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Military Aircraft in Action

High-resolution images of military planes including F-4 Phantom II and A-6E Intruder, capturing their operational stance and detail in flight.

An F-15 from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa taxi's to the end of runway to complete its pre-flight checks.

An Air Anti-submarine Squadron 29 (VS-29) S-3A Viking aircraft, its left main landing gear damaged, comes in for an emergency landing aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the No. 3 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The LINCOLN is underway off the coast of Argentina. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A nighttime right front view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft on the ramp. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

An air-to-air overhead view of a B-1B bomber aircraft aircraft near Edwards Air Force Base. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NASA Dryden's Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) project evaluated the capability of an F/A-18A aircraft as an in-flight refueling tanker with the objective of developing analytical models for an automated aerial refueling system for unmanned air vehicles. The F/A-18 "tanker" aircraft (No. 847) underwent flight test envelope expansion with an aerodynamic pod containing air-refueling equipment carried beneath the fuselage. The second aircraft (No. 843) flew as the receiver aircraft during the study to assess the free-stream hose and drogue dynamics on the F/A-18A.

German Air Force EF-2000 Typhoon at Ovda Air Base, Israel.

A pair of F-35A Lighting IIs taxi for takeoff after being hot-pit refueled for the first time ever at Scott, on the flightline at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Jan. 18, 2024. The integration of the F-35A into the refueling operations at Scott AFB reflects the base's role as a critical hub for air mobility and combat support.

DN-SC-90-01442. Base: Naval Air Station, Moffett Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron sits on the flight line at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 13, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to MHAFB in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.

An F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron taxis on the flight line as it prepares to take off on a bomb test mission. The aircraft will be dropping GBU-15 modular glide bombs. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft taxi through the flightline Sept. 9, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The aircraft, assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron, departed for Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to participate in Operation Mountain Weasel for their F-35A B-course capstone.

An air-to-air right side view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 57th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Country: Unknown

An F-22 from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, taxi's to the end of runway for pre-flights before taking off on a training mission at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa

An overhead right side view of a camouflaged Air National Guard C-130 aircraft as it taxis to the runway at the Entebbe International Airport. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Entebbe Country: Uganda (UGA)

Three T-38C Talons assigned to the 586th Flight Test Squadron are parked on the runway at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 10, 2022. The 586th FLTS plans, analyzes, coordinates and conducts flight tests of advanced weapons and avionics systems.

AN air-to-air right side view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A gold U.S. Air Force F-16A Falcon from the Iowa Air National Guard is on the ramp in Sioux City, Iowa on June 30, 2022. The jet is painted with commemorative anniversary paint scheme that replicates the units 50th anniversary gold jet as it appeared in 1996. The 2022 redesign of the 185th Air Refueling Wing static display was unveiled as the Air Force celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. U.S. Air Force photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

USA, Rhode Island, Quonset Point, Airshow showing military aircraft

An S-211 jet trainer aircraft.

DN-ST-88-09176. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-35A Lightning II arrives at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 1. The aircraft, Air Force serial number 338, is the first of six F-35s the 461st Flight Test Squadron and F-35 Lightning II Integrated Test Force will receive in the next few years. The upgraded fleet will be used to test the Technical Refresh 3 and Block 4 configurations of the Air Forces newest fighter that will create tactical and operational advantages over peer competitors. (Air Force photo by Chase Kohler)

A right front view of an F-14 Tomcat as it prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Three A-7D Corsair II aircraft and one A7K Corsair II aircraft, at the far right, fly in formation over the desert. The aircraft, each in a different paint scheme, are being tested against desert and forest background for visibility. Base: Tucson State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16 Alert Jet in Hangar, Loaded with Live Weapons, High Dynamic Range, or HDR Image

. NASA 862, which is an F/A-18D based at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, has paint applied at the U.S. Air Force Corrosion Control Facility. The facility is located on Edwards Air Force Base and is also known as the Paint Barn.

A French air force Dassault Mirage 2000 taxis on flightline at Chabelley airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 6, 2022. U.S. and French forces worked together in this exercise to have a safe place for planes to land in times of emergencies. We work with our partners to build capacity, strengthen defense institutions, and counter a multitude of threats to enable a stable and prosperous Africa.

An RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft flies high over the Midwest on a training mission out of Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

A right side view of an AV-8 Harrier aircraft in flight near the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Three T-38's sit at the end of the runway for preflight checks before they take off on a training mission at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

An air-to-air right underside view of an OV-10 Bronco aircraft of the 27th Tactical Air Support Squadron over the George Air Force Base range. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-11315. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A modified F/A-18 in a distinctive red, white and blue paint scheme was showcased during formal rollout ceremonies for the Active Aeroelastic Wing flight research program.

