Five Best Fighter Jets In U.S. Military History (Including The F-35)

Meet the Top 5 U.S. Military Fighter Jets: Many envy the United States’ fighter fleet, which is unmatched globally.

An F-35A Lightning II from the 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, flies behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Squadron, Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Kansas, over the Indo-Pacific, March 10, 2022. Aircrews routinely fly missions aimed at sharpening the necessary skills needed to respond to emerging situations at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

The top five U.S. military fighter jets: One may argue that the U.S. military possesses the world’s finest fighters. This fighter fleet, whether from the Air Force or Navy, is the envy of many. China and Russia are developing their aircraft to compete with the United States. Allies purchase American fighters for their respective militaries. And the United States is continuously modernizing its existing airframes. Consider the top five American fighters.

The F-35 Lightning II is at the top of this list. It can evade enemy air defense networks and relay targeting data to other aircraft. The F-35 can travel at 1.6 mph and is as stealthy as possible. It is a flying computer that can someday be the “head coach” for forming drones and bombers. The F-35 has the most advanced situational awareness in the sky. The afterburner on its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine produces 40,000 pounds of thrust. It is equipped with air-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs for ground attacks. The F-35 is available in three variants: vertical takeoff and landing, conventional takeoff, and aircraft carrier operations.

Regarding air superiority, the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor has it all, while the F-22 possesses exceptional speed and maneuverability, lethal long-range missiles, unparalleled radar evasion, superior dogfighting, and amazing sensors. Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines provide a Mach 2 speed. According to an F-22 pilot, Colonel Terry Scott of the Air Force revealed to Task and Purpose, “The flight controls are fantastic.” ” Coming from a fourth-generation background, I am astounded by the jet’s agility. Even when flying offensively against another Raptor, that aircraft’s visual movement makes my eyes water.

You need only watch Top Gun: Maverick to understand the capabilities of the F/A-18 E/F Block III Super Hornet. Yes, I get that it’s just a movie, but the Super Hornet does not disappoint in reality. It is a Mach 1.7 aircraft with a range of 1,275 nautical miles. The Super Hornet offers superior survivability, fuel capacity, and endurance compared to its predecessor, the Hornet. After being notified of enemy aircraft, the Super Hornet can engage them in under a minute. The aircraft’s lethal armament consists of infrared Sidewinders and radar-guided Sparrows.

Moreover, it can carry precision-guided bombs for ground attacks. It possesses a decreased radar cross-section. The Navy is pleased to add, in the future, 78 Block III F/A-18E/F fighters to the fleet by 2024.

The F-15E Eagle II is a formidable aircraft, the most advanced Eagle in the inventory of the Air Force. The new Eagle is distinguished by its velocity, weapon payload, and lower maintenance expenses. Two F100-PW-229 turbofans generate 29,000 pounds of thrust with afterburners and a ferocious velocity of 2.5 matches. The range is 2,700 miles, and the maximum altitude is 60,000 feet. The F-15EX is capable of carrying Sidewinders, AMRAAMs, and air-to-ground weapons. The aircraft is also equipped with a 20-mm six-barreled gun.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a renowned aircraft that has undergone significant advancements. Since 1975, at least 4,500 of them have been created. Currently equipped with fly-by-wire controls, Because of the bubble canopy and heads-up display, the pilot has superb visibility. The aircraft facilitates software updates. The fighter is small, very maneuverable, and can resist nine Gs. Avionics and navigation systems are superior. The electronic countermeasure pods increase their survivability significantly. It is also an exceptional bomber.

Choose any; they are all excellent. You may choose the appropriate fighter for your mission and requirements from this list, and you won’t be disappointed. Dogfighting, bombing, establishing air supremacy, or intercepting hostile aircraft can be accomplished operations can be accomplished with distinction. We’re rooting for at least one of these warriors to make your top five.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 34th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender aircraft over Poland, February 24, 2022. U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Joseph Barron/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

F-22 Raptor. Image: Creative Commons.

011218-N-9769P-047
At sea aboard USS John C. Stennis, December 18, 2001 – After an early morning round of flight operations, an F/A-18 Hornet awaits the next round of combat flight operations aboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jayme Pastoric

The Air Force’s newest fighter, the F-15EX Eagle II, was revealed and named during a ceremony, April 7, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end, through combined developmental and operational tests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)