Airplanes Throughout History
The Complete Database

There are various types of airplanes, including commercial airliners, private aircraft, cargo planes, military jets, and recreational aircraft. Airplanes offer the advantage of long-range travel, high-speed capability, and the ability to operate in a wide range of weather conditions. You can use this page to explore the different types and go deeper into our aircraft and airplane and warplane database.

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Air SuperiorityAirlinersBiplanesBombersCoastal PatrolFightersGeneral PurposeGround AttackInterceptorsMonoplanesPrototypes and ExperimentsReconnaissance and SurveillanceScoutsSports / RacersStealth AttackTrainersTransportersUnmanned Vehicles

What is an Airplane and How Does it Work?

An airplane, also known as an aeroplane or aircraft, is a fixed-wing vehicle designed for controlled flight in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is one of the most common and widely used modes of transportation for both passengers and cargo.

An airplane typically consists of several key components, including a fuselage (the main body), wings, engines, landing gear, and a tail section. The wings generate lift as the aircraft moves through the air, allowing it to stay aloft. The engines provide the necessary thrust to propel the airplane forward, overcoming drag and enabling it to maintain speed and altitude.

Airplanes rely on the principles of aerodynamics to achieve flight. By carefully shaping the wings and controlling the airflow over them, an airplane can generate lift, counteract gravity, and achieve controlled and sustained flight. The tail section, including the horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin, provides stability and control during flight.

All Airplane Types Through History

Airplanes have significantly impacted global connectivity, commerce, and tourism, shrinking distances and facilitating global transportation networks. They have revolutionized travel, enabled rapid delivery of goods, facilitated emergency response and medical evacuations, and played a crucial role in military operations and surveillance. Here is the access to the complete database (divided by Type):

Biplanes

The Airco DH.4 WW1 Airplane

Airco DH.4

The Airco DH.4 is a two-seat biplane airplane designed by Airco for World War I. It became one of the most successful planes of the war.

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SPAD S.XX (S.20) - WW1/Interwar French Aircraft & Warplanes

SPAD S.XX (S.20)

The SPAD S.XX, also known as the S.20, was a French biplane fighter developed shortly after World War I. It was designed by Louis Béchereau.

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Farman MF.7 - WW1 French Aircraft & Warplanes

Farman MF.7

The Farman MF.7 is a French biplane used for reconnaissance during World War I. It was manufactured by Farman Aviation Works from 1910.

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Bombers

Fighters

The Airco DH.5 WW1 Airplane

Airco DH.5

The Airco DH.5 is a single-seat biplane fighter aircraft first introduced in 1917 to replace the DH.2 and similar outdated designs.

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Miles M.20 - British WW2 Aircraft and Warplanes

Miles M.20

The Miles M.20 was a British fighter developed by Miles Aircraft and used during World War II as an alternative to Spitfires and Hurricanes.

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Hawker Sea Fury - British WW2 Aircraft and Warplanes - Fighters

Hawker Sea Fury

The Hawker Sea Fury was a British fighter aircraft and one of the fastest production single reciprocating engine aircraft ever built.

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Interceptors

Spitfire H.F Mk. VII being tested at Langley, 1943.

Supermarine Spitfire

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used before, during, and after the Second World War by the Royal Air Force and Allied countries.

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Prototypes & Experiments

Gloster E.28/39 - British Interwar & WW2 Aircraft and Warplanes

Gloster E.28/39

The Gloster E.28/39, first flown in 1941, was the first British jet-engine aircraft and the fourth jet to fly. It led to the Gloster Meteor.

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Grumman X-29 - American Aircraft and Warplanes - Experimental

Grumman X-29

The Grumman X-29 was an American experimental aircraft developed by Grumman and used for testing several novel aircraft technologies.

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Kalinin K-7 - Post-WW2 Soviet Aircraft (Experimental)

Kalinin K-7

A true Soviet-era colossus, the K-7 looked like a flying fortress and remains one of the most outrageous aircraft designs in history.

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Short S.27 - British WW1 Aircraft and Warplanes

Short S.27

The Short S.27 was a series of British training and experimental aircraft designed by Short Brothers and used Royal Flying Corps.

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Air Superiority