Long the "princes of the battlefield", aircraft received their baptism of fire in World War 1, where they consistently underwent an evolution of sorts. Monoplanes gave way to biplanes and even triplanes as engineers quickly adapted to the changing needs of the battlefield. Early pilots were armed with nothing more than a sidearm, rifle or hand-held bombs to drop over enemy trenches while their later counterparts would see usage of multiple machine gun and bomb arrangements.
By the end of the 21st Century, the aircraft would appear nothing like its forefathers. Stealth technology, supercruise capability and fly-by-wire have turned the "flying coffins" of old into self-sustaining multi-purpose platforms that dominate any modern battlefield situation. Far from hitting their ceiling, the aircraft continues to evolve into an ultimate fighting machine, with capabilities unheard of when the first heavier than air craft took flight over a century a go.
Helicopters dedicated to the art of destruction. Gunships proved their worth in the Vietnam conflict only to give rise to dedicated platforms designed specifically to defeat enemy armor.
This listing covers aircraft designed intentionally as dedicated bomber platforms. These aircraft are usually larger than the standard fighter and are called on to destroy enemy ground targets with precision.
Aircraft that operate solely from aircraft carriers at sea. These aircraft were designed for the rigors of carrier operations in any part of the world. Covered are the definitive designs of World War 2 and beyond.
"Fighter" is the word most closely associated with combat aircraft. This listing contains entries of the general fighter type and include many from the First World War before the aircraft spawned so many other roles.
Though now mostly a thing of the past, the flying boat was king in the inter-war years and throughout World War2. These entries revolve around the various types introduced during the heyday of flight.
Rotary wing aircraft of all types throughout history are covered in this comprehensive listing. A general attempt at categorizing some of the more impressive VTOL implementations.
Dedicated interceptor aircraft are a rare commodity these days but the Cold War was full of them. Stemming from developments in WW2, the interceptor was born with a single, and usually lethal, purpose in mind.
These self-descriptive aircraft types are the new breed of combat elements. If your platform can accomplish than your enemy's can, this puts your air force at a distinct advantage in any conflict.
As their name suggests, these killing machines were bred with the sole purpose of engaging and destroying enemy aircraft in the dark of night. Quite a development during WW2.
Aircraft specifically designed with the intent to spy on enemy movements and strength. The reconnaissance aircraft has been in service since the days of World War 1 and has always to played a vital role.
Covers reconnaissance, observation and light attack types. Scout helicopters become the "eyes in the skies" for the mobile army, spotting enemy elements and detailing movements.
Trainer aircraft form the backbone of any flight fleet. Without these capable platforms available, the air forces of today would have very little to go on if not for the time dedicated to learning the basics of flight.
Logistics is the grand daddy of all military success. The ability to move troops, supplies and weapons from one corner of the planet to the other has meant the difference between success and failure in most cases.
These birds succeed where contemporary aircraft fail - in the ability to set down and drop off cargo, troops and supplies in the most remotest places of the battlefield.
