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I don't think the AC-130 even cracks the Top 10 https://twitter.com/isaiah_bb/status/1360462832882565120
1. SR-71 Blackbird
There's at least 1 anecdote of this plane outrunning anti-aircraft missiles over Libya
There's at least 1 anecdote of this plane outrunning anti-aircraft missiles over Libya
2. A-10 Thunderbolt II, aka the Warthog
Built around the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon in it's nose, the cannon spits 3800 rpm and produces enough recoil to slow the plane's airspeed. They had to specially place the engines so the plane doesn't crash #BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT
Built around the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon in it's nose, the cannon spits 3800 rpm and produces enough recoil to slow the plane's airspeed. They had to specially place the engines so the plane doesn't crash #BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT
The Warthog is so resilient that in Desert Storm a pilot took enemy fire and still managed to return to base and safely land her and despite having less than half a wing on each side. It's also outlived it's service life by 2 replacement planes and almost 3 decades now
3. The Spitfire!
One of the most beautiful and recognizable planes in history. This iconic short-range fighter with unique rounded wings swarmed the skies of Britain and kept the Luftwaffe at bay
One of the most beautiful and recognizable planes in history. This iconic short-range fighter with unique rounded wings swarmed the skies of Britain and kept the Luftwaffe at bay
4. The Concorde
The first civilian aircraft on this list, it is instantly recognizable around the world. It made luxurious transatlantic flights at Mach 2.04 for 27 years before being retired. The only civilian aircraft to compete with military jets for space on young boys walls
The first civilian aircraft on this list, it is instantly recognizable around the world. It made luxurious transatlantic flights at Mach 2.04 for 27 years before being retired. The only civilian aircraft to compete with military jets for space on young boys walls
5. The B-2 Spirit
America's only(?) Stealth Bomber, the profile was designed to mimic a diving peregrine falcon. Despite a wingspan of 172' the plane has a radar cross-section smaller than a goose
America's only(?) Stealth Bomber, the profile was designed to mimic a diving peregrine falcon. Despite a wingspan of 172' the plane has a radar cross-section smaller than a goose
6. The F-16 Fighting Falcon
One of the longest serving and most successful fighters ever. I admit to some bias here because this is my favorite plane from childhood. This is the plane that won back air superiority from the Russians
One of the longest serving and most successful fighters ever. I admit to some bias here because this is my favorite plane from childhood. This is the plane that won back air superiority from the Russians
7. MiG-21
The best plane in the world for 25 years. America threw everything we had at it and it came out on top. More of these were produced than any other supersonic fighter jet. First fielded in 1959 it is still in a give use today
The best plane in the world for 25 years. America threw everything we had at it and it came out on top. More of these were produced than any other supersonic fighter jet. First fielded in 1959 it is still in a give use today
8. The P-51 Mustang
The quintessential American WWII fighter, it's distinct profile is instantly recognizable. It has seen a successful retirement as the go-to choice of plane for flight racers
The quintessential American WWII fighter, it's distinct profile is instantly recognizable. It has seen a successful retirement as the go-to choice of plane for flight racers
9. The F-117 Nighthawk
The original stealth aircraft. Not actually a fighter, this plane specializes in ground-attack. More bark than bite, they're nevertheless one of the coolest-looking planes ever built
The original stealth aircraft. Not actually a fighter, this plane specializes in ground-attack. More bark than bite, they're nevertheless one of the coolest-looking planes ever built
10. The U2 spy plane
Still in service 65 years, a diplomatic incident, and an almost-nuclear-war after its introduction in 1956, the U2 has a service ceiling of 80,000 feet. Pilots have to wear space suits in case of depressurization at altitude
Still in service 65 years, a diplomatic incident, and an almost-nuclear-war after its introduction in 1956, the U2 has a service ceiling of 80,000 feet. Pilots have to wear space suits in case of depressurization at altitude
Honorable mentions: F4U Corsair, Mitsubishi A6M "Zero," the Harrier JumpJet, F4 Phantom II, Fokker Dr. 1 triplane
