircraft. These are being purchased from an
Italian aircraft manufacturing company. Initially, Army and Air
Force. 2016 UPDATE: This purchase program was cancelled
and the aircraft are being instead delivered to the Coast Guard
(14) and Special Operations Command (7).
G5
Designated C-37A in U.S. Air Force service, the Gulfstream V
fulfills missions for government and Defense Department
officials. The aircraft has a flight management system with a
worldwide satellite-based Global Positioning System. The C37A is capable of cruise at 51,000 feet. Features include
enhanced weather radar, autopilot and head-up display for
the pilot. Safety features include Enhanced Vision Systems
that allows increased visibility in adverse environments. The
aircraft is also equipped with commercial and military
communications equipment to provide secure voice and data
capability. The U.S. Air Force equips the C-37A with a basic
crew of two pilots, one flight engineer, one communications
systems operator, and one flight attendant. All 4 services &
Coast Guard.
C-37A
24
G4
C-20
The C-20 is a twin-engine, turbofan aircraft acquired to fill the
airlift mission for high-ranking government and Department of
Defense officials. The 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force
Base, Md., operates five C-20B's for worldwide special air
missions. The 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany,
operates two C-20H's for operational support airlift missions.
C-40
Clipper
The C-40 Clipper is a military version of the Boeing 737-700C airline
transport. It is used by both the United States Navy and the United
States Air Force. The C-40B is designed to be an "office in the sky" for
senior military and government leaders. Communications are
paramount aboard the C-40B which provides broadband data/video
transmit and receive capability as well as clear and secure voice and
data communication. It gives combatant commanders the ability to
conduct business anywhere around the world using on-board Internet
and local area network connections, improved telephones, satellites,
television monitors, and facsimile and copy machines.
25
Search and Rescue
HH-60G
Pave Hawk
The primary mission of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct
day or night operations into hostile environments to recover downed
aircrew or other isolated personnel during war. Because of its versatility,
the HH-60G is also tasked to perform military operations other than war.
These tasks include civil search and rescue, emergency aeromedical
evacuation, disaster relief, international aid, counterdrug activities and
NASA space shuttle support. The Pave Hawk is a highly modified version
of the Army Black Hawk helicopter. Air Force.
Combat King
The HC-130P/N is an extended-range, combat search and rescue
version of the C-130 Hercules transport. Its mission is extend the
range of combat search and rescue helicopters by providing air
refueling in hostile or contested airspace if required. The HC-130
can fly in the day against a reduced threat; however, crews
normally fly night, low-level, air refueling and airdrop operations
using night vision goggles. Also performs tactical airdrops of
pararescue specialist teams, small bundles, zodiac watercraft, or
four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles; and providing direct assistance
to a survivor in advance of the arrival of a recovery vehicle. Air
Force.
HC-130P/N
Special Purpose
UH-1N
Huey
The UH-1N is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support Air Force
Space Command missile wings and groups. Other uses include
airlift of missile support personnel, airborne cable inspections and
distinguished visitor transport. Air Force.
Air Force One
The mission of the VC-25 aircraft -- Air Force One -- is to provide
air transport for the president of the United States. The presidential
air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747200B's -- tail numbers 28000 and 29000 -- with the Air Force
designation VC-25. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or
any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is "Air Force One."
Obvious!
VC-25A
Special Purpose
CV-22
Osprey
The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff,
hover, and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range,
fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. Its mission
is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for
special operations forces. The CV-22 can perform missions that normally
would require both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The CV-22 takes off
vertically and, once airborne, the nacelles (engine and prop-rotor group)
on each wing can rotate into a forward position. Air Force and Marine
Corps.
Special Purpose
Pilatupus
U-28
Manufactured by Pilatus of Switzerland, the U-28A utility
aircraft provides intra-theater support for special
operations forces. The U-28A is the Air Force variant of
the Pilatus PC-12 and was selected for its versatile
performance characteristics and ability to operate from
short and unimproved runway surfaces. The U-28A is
also certified to land on dirt and grass strips. The aircraft
is equipped with weather radar and a suite of advanced
communications and navigation gear. This single-engine
utility aircraft has a crew of two, but can be flown by one
pilot. (Air Force) Special Ops Command.
Growler
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic
warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat
F/A-18F Super Hornet. The Growler's flight performance
is similar to that of the F/A-18E/F. This attribute enables
the Growler to perform escort jamming as well as the
traditional standoff jamming mission (Radar jamming and
deception). Growlers will be able to accompany F/A-18s
during all phases of an attack mission. 100 of these
aircraft were built for the Navy. US Navy and Australia.
EA-18G
29
Trainer Aircraft
Texan II
T-6A
The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat primary
trainer designed to train Joint Primary Pilot Training, or
JPPT, students in basic flying skills common to U.S. Air
Force and Navy pilots. Stepped-tandem seating in the single
cockpit places one crewmember in front of the other, with
the student and instructor positions being interchangeable. A
pilot may also fly the aircraft alone from the front seat. Air
Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
T-38
Talon
The T-38A Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, 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. Air Education and Training Command
is the primary user of the T-38A for joint specialized
undergraduate pilot training. The T-38 needs as little as 2,300
feet (695.2 meters) of runway to take off and can climb from sea
level to nearly 30,000 feet (9,068 meters) in one minute. Air
Force.
Trainer Aircraft
Jayhawk (TONER)
The T-1A Jayhawk is a medium-range, twin-engine jet
trainer used in the advanced phase of specialized
undergraduate pilot training for students selected to fly
airlift or tanker /aircraft. It is also used to support
navigator training for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine
Corps and international services. The swept-wing
T-1A is a military version of the Beech 400A. It has
cockpit seating for an instructor and two students and
is powered by twin turbofan engines capable of an
operating speed of Mach .78.
T-1A