Military Aircraft in Flight

Impressive air views of military jets performing various maneuvers, reflecting aviation power and advanced aircraft design in action.

F-22 Raptor in Flight

US Navy Grumman F-14 Tomcat taking off from NAF El Centro, CA

Air to air view bottom view of a 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing's SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, as it makes a hard right turn, on a mission out of Beale Air Force Base, California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

F-22 Raptor in Flight

An F-22 Raptor from the 411th Flight Test Squadron, 412th Test Wing, flies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 23. (Air Force photo by Chase Kohler)

DN-ST-88-02183. Country: Unknown

Mid-air Refueling

November 14, 2006 - An inert AIM-54 Phoenix missile nestled under the fuselage of a F-15B aircraft is being studied as a possible test vehicle to obtain hypersonic data.

Fighter plane on a runway

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle on the ramp at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

An attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-7E Corsair II aircraft, its landing gear and tail hook down, passes overhead during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron taxis post-flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Jan. 16, 2024. Integration flying training is key to ensuring NATO objectives to enhance interoperability and increase our readiness and capabilities.

010504-F-8968M-008. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two F-117A Nighthawks on a runway

Air to air side view of a F-117 Nighthawk Stealth fighter during a training mission. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

December 8, 2010 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II taxies out of the hot pit after a hasty refuel at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Hot pit refueling is a procedure usually performed in a combat situation to rapidly refuel aircraft while their engines are running to thrust pilots back into the fight.

Air to air view right side view of a 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing's SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, as it banks left flying over scattered clouds, on a mission out of Beale Air Force Base, California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A right rear view of an F-14 A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) in flight. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va., performs an aerial demonstration over the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 23, 2022 as part of the Thunder Over Louisville air show. This years event celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force.

DN-SC-85-00467. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force A-7 Corsair

A U.S. Air Force T-28A at Beale Air Force Base, California.

DF-SC-85-09925. Country: Unknown

A close up of an old fighter jet.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2013) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator flies near the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is the first aircraft carrier to successfully catapult launch an unmanned aircraft from its flight deck.

An F-35 Lightning II Aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont takes off April 13, 2022 from Burlington International Airport, Vermont. The Vermont Air National Guard was the first unit of the Air National Guard to receive the 5th Generation fighter and Madison's 115th Fighter Wing is scheduled to be the second with the arrival of its first F-35 in spring of 2023.

A very tight close up shot of German Air Force Luftwaffe McDonnell F-4 Phantom II

US Air Force Lockheed Martin Boeing F-22 Raptor performing an aerial demonstration at the 2008 Reno Air Races. It is primarily an air superiority fighter. Afterburners on. US Air Force Lockheed Martin Boeing F-22 Raptor performing an aerial demonstration at the 2008 Reno Air Races. It is primarily an air superiority fighter. Afterburners on.

Military McDonnell Douglas Jets Fixed Wing Aviat FA-18 Hornet grey runway

SR-71 and Chase Plane

Royal Air Force F-35B performs a vertical landing.

An air-to-air left side view of an SR-71A aircraft. Country: Unknown

A NASA F/A-18 flies over the Dryden Flight Research Center and Rogers Dry Lake on December 11, 2002. The aircraft participated in the Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) project. The 300-gallon aerial refueling store seen on the belly of the aircraft carries fuel and a refueling drogue. This aircraft acted as a tanker in the study to develop an aerodynamic model for future automated aerial refueling, especially of unmanned vehicles.

NASA Dryden's new in-house designed Propulsion Flight Test Fixture (PFTF) flew mated to a specially-equipped supersonic F-15B research aircraft during December 2001 and January 2002.

