The Most Widely Used US Navy Aircraft Is Not a Fighter Jet

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

24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• The Black Hawk helicopter is the single-most widely flown aircraft by the U.S. Navy, including multiple variants
• It was originally developed by Sikorsky in the 1970s and introduced to the military in 1979
• One of the main models is the MH-60 Seahawk, which features T700-GE-401C engines that allow for top speeds over 180 mph
• Also: Dividend legends to hold forever

When considering the massive fleet of aircraft employed by the U.S. Navy, it may come as a surprise that the most widely flown aircraft is not a fighter jet or logistical plane, but instead the Black Hawk helicopter series. These are by far the most widely flown aircraft by the U.S. military as a whole, tried and true, Black Hawk helicopters make up the backbone of the U.S. military.

Originally developed by Sikorsky in the 1970s and introduced to the military in 1979, the Black Hawk was designed as a tactical transport helicopter. It quickly distinguished itself with its ability to perform in a variety of roles, from troop deployment to medevac operations, even combat roles. ( Every American gunship helicopter that fought the Vietnam War. )

The Navy specifically has several variants tailored to its particular uses. One of the main models is the MH-60 Seahawk. This one was developed, like its name suggests, for maritime operations. It is equipped with advanced sensor systems that help in its primary roles of surface warfare and reconnaissance.

The Seahawk is powered by T700-GE-401C engines, which allow for top speeds over 180 mph. Also, it is capable of equipping a variety of weapons including torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. ( These are the fastest gunship helicopters of the modern era. )

Although the Navy’s fleet is marked by extensive use of fighter jets and transport aircraft, the Black Hawk is the single most widely flown aircraft. 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the aircraft within the Navy’s arsenal.

To identify every aircraft flown by the U.S. Navy, 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 according to how many are in active service. Additionally, we’ve included supplemental information on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, top speed and armament. We have excluded all trainer aircraft.

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

24/7 would like our readers to understand where their tax dollars are being spent. The Navy received $202.6 billion in government funding in 2024, second only to the Air Force at $216.1. billion. In fiscal year 2025, the Navy has requested $16.6 billion of its funding to purchase 75 aircraft and helicopters, which is actually slightly less than in 2024.

“The Next NVIDIA” Could Change Your Life

If you missed out on NVIDIA’s historic run, your chance to see life-changing profits from AI isn’t over.

The 24/7 Wall Street Analyst who first called NVIDIA’s AI-fueled rise in 2009 just published a brand-new research report named “The Next NVIDIA.”

Click here to download your FREE copy.