These Are the Lightest Modern Fighter Jets in Existence

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Footage has been released of the U.S. Air Force's most recent drone project, the XQ67A which had its maiden flight back in February. Like most drones, the XQ-67A was designed to be light and highly maneuverable. Being light has its advantages when it comes to aerial combat, surveillance, or reconnaissance. Many modern fighter jets base their designs around this premise. (These are the stealth planes used by global superpower air forces. )

Weight is a critical factor when designing a fighter jet. Generally speaking, lighter fighter jets are more agile which enables them to perform complex maneuvers in combat or for evading enemy fire. Weight also impacts speed as lighter fighter jets require less thrust to reach higher speeds, allowing for faster acceleration. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at some of the lightest fighter jets in the world.

To determine the lightest modern fighter jets, 24/7 Wall St. referenced Military Factory , an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more used by militaries worldwide. These aircraft were ranked by their empty weight. Supplemental data regarding manufacturer, type, speed, and more also came from Military Factory.

The Harrier II is known as one of the lightest fighter jets in service today. This plays heavily into its functionality, compared to other jets. Unlike most fixed-wing aircraft, the Harrier II is unique in terms of its vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) capabilities. Its relatively light weight allows for a vertical takeoff, which makes runways unnecessary and this jet incredibly versatile.

There's a number of other fighter jets that are lighter than the Harrier II but are still in need of a runway. ( Exploring the fastest and most powerful fighter jets in existence. )

Here is a look at the biggest and smallest modern fighter jets: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding fighter jets and their size provides insight into global military capabilities and defense strategies. Also knowing these aircraft helps in threat assessment and the development of effective countermeasures.

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