A right front view of a 37th Tactical Fighter Wing F-117A aircraft on display at the 1991 Department of Defense Joint Services Open House. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An RF-4E Phantom II aircraft takes off as an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft taxis on the runway during exercise Orient Shield, part of exercise Cope North 89-1. Subject Operation/Series: ORIENT SHIELD Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

A U.S. Air Force F-16A is being removed from static display at the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa on May 18, 2022. The historic aircraft is being towed across the runway to the Air National Guard paint facility where it will be cleaned and painted. The 185th flew F-16 fighter aircraft during the 1990s before converting to KC-135 in the early 2000s. U.S. Air National Guard photo: Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

PHOTO DATE: 02-07-13LOCATION: Ellington Field - Hangar 276 - Tarmac SUBJECT: Scott Kelly during T-38 flight prep and getting into aircraft along with Stephanie Wilson.

MIG-15 BIS, Nato code bassoon, fighter aircraft of the Czechoslovak Air Force 1959-1966

An Undergraduate Pilot Training 2.5 student and his Instructor Pilot step to their T-6A Texan II Jan. 5 at Vance Air Force Base.

DN-SP-02-08651. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-04-09228. Country: Unknown

An F-35A Lightning II aircraft taxis during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 29, 2024. HFTC was a five day event that trained Air Combat Commands four aerial demonstration teams. Air Force

A T-38 Talon from Joint Base Langley-Eustis flies in formation as a part of Excercise Agile Tiger near Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri April 4, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger is designed to enhance our ability to communicate, collaborate, and operate with our joint service partners.

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor taxis out for departure.

An F-22 Raptor from the 411th Flight Test Squadron, 412th Test Wing, takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 1. (Air Force photo by Chase Kohler)

Italian Air Force F-35A taxiing on the flight line.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A taxis out for a routine training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. Members of the RAAF have been stationed at Nellis AFB for the past few months to participate is training exercises.

DF-ST-88-01545. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

Tucson, United States - 30 January 2025: Aerial view of the formidable array of fighter jets parked in neat rows, their metallic surfaces glinting under the desert sun.

Right side view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron as it takes off during Exercise Brim Frost '83. Subject Operation/Series: Brim Frost '83 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

. The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft was prepared to support the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023.

A Super Etendard aircraft of the Argentine Navy lifts off after briefly touching down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The plane is taking part in touch-and-go landings aboard the LINCOLN during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Russian knights, aerobatic team from SU27, aircraft for demonstration flights. Aerodrome flight school near Moscow Moscow, Russia - February 23, 2012: Russian knights, aerobatic team from SU27, aircraft for demonstration flights. Aerodrome flight school near Moscow Copyright: xZoonar.com/DmitryixBogdanovx 21322423

An F-35A of the Italian Air Force exiting its hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under cloudy skies at sunset, T-38 jet aircraft are lined up on the NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility where STS-115 Commander Brent Jett and Pilot Christopher Ferguson will be climbing aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice landing the shuttle. STA practice is part of launch preparations. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiters cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiters atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Mission STS-115 is scheduled to lift off about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27. The crew will deliver and install the P3/P4 segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the International Space Station. The truss incl

DN-ST-89-11314. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General Dynamics F-16 B.

Lockheed F-104G Starfighter of 322 Squadron on the Leeuwarden airbase.

Artwork: "Phantom over Koon-ni", Artist: Craig Randall. US Air Force Art Collection (Copyrighted). Country: Unknown

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A taxis out for a routine training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. Members of the RAAF have been stationed at Nellis AFB for the past few months to participate is training exercises.

Peruvian Air Force Mirage-2000 with an A-37 following close behind.

An EA-3B Skywarrier aircraft prepares to be launched from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

Lockheed F-104G Starfighter van 322 squadron in de start.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - A NASA F-18 prepares to take off from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on a mission to record the launch of NASA's IRIS spacecraft into low-Earth orbit. IRIS, short for Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, was launched aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket released from an L-1011 carrier aircraft.

Tornado GR4 of the Royal Air Force at RAF Lossiemouth.

