These Are the Most Iconic Combat Aircraft in the U.S. Air Force

This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these affiliated links, 247wallst.com may earn a commission.

24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• One of the newest aircraft to enter service in the U.S. Air Force is the F-35 Lightning II, which is a fifth-generation stealth fighter. It can hit speeds up to 1,200 mph or Mach 1.6
• The F-22 Raptor is widely regarded as the most dominant air superiority fighter in the world, and it has been since it was introduced in 2005. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines, the F-22 is capable of hitting top speeds around Mach 2 (1,600 mph)
• The AC-130J Ghostrider is another recent addition to the U.S. Air Force, introduced in 2017. This aircraft is known as one of the most heavily armed jets currently in service
• Also: Discover the next Nvidia

The U.S. Air Force is considered to have one of the most powerful fleets of combat aircraft in the world by far. It is home to some of the most technologically advanced and lethal aircraft to ever be made by man. As such, many of these combat aircraft have gained an iconic status.

Here 24/7 Wall St. is taking a look at these iconic aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. To identify the combat aircraft flown by the U.S. Air Force, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, and ranked the aircraft alphabetically. Additionally, we’ve included supplemental information on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, and top speed. We have excluded all trainer aircraft.

One of the newest aircraft to enter service in the U.S. Air Force is the F-35 Lightning II, which is a fifth-generation stealth fighter. This jet is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan engine that allows for speeds around Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph). Its armament includes Sidewinder missiles, Paveway guided bombs, Rockeye II bombs, Brimstone missiles, and Storm Shadow missiles, among others ordnance. ( This country is buying the most F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, and it's not even close. )

Next, the F-22 Raptor is widely regarded as the most dominant air superiority fighter in the world, and it has been since it was introduced in 2005. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines, the F-22 is capable of hitting top speeds around Mach 2 (1,600 mph), making it one of the fastest jets in the Air Force.

The Raptor comes armed with a 20mm automatic cannon standard, and it can equip a series of missiles like Sidewinders and AMRAAMs. This jet can also be outfitted with joint drop munitions, conventional drop bombs, and even air-launched cruise missiles.

For ground support, another recent addition is the AC-130J Ghostrider, introduced in 2017. This aircraft is known as one of the most heavily armed jets in the U.S. Air Force. It comes with a 30mm ATK GAU-23/A automatic cannon, as well as a 105mm M102 field howitzer embedded in the hull. It can also equip a series of missiles like Griffins and Hellfires. Ghostrider is powered by our Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, which allow for a top speed of 416 mph. ( Exploring the future of military aviation. )

Each of these combat aircraft plays a unique role within the U.S. Air Force. They contribute to the overall dominance of the Air Force, and its ability to project power across the globe. From the stealth and speed of the F-35 and F-22 to the overwhelming firepower of the AC-130J, these iconic aircraft continue to shape the future of air combat and highlight the strength of the U.S. Air Force.

Here is a look at every combat aircraft in the U.S. Air Force: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the aircraft in the US Air Force is important because these aircraft play a pivotal role in maintaining national security and global stability. Each aircraft is designed for specific missions, from air superiority to strategic bombing and reconnaissance, which are essential for defending the country and projecting power abroad. Also knowing which aircraft are in service give context to military capabilities and a better understanding of national defense.

Find a Qualified Financial Advisor ^(Sponsor)

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now .