Military Aircraft Overview

Dynamic images of various military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, captured on runways and in flight, illustrating military aviation capabilities.

An air-to-air view of a Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4M Skyhawk aircraft as it intercepts a Soviet Badger reconnaissance aircraft near the west coast of Japan. Country: Western Pacific

A right side view of an A-6E Intruder aircraft of Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) parked on the flight line. The aircraft is painted in the markings of Commander, Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) and is assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011113-F-2171A-001. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to Air view of a CBU-97 on an F-16 Fighting Falcon, tail #163. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left front view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft taxiing out during exercise Border Star '81. The aircraft is assigned to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: BORDER STAR '81 Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A US Navy F-14B Tomcat, Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). The GEORGE WASHINGTON and VF-102 are currently conducting operations in the Persian Gulf to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq. Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 25 February 1998. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHEN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

An air-to-air view of a Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4M Skyhawk aircraft as it intercepts a Soviet Badger reconnaissance aircraft near the west coast of Japan. Country: Western Pacific

DN-ST-88-00488. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-87-08095. Country: West Germany (FRG)

An advanced medium range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) after its launch from an F-14A Tomcat aircraft, near the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC), Point Mugu, California. Country: Unknown

An Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) A-6E Intruder aircraft lands on the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-89-05703. Base: Unknown

DF-ST-86-11659. Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TARA III Base: San-Pedro Sula Country: Honduras (HND)

An air-to-air right side view of two Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 513 (VMFA-513) AV-8A Harrier aircraft. Country: Unknown

Air to air left side view of a flight of two F-16 Fighting Falcons and one F-15 Eagle from Luke AFB, Arizona on a training mission. (L to R) the aircraft are the flagships of 832nd Air Division (F-16), 58 Tactical Training Wing (F-16), and 405th Tactical Training Wing (F-15). Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F-5E Tiger II aircraft, painted in gray camouflage and exhibiting the Cuban national insignia, stands on the flight line. VFA-127 is providing air combat maneuvers training to various naval air wing air crews. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-6E Intruder aircraft, with its arresting hook down, approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The A-6E is assigned to Medium Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65). First view in a series of eight. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-05595. Country: Unknown

DN-SD-00-03412. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

Right side view of a Marine A-6E Intruder aircraft landing on the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) during carrier requalifications. The A-6E from Marine All-Weather Medium Attack Squadron 533 (VMAWF-533). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft taxis across the flight line after landing at the air station. The aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3), of which VA-75 is a part, and Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) are returning to their home fields after being deployed in the Persian Gulf region aboard the aircraft carriers USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) and USS SARATOGA (CV-60), respectively, for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A right side view of a Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14A Tomcat aircraft banking to the right after breaking through the sound barrier during an air show off the coast of Caracas, Venezuela. Country: Caribbean Sea

AN air-to-air view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft during exercise Border Star '81. The aircraft is assigned to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: BORDER STAR '81 Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-05277. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An advanced medium range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) after its launch from an F-14A Tomcat aircraft, near the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC), Point Mugu, California. Country: Unknown

Technicians perform a routine inspection on an F-14A Tomcat aircraft parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

An F-86 Sabre aircraft with target dart attached takes off from base. The aircraft is from Flight Systems Inc. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

DF-ST-90-01749. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 89-1 Country: Japan (JPN)

An air-to-air front view of three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in close formation. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Side View of a U.S. Air Force F-105. Side View of a U.S. Air Force F-105. "Southeast AsiaSide view of a U.S. Air Force F-105 of the 355th Tactical Fighting Wing, armed with bombs, on a mission." Photographer: Airman 1st Class Steven A. Wilson

DN-SC-87-05587. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A right side view of an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 15 (VFA-15) of Carrier Wing Eight (CVW-8), assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71), parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is ready for launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66). Base: USS America(CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

A view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft that was left hanging over the edge of the port side flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) when it collided with the Panamanian freighter CACTUS. (Substandard image). Base: Subic Bay Country: Philippines (PHL)

DF-ST-86-09167. Base: Raaf Williamtown Country: Australia (AUS)

An EA-6B Prowler from Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron One Three Seven (VAQ-137) is given a pre-flight inspection between launch cycles. USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and her embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW1) are operating in the Persian Gulf to support UN sanctions against Iraq. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

DF-ST-85-02161. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-1 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

AN air-to-air right side view of an A-7D Corsair II aircraft, from the Arizona National Guard. The aircraft, in a camouflage paint scheme, is being tested against a desert background for visibility. State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-05852. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F/A-18 Hornet landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS America

A Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft lands on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during Operation Deny Flight. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

A flight deck crewman directs the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft taxiing aboard the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD-1). The aircraft is attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162), which is embarked aboard the WASP during the ship's first deployment. Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

A pilot sits in the cockpit of an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Point Mugu State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 102 flying over a Soviet Balzam Class intelligence collecting ship off the Virginia coast. The aircraft is assigned to the aircraft USS AMERICA (CV 66). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-04-17200. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-89-05205. Country: Unknown

The Second Indochina War, known in America as the Vietnam War, was a Cold War era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the U.S. and other anti-communist nations. The U.S. government viewed involvement in the war as a way to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam and part of their wider strategy of containment. The North Vietnamese government viewed the war as a colonial war, fought initially against France, backed by the U.S., and later against South Vietnam, which it regarded as a U.S. puppet state. U.S. military advisors arrived beginning in 1950. U.S. involvement escalated in the early 1960s, with U.S. troop levels tripling in 1961 and tripling again in 1962. U.S. combat units were deployed beginning in 1965. Operations spanned

