List of military aircraft of the United States

This list of military aircraft of the United States includes prototype, pre-production and operational types. Prototypes are normally prefixed with "X" and often unnamed (note that these are not the same as the experimental X-planes, which are not generally expected to go into production), while pre-production models are usually prefixed "Y".

The United States Air Force currently employs a designation and naming system to identify all aircraft type with distinct names. Until 1962, both the Army and Air Force maintained one system, while the US Navy maintained a separate system. In 1962, these were unified into a single system heavily reflecting the Army/Air Force method. For more complete information on the workings of this system, refer to United States Department of Defense Aerospace Vehicle Designations.

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Usaf.warthog.2.750pix.jpg
USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II
Contents

Attack

Old system, Army Air Corps/Army Air Force/Air Force

Navy

Unified system, after 1962

A-1 Skyraider, USA 2003
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A-1 Skyraider, USA 2003

Attack helicopters

Fixed wing gunships

P-3 Orion of the US navy
Enlarge
P-3 Orion of the US navy

Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW)

Bomber

Old system, Army Air Corps/Army Air Force/Air Force

Navy

Unified system, after 1962

USAF B-2 Spirit
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USAF B-2 Spirit

Cargo/Transport

Old system, Army Air Corps/Army Air Force/Air Force

Navy

Unified system, after 1962

Cargo Helicopter

Missing image
Chinook.750pix.jpg
US Army Chinook loads a Howitzer Gun

Electronic

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Usaf.e3sentry.750pix.jpg
USAF E-3 Sentry

Fighter

Navy, from 1922

(alpha by Navy-assigned mfgr letter)

Air Force, pre-1948

(designated P- for 'Pursuit')

Air Force, from 1948

Unified system, from 1962

Tanker

Observation

Orbiter Vehicle

Patrol

Pursuit

Pursuit Aircraft of the US Army Air Service/Corps/Force, 1918-1948. After formation of US Air Force (USAF), all "P" designations were changed to "F" while retaining number. Initially, "PW" was used to indicate "Pursuit, Water-cooled engine".

Drone

Reconnaissance

Trainer

Utility

Vertical Take off and Landing

  • V-22 Osprey - Bell, Boeing Vertol, tilt rotor aircraft

Experimental

Main article: X-plane

Related Links



Lists of Aircraft | Aircraft manufacturers | Aircraft engines | Aircraft engine manufacturers

Airports | Airlines | Air forces | Aircraft weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation

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