DN-ST-89-11295. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The first of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is parked on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Other aircraft participating in the salute include U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The U.S. Army Golden Knights also will demonstrate precision skydiving. The World Space Expo is an event to commemorate humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also is a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury

110625-N-ZZ999-001LAKEHURST, N.J. (June 25, 2011) Test pilot Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus lands the F-35C test aircraft CF-2 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. CF-2 and the F-35 integrated test team from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. are at the Naval Air Systems Command facility in Lakehurst for the first jet blast deflector testing in preparation for carrier shipboard testing in 2013. The F-35C is the carrier variant of the three-service Joint Strike Fighter and has larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to perform in the demanding carrier environment. The F-35C and F-35B are undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River before eventual delivery to the fleet.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) parked on the tarmac and sealed up to protect them during a 30-day short term preservation due to a lack of operating funds to keep them flying. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from the Blue Angels slides back into formation after receiving fuel. The Blue Angels, the Navy's premier demonstration team, performed for 325,000 people at the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station, NJ, Airshow on June 2-3, 2001. Country: United States Of America (USA)

A pathfinder aircraft touches down at the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The airplane provided photographic and video imagery of the Orbital ATK L-1011 Stargazer aircraft carrying a Pegasus XL Rocket with eight NASA Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System, or CYGNSS, spacecraft. With the aircraft flying off shore, the Pegasus rocket was released at 8:37 a.m. EST. Five seconds later, the solid propellant engine ignited and boosted the eight hurricane observatories to orbit. The eight CYGNSS satellites will make frequent and accurate measurements of ocean surface winds throughout the life cycle of tropical storms and hurricanes.

The business end of a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Aerial Refueling Wing, at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

A front view of an SR-71 aircraft assigned to Detachment 4, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, as it prepares for takeoff. Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

Fighter plane taking off from an aircraft carrier, USS Midway

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is parked on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The plane is participating in the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Other aircraft joining in the salute include U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Squadron, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The U.S. Army Golden Knights also will demonstrate precision skydiving. The World Space Expo is an event to commemorate humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also is a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original

Anefo photo collection. Transfer first f 16 to the Royal Netherlands Army. Front F 16. June 6, 1979. Noord-Holland, Schiphol

This front view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the centers biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. With nine countries involved in its development, the F-35A represents a new model of international cooperation, ensuring U.S. and Coalition partner security well into the 21st Century.

An Argentine A-63 Pampa aircraft is displayed along with ordnance, at the 38th Paris International Air and Space Show at Le Bourget Airfield. Base: Paris Country: France (FRA)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) is launched from thenuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 24, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team travels to shows around the country, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10. The mission of the team is to recruit, retain and inspire.

An L-39 Albatros of the Estonia Air Force at Amari Air Base, Estonia.

A right rear view of an F-106 Delta Dart aircraft landing after a training mission. AN auxiliary fuel tank is on each wing. The aircraft is assigned to the 194th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, California Air National Guard. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A pair of Italian Air Force AMX Ghibli aircraft flying over the high peaks of the Dolomites.

A left front view of F-4 Phantom II aircraft parked on the flight line. They are assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard. Base: Plattsburgh Air Force Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A right side view of an Air Force B-52G Stratofortress bomber aircraft on display at the Department of Defense open house air show. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USAF Thunderbird #5 moves out after air-to-air refueling over the German countryside. The Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon is enroute to Timisoara, Romania for the start of an Eastern European tour covering various former eastern bloc countries. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Swiss Air Force F5 during an exercise in Switzerland Swiss Air Force F-5 Tiger during a training exercise in Switzerland. Highlighting agility, precision, and iconic jet performance, showcasing Swiss military aviation and defense capabilities Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 22587977

NASA deployed two F/A-18 research aircraft from NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in California to fly the Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 campaign, or QSF18. Having more than one aircraft allows pilots to conduct quick turnarounds with different aircrews between flights, fitting in as many targeted research flights as necessary.

An air-to-air left underside view of an F-111 aircraft flown by the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath. Mounted on the F-111's wing pylons are four Paveway laser-guided bombs. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A B-1 aircraft sits on the runway after returning from the Farnborough Air Show in England. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4 Skyhawk aircraft parked on the flight line. A TA-4J is second from the right, the other three are A-4Es. An NC-8A Mobile Electric Power Plant (MEPP) is in the foreground. Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Tail of Marine Airplane Tail of Marine Airplane Copyright: xZoonar.com/StephenxBonkx 1507599

An RF-4C Phantom II aircraft prepares for takeoff on a night mission during the 1988 Worldwide Reconnaissance Air Meet (RAM '88). Base: Bergstrom Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Bullhead City, Arizona, March 30, 2023. The A-10 Demonstration Team travels around the country to different airshows to showcase the abilities of the A-10 and its Airmen, as well as their contributions to the Air Force mission and national security.

Flying Over Kennedy Space Center

F-11 Tigercat Fighter New Bern North Carolina, USA

A head-on view of a Belgian Mirage aircraft parked on the flight line during Tactical Air Meet '78. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL AIR MEET '78 Base: Raf Wildenwrath Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

USA, Colorado, Denver, Wings over the Rockies, Air and Space Museum, interior

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