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 133 (VAQ 133) EA-6B Prowler aircraft is parked on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) as crew members answer visitiors' questions about the plane during a dependents day cruise. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-00020. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Artwork: "Fledgling Falconers" Artist: Gerald Asher. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-04138. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-7E Corsair II aircraft prepares to touch down on the flight deck during an arrested landing aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The A-7E is assigned to Light Attack Squadron 12 (VA-12). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-SC-05-02420. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 160th Tactical Air Group landing during Exercise Quick Thrust '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST '83 Base: Travis Field, Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft is launched from the No. 3 catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

DF-ST-89-04633. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A flight deck crewman signals to the pilot of an AV-8A Harrier aircraft preparing to take off from the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Two OV-10 Bronco aircraft of Marine Observation Squadron 4 (VMO-4) and a TA-4 Skyhawk aircraft of Training Wing 3 stand on the flight line. State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four Marine helicopters from Composite Squadron 165 (VC-165) fly past the port side of the amphibious assault ship USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA-3). The helicopters are, left to right, a CH-46E Sea Knight, an AH-1J Sea Cobra, a UH-1N Iroquois and a CH-53 Sea Stallion. The aircraft and ship are participating in a 31st Marine Amphibious Unit operation. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

An air-to-air right side view of four F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Fighter Attack Squadron 125 (VFA-125). The squadron is on a 23-day deployment from Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California. VFA-125 began flying the F/A-18 aircraft about 12 months ago. Squadron pilots have accumulated more than 1,500 hours in the Hornet so far. Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-09771. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-05575. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DF-ST-89-05869. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-07542. Base: Dover State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Artwork: "F-16 Sleepless Giant" Artist: Harry Fass. Country: Unknown

An F-15 Strike Eagle from the 53rd Fighter Squadron, 53rd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, is prepared for launch. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL WEAPONRY '95 Base: Flyvestation State: Karup Country: Denmark (DNK)

An F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 25 taxis on the flight deck after a landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile on the right wing tip, and AGM-45 Shrike air-to-surface anti-radiation missile on the right outboard wing pylon and an AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile on the right nacelle fuselage station. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SN-90-02284. Base: Guantanamo Bay Country: Cuba (CUB)

DN-SC-85-08628. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

An A-6E Intruder aircraft from Medium Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) approaches the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) for a landing. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-86-04371. Country: Sea Of Japan

DF-ST-89-04636. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An underside view of an F-4E Phantom II aircraft from the 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron making a landing approach. The aircraft is armed with four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, front, and four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, back. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An air to air right side view of Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51) and Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) F-14A Tomcat aircraft, F-5E Tiger II aircraft, and an F-5F Tiger II aircraft following a training session at China Lake Electronic Warfare Range..

A ground crewman communicates with the pilot of an F-117A stealth fighter aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing prior to the flight back home after Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM REDEPLOYMENT Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

DN-ST-86-06050. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

Air-to-air right side view of a P-3B Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron 17 (VP-17), during a flight to observe a Soviet surface action group. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

AN air-to-air right side view of an F-5 Tiger II aircraft over a range. One AIM-9J Sidewinder missile is on each wing tip. The aircraft is assigned to the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground crew rolls an F-15A Eagle aircraft into a tab-vee shelter for maintenance. The aircraft, from the 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 1ST Tactical Fighter Wing, arrives to participate in Exercise Sidewinder II. Subject Operation/Series: SIDEWINDER II Base: Amsterdam Country: Holland / Netherlands (HOL)

DF-ST-89-06753. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-11442. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F-5E Tiger II aircraft, painted in a gray camouflage paint scheme and exhibiting the Cuban national insignia, stands on the flight line. VFA-127 provides air combat maneuver threat training sessions to various naval air wings. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-87-05757. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Right side view of six A-4F Skyhawk aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 133 (VMA-133) banking to the left in echelon formation. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flight deck crew members push an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft into a parking area aboard the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) as the vessel is underway during WestPac '93. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A pair of F-4E Phantom II aircraft, one from the 1ST German Air Force Training Squadron and one from the 9th Fighter Squadron, bank to the left during a training mission near Holloman Air Force Base. State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

View of the nose of McDonnell Douglas F-4th Phantom II device, from the 32 TFS on the Soesterberg airbase. With an An APQ-120 radar built into the nose and a built-in M61 Vulcan cannon.

Catapult crewmen signal that all is ready for the launch of a Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the ship's shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A landing signal officer (LSO) watches as an F-4S Phantom II aircraft, from Fighter Squadron 161 (VF-161), lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). The Phantom is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. Country: Unknown

An F/A-18 lands with its arresting gear in the down position. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles stands on the flight line shortly after arriving. The aircraft is en route to the United States after being deployed in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

Front view of F-15s assigned to the 54th Fighter Squadron parked on the ramp. The control tower and snow-covered mountains are in the background. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side view of an F-5 Tiger II aircraft carrying two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles in flight. The aircraft of the 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, 405th Tactical Training Wing, 12th Air Force, is involved in Tactical Training Luke. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

First Lt. Micha Stoddard, flying the lead aircraft, and his wingman Capt. Casey Peasley fly their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in an echelon formation March 26, 2014, enroute from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to their home base in Boise, Idaho. The crews performed an in-air refueling with a Utah National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker after the air combat exercise Green Flag East. Stoddard and Peasley are with the 190th Fighter Squadron.

F-16 Falcon "WOLFPACK" aircraft from the 80th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Squadron, and the 8th Fighter Wing. The ordnance on the aircraft is as follows: CBU-87B, cluster bombs, AIM-120A missiles, MKBZ bombs, AGM-88 Harm missile, and the AIMGM missile. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

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