Fighter Jets | a 7 Image Story
Fighter Jets | a 7 Image Story Selecting only 7 images to represent fighter jets is a tall order. My criteria for the 7 images was image quality first, then type of aircraft. See my aviation portfolio for additional aircraft images.
Why are the Blue Angels image first? Well, because they never disappoint! The Blue Angels, of course, are the main attraction to any airshow flying their F/A-18 Hornets. They have been performing since 1946 making them the oldest formal flying aerobatics team in the USA. Notice the “F/A” in the F/A-18 Hornet designation since it’s both a fighter and an attack aircraft. Even with these bald skies, the vapor trail provides some contrast. They fly in formation only an amazing 18 inches apart.
Next, the F-86 Sabre is such beautiful airplane; both in flight and on the ground. A few years ago, I briefly shared the pattern with a North American F-86 Sabre. Of course, it was moving much faster than I was. It was an honor to share a piece of sky with such an iconic airplane. The F-86 was the first swept-wing U.S. fighter. North American manufactured more than 6,000 F-86s.
The North American F-100F Super Sabre, nicknamed “Hun” – short for hundred, was the first U.S. Air Force fighter capable of supersonic speed in level flight. The F-100 had a service ceiling above 50,000 feet and a range of more than 1,000 statute miles. The F-100 served with the Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979.
The F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range, supersonic fighter-bomber developed by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 and by the mid 1960s, became a major part of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps air wings. The Phantom is a large fighter with a top speed of over Mach 2.2. It can carry more than 18,000 pounds of weapons on nine external hard points including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and various bombs, but originally without an internal cannon. Later models incorporated a M61 Vulcan rotary cannon. Beginning in 1959, it set 15 world records for in-flight performance, including an absolute speed record, and an absolute altitude record. During the Vietnam War, the F-4 was used extensively as the principal Air Superiority fighter. It served as a first line fighter of more Western air forces than any other jet.
F/A 18 Super Hornet Notice the “F/A” in the F/A-18 designation since it’s both a fighter and an attack aircraft. Even with these bald skies, the vapor trail provides some contrast. Turn & burn! The Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multi-role fighter and attack aircraft. It has an internal 20 mm M61 rotary cannon. It can also carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons.
The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single seat, twin-engine, all-weather, stealth, top line fighter. On a clear day you can see the vapor. The F-22 Raptor always gives an impressive performance. The F-22’s combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives it unprecedented air combat capabilities.
The F-35 Lightning II represents a family of fifth generation, single-seat, single engine, stealth, multi-role fighters. It’s designed for ground attack and air superiority missions by combining advanced stealth technology with fighter speed and agility.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Fighter Jets.
Click any image below for a slide show.
