B-2 “Spirit” or Stealth Bomber: The B-2 bomber can deploy both conventional and thermonuclear weapons, such as eighty 500 lb JDAM Global Positioning System-guided bombs, or sixteen 2,400 lb B83 nuclear bombs. Designed by Northrup Gruman, the B-2 is the only acknowledged aircraft that can carry large air-to-surface standoff weapons in a stealth configuration.
F-117 Nighthawk: Developed by Lockheed’s secretive Skunk Works division, the F-117 Nighthawk is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth attack aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force. The U.S. Air Force retired the F-117 on 22 April 2008, primarily due to the fielding of the F-22 Raptor.
U-2 “Dragon Lady”: The U-2 is a single-jet engine, ultra-high altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It can provide both day and night, high-altitude (70,000 ft) intelligence gathering. First introduced in 1957, the U-2 is one of few aircraft that has served the USAF for over 50 years and continues to operate today.
E-3 Sentry “AWACS”: The E-3 Sentry is an airborne early warning and control aircraft developed by Boeing that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications. The E-3 is distinguished by the distinctive rotating radar dome above the fuselage.
KC-135 Stratotanker: Need a top-off? The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft that can transfer fuel loads up to 200,000 lbs, which can greatly extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers. The KC-135 came into service in 1957, along with the U-2, and remains a vital part of the USAF today.
SR-71 “Blackbird”: Sure, not everyone needs to hit Mach 3 when flying, but the Lockheed SR-71 could. Developed as a long range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft, the SR-71 served the USAF from 1964 to 1998. When targeted, the SR-71 simply accelerated to outrun the threat, not a bad a capability to have on board.
BONUS: F-14 Tomcat: If you have seen the heralded 1980’s movie Top Gun, then you know the U.S. Navy’s F-14 Tomcat. While the aircraft has since been decommissioned, it was a stalwart during its day. It is still in use by a limited few other countries. “We were inverted…”