This photo shows a head-on view of NASA's SR-71B, used for pilot proficiency and training, on the ramp at the Air Force's Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, shortly before delivery to the Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility (later, Dryden Flight Research Center) at Edwards, California. NASA operated two of these unique aircraft, an SR-71A, for high-speed, high altitude research, and this SR- 71B pilot trainer for most of the decade of the 1990s. The "B" model is special because of its raised rear cockpit, which provided a second pilot position so a trainer and an experienced pilot could both see what was going on during flights.The SR-71 was designed and built by the Lockheed Skunk Works, now the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. Studies have shown that less than 20 percent of the total thrust used to fly at Mach 3 is produced by the basic engine itself. The balance of the total thrust is produced by the unique design of the engine inlet and "moveable spike" system at the front of the eng

An F-15C Eagle from 3rd Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska takes off from the Nevada base during GUNSMOKE 95. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE 95 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

JSC2008-E-035369 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Scott D. Altman (front seat) and Michael J. Massimino, STS-125 commander and mission specialist, respectively, prepare for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

USAF F A-22 RAPTOR FLYING AT SUNSET

An F-35 Lightning II flies at the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Nov. 11, 2022. The NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is one of Pensacola's largest events, attracting 150,000-180,000 spectators during the two-day event.

A Brazilian Air Force AMX-T (A-1B) fighter-bomber in flight.

NASA F-18 in Flight

A Super Etendard aircraft of the Argentine Navy briefly touches 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)

A NASA F-18 jet has taken off from the agency's Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Several flights a day have been taking place the week of Aug. 21, 2017 to measure the effects of sonic booms. It is part of NASA's Sonic Booms in Atmospheric Turbulence, or SonicBAT II Program. NASA at Kennedy is partnering with the agency's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, Langley Research Center in Virginia, and Space Florida for a program in which F-18 jets will take off from the Shuttle Landing Facility and fly at supersonic speeds while agency researchers measure the effects of low-altitude turbulence caused by sonic booms.

DN-SC-88-05355. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Military jet bomber Su-24 Fencer flying above the clouds.. Military jet bomber Su-24 Fencer flying above the clouds

An air-to-air left side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft near Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads. State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side view of a Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, nose gear down, as it banks into a turn during an air show at the air station. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-104G Starfighter aircraft taxis out to the runway for take-off, during the flight training of German military pilots by members of the 69th Training Squadron. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Test Flight of X-38

NASA's F/A-18B #845 was captured by the photographer as it returned from its final flight in the Autonomous Airborne Refueling Demonstration research project.

Military jet over mountainous landscape

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va., performs an aerial demonstration over the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 23, 2022 as part of the Thunder Over Louisville air show. This years event celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force.

USAF Thunderbird Demonstration Team flyby, General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons (Viper) at the Reno Air Races.

A rear view of an OA-37 Dragonfly light strike aircraft in the parking area. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An air-to-air right side view of a Soviet MiG-29 aircraft en route to an air show in British Columbia. Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to air view right side view of a 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing's SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft as it banks left for an approach into Beale Air Force Base, California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

Two F-15 Eagle's flying in formation.

A right rear view of a Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124) F-14D Tomcat aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is, stealth fighter aircraft. during the International Aerospace Exhibition, ILA Berlin Air Show, Schoenefeld, Brandenburg, Germany, Europe

An F-35A Lightning II prepares to take off as a part of Excercise Agile Tiger on 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.

AN air-to-air right side view of a U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom II aircraft, front, observing a Soviet TU-95 Bear aircraft over international waters. Country: North Atlantic Ocean

Right side view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft taking off during exercise SCARLET DUCK. Subject Operation/Series: SCARLET DUCK Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An S-2 Tracker aircraft of the Aregentine navy passes over the landing signal officers station 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)

Good to go

Two F-22 Raptors fly over Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 23. (Air Force photo by Chase Kohler)

An air-to-air left side view of a B-1B bomber aircraft from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Country: Unknown

Italian Air Force EF-2000 Typhoon.

U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

An F-35 Lightning II from the 461st Flight Test Squadron, 412th Test Wing, takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, to conduct a flyover to kick off the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, July 19. (Air Force photo by Lisa Dixon)

Italian Air Force F-35A taxiing at Andravida, Greece.

A member of the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team "Thunderbirds" performs an aerial demonstration at the Shaw Air Expo and open house, "Thunder over the Midlands," at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 21, 2016.

Aerial left front view of a S-3A Viking aircraft of Anti-Submarine Squadron Twenty-Seven (VS-27) on patrol. VS-27 is stationed at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Western Atlantic Ocean

A right front view of an S-3B Viking aircraft of Antisubmarine Squadron 31 (VS-31) from Carrier Wing 7 (CVW-7), assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73), parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220610-N-AC802-0002 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jun. 10, 2022) An F/A-18 Super Hornet, attached to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, takes off from the flight line onboard Naval Air Station Oceana.

