Gloster Meteor
The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet engine and the only one used by the Allies during the Second World War.
Menu
Aircraft by Type > Airplanes > Fighters
Fighter aircraft play a critical role in modern military operations, often at the forefront of combat operations. These machines, which engage enemy aircraft to establish aerial dominance and ensure the protection of friendly forces and assets, are vital for many nations to project power. In this section, you will find all fighter aircraft, their evolution, and how they were and are used today.
A fighter aircraft, often referred to simply as a fighter or a fighter jet, is a high-performance military aircraft primarily designed for air-to-air combat engagements.
The design of a fighter aircraft allows it to generate lift and maneuverability. Its wings, usually swept-back for high-speed performance, create lift as the aircraft moves through the air. Control surfaces such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders enable the pilot to control the aircraft’s roll, pitch, and yaw movements. Fighter aircraft are propelled by jet engines, specifically turbofan or afterburning turbojet engines. These engines take in air, compress it, add fuel, ignite it, and expel the resulting exhaust gases at high speeds to generate thrust. The propulsion system propels the aircraft forward, enabling it to achieve high speeds and maneuverability.
TOday, fighter aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics systems and flight controls. These include flight instruments, navigation systems, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities. The pilot operates the flight controls, which are connected to control surfaces, to maneuver the aircraft and engage in combat.
The history of fighter aircraft dates back to the early 20th century when military forces recognized the need for specialized aircraft dedicated to air-to-air combat.
The emergence of fighter aircraft occurred during World War I, when biplanes and triplanes were employed for aerial combat. Notable examples include the British Sopwith Camel, the German Fokker Dr.I, and the French SPAD S.XIII. These aircraft featured machine guns synchronized with the propeller and played a crucial role in achieving air superiority.
The interwar period witnessed advancements in fighter aircraft technology. Monoplanes with improved aerodynamics and more powerful engines were introduced. Notable examples include the British Hawker Hurricane, the German Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the American P-51 Mustang.
World War II marked a significant milestone in the development of fighter aircraft. Both Allied and Axis powers produced advanced fighters for air superiority. Notable examples include the British Supermarine Spitfire, the American P-47 Thunderbolt, the German Focke-Wulf Fw 190, and the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero.
The post-World War II era brought about the advent of jet-powered fighter aircraft. The introduction of jet engines allowed for increased speed, altitude, and maneuverability. Iconic jet fighters include the American F-86 Sabre, the Soviet MiG-15 and MiG-21, the British Hawker Hunter, and the French Dassault Mirage series. lastly, the modern era has seen the development of highly advanced and specialized fighter aircraft. Examples include the American F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II. These aircraft incorporate advanced avionics, stealth technology, and multirole capabilities.
Throughout history, fighter aircraft have played critical roles in conflicts, shaping the outcomes of battles and wars. They have evolved to meet changing military needs, incorporating technological advancements to enhance speed, maneuverability, and combat capabilities. Fighter aircraft continue to be at the forefront of military aviation, providing air superiority, protecting airspace, and projecting power in modern warfare. So, let’s explore our database of fighters. You can click on any of these to get started:
The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet engine and the only one used by the Allies during the Second World War.
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German fighter aircraft and the backbone of the Luftwaffe’s force during World War II.
The Blackburn Roc was a British naval fighter aircraft designed by Blackburn Aircraft and active during the Second World War.
The Consolidated P-30 was an American two-seat fighter aircraft and the first fighter to have advanced features for altitude operations.
The Bell XP 77 was a lightweight fighter aircraft that used non-strategic materials. The project was, however, cancelled early.
The Morane-Saulnier I or Type I was a French fighter aircraft first flown in 1910 and a more powerful version of the Morane-Saulnier N.
The Heinkel He 280 was a German turbo-jet-powered fighter aircraft. Only nine of these planes were built during World War II.
The Northrop YF-17 was an American prototype lightweight fighter aircraft designed for the LWF technology evaluation program.
The Bloch MB.150 was a French fighter aircraft that featured an all-metal construction, a retractable undercarriage, and an enclosed cockpit.
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is an American single-seat subsonic carrier-capable light attack aircraft developed for the US Navy and Marine Corps.
A few frequently asked questions (and answers) about fighter aircraft.
Fighter aircraft are designed for air-to-air combat engagements, with the primary purpose of gaining air superiority over enemy forces. They are equipped with advanced weapons systems and have high speed, maneuverability, and offensive capabilities to engage and destroy enemy aircraft.
Fighter aircraft employ various defensive measures to protect themselves against enemy threats. These include radar warning receivers to detect incoming missiles or enemy radar signals, countermeasures such as chaff and flare dispensers to divert and confuse enemy missiles, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities to jam or deceive enemy sensors and communications.
While the primary role of fighter aircraft is air-to-air combat, many modern fighters are also capable of engaging ground targets. These multirole fighters can carry air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and other precision-guided munitions to strike enemy installations, provide close air support to ground forces, or conduct interdiction missions to disrupt enemy operations.