Top 10 Fighters of All Time
Our picks of the best based on historical performance - not potential.
by Staff Writer

"Finally a Top Ten Fighter plane list I can live with!" - Tony via email

The following is a MilitaryFactory.com study of the best military fighter designs of all time. Fighters were chosen based on production numbers, wartime performance and a general assessment of their effect during that portion of history.

As such, our list contains aircraft mainly from World War 2, with one stellar example coming from World War 1, and several proven performers from the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. Left out - perhaps to the dismay of many-a-fanboy out there - are the likes of the untested Lockheed F-22 Raptor and the limited Messerschmitt Me 262 - aircraft appearing regularly on other Top Ten Fighter lists around the web. We went looking for hearty performers with the numbers and history to back their respective legacies.

This list is by no means comprehensive but it does shine some light into the idea of what makes a potent fighter aircraft, particularly when forced through the rigors of combat. A fighter must provide maximum protection her pilot, fuel and critical systems alike while presenting capabilities unmatched on the battlefield and supply the pilot the means to accomplish air supremacy over his adversary. This means a skillful and reliable combination of engineering, construction and training - attributes not wholly available to every fighter aircraft ever made. We believe the following exhibits of aircraft represent all of these facets.

The listing is provided as a countdown starting from 10 to 1, culminating in our selection for Best Fighter of All Time. Enjoy!

View the Top-Ten Selections for Best Fighter Design of All Time