A right side view of a Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) F-14A tomcat aircraft being service on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Superfighter from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, performs during the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Open House and Air Show on July 9, 2022. Many world-renowned aerial demonstration teams performed for thousands of spectators during the Air Show to honor the Next 100 years of SANGB Aviation’.

Pegasus Mated to B-52 Mothership

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, taxis to runway, June 30, 2022.The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.

DN-SC-87-09230. Country: Unknown

The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed 'Dragon Lady', is a single-engine, very high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It provides day and night, very high-altitude (70,000 feet / 21,000 meters), all-weather intelligence gathering. The aircraft is also used for electronic sensor research and development, satellite calibration, and satellite data validation.

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A taxis for takeoff at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 28, 2022. The F-35s advanced sensors and data fusion allow it to gather and share information with other Air Force aircraft, Navy ships and Army units quicker than ever before.

A pilot from the 47th Flying Training Wing taxis a T-38C Talon at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 30, 2022. Laughlins mission continues to be training the militarys finest and most lethal pilots.

An unmarked American P-51 Mustang gives chase to a UFO over mainland America.

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 flew as the receiver aircraft during the study to assess the free-stream hose and drogue dynamics on the F/A-18A.

Side view of a strike fighter military aircraft on the ground in Ft. Worth, Texas.

A privately owned Hawker Siddley Hunter T7 aircraft comes in for a landing. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A F-35A of the Royal Netherlands Air Force with landing gear extended.

An Altus KC-135 Stratotanker refuels one of the eight Thunderbirds, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, USA

A view of a B-2 advanced technology bomber on the ground at the Air Force Flight Test Center for its first flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

One of NASA's F/A-18 Hornets on the ramp at the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California at dawn August 6, 1993. F-18 aircraft, on loan to NASA by the U.S. Navy, were flown at Dryden as support aircraft and as research testbeds. As support aircraft, they were used primarily for safety chase, pilot proficiency and aerial photography. As research aircraft, they were involved in thrust vectoring and high angle of attack research, as well as numerous smaller scale experiments.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A takes off 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.

The F-16XL #1 (NASA 849) takes off for the first flight of the Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) on December 16, 1997. Like most first flight, the DFCS required months of preparations. During July 1997, crews worked on the engine, cockpit, canopy, seat, and instrumentation. By late August, the aircraft began combined systems tests and a flight readiness review. Although the Air Force Safety Review Board (AFSRB)- a group that provided double checks on all flight operations - approved the program in late November 1997, a problem with the aircraft flight computer delayed the functional check flight until mid-December.

Heritage flight of a North American P-51 P51 and a Lockheed Martin F-22 F22 during the Reno Air Races.

DF-SC-85-09648. Country: Unknown

An F-35B Lightning II with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 MCAS Air Show at MCAS Miramar, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-35B Lightning II, flown by aviators with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502, is equipped with short takeoff and vertical landing capability that expands its range by allowing it to operate from naval vessels and in austere, expeditionary environments. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A B-52H Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, taxis to the main parking apron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, during exercise Prairie Vigilance Sept. 16, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

Airplane propeller

Moskau Russland Flugplatz Schukowski 25. Juli 2021: Kunstflug der Su-30 im Rahmen des internationalen Luft- und Raumfahrtsalons MAKS-2021 Moscow Russia Zhukovsky Airfield 25 July 2021: aerobatic Su-30 perfoming demonstration flight of the international aerospace salon MAKS-2021. LicenseRF Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 23349012

A ground crewman marshalls an SR-71 Blackbird aircraft, being piloted by Undersecretary of the Air Force Edward C. Aldrich, into its parking position after a flight. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Leeuwarden Netherlands Oct. 4 2021 F-35 landing Leeuwarden Netherlands Oct. 4 2021 Weapon Instructor Course F-35 Lightning II landing Copyright: xZoonar.com/ArjanxvanxdexLogtx 21458185

PTERA takes off on a flight to test the ability of shape memory alloy to fold wings in-flight. NASA, in this flight, observed the successful folding of PTERAs wings 70 degrees upward.

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