Types of Military Aircraft

Fighter Aircraft Fighters are aircraft that are used to attack other airplanes as well as ground targets. They are fast, maneuverable, and armed with a variety of advanced weapons. There are many types of fighters, all with a specific purpose and role in the Air Force. Modern fighter aircraft are propelled by one or two jet engines. They are equipped with radar and computers to aid the pilot in battle. Fighter aircraft are deployed from land based Air Force bases, or Naval aircraft carriers, ships equipped with runways.

Bombers Bombers are airplanes that carry hundreds of thousands of pounds of bombs. They are much bigger, and slower than fighters, and are powered by either propellers, or multiple jet engines. The primary purpose of a bomber is to deliver and drop explosives on a target. They are relatively unarmed when it comes to air-to-air combat, so they are commonly escorted by fighters.

Stealth Aircraft Stealth aircraft are airplanes equipped with technologically advanced armor skin that reduces detection by radar. These planes, because they can be deployed without the enemy seeing them are very effective, but usually used as bombers. The B-2 Spirit bomber is a stealth aircraft, not pictured. It is used to drop bombs on an enemy before the enemy has time to preempt the strike.

Transport Aircraft There are many types of military transport airplanes. The airplane pictured is an inflight refueling tanker. It is used to refuel fighters and other aircraft without having to land. Other military transport airplanes are used to transport supplies and arms to troops deployed around the world. They are built in a number of sizes, depending on the task at hand.