U.S. Air Force Fighter/Attack Aircraft 101

History: First delivered in 1975, the A-10 was developed singularly for close air support. Building off of the abilities of the A-1 Skyraider, the A-10 can stay in an area of operations significantly longer than a typical fighter. It has been involved in conflicts in Yugoslavia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Characteristics: The A-10 was built around its main armament, the GAU-8/A Gatling gun, which allows the aircraft to engage targets with 3,900 rounds per minute. Despite being slower than most combat aircraft, the A-10 boasts high maneuverability, a wide variety of munitions and survivability.

Contractor: Fairchild Republic Co

Thrust: 9,065 lbs each engine

Payload: 16,000 lbs (7,257 kg)

Speed: 450 nautical miles per hour (Mach 0.75)

Range: 2580 miles (2240 nautical miles)

Crew: one

Initial Operating Capability: October 1975

Unit Cost: $18.8 million

Average Age: 35.4

Current Inventory: Active, 143; ANG, 85; Reserve, 55

History: The F-15 was a leap forward in fighter technology due to its speed and maneuverability. Developed with air superiority in mind, the C, D, and E models were an integral part of Operation Desert Storm. Boasting a combat record of 104-0, the F-15 continues to be a mainstay of the Air Force arsenal.

Characteristics: With many variants and upgrades over the years, the F-15 has kept abreast of comparable fighters and targeting systems. Armed with a 20mm Gatling gun and numerous missile and bomb loadouts, the modularity of this aircraft has ensured its continued operation.

Contractor: McDonnell Douglas Corp.

Thrust: 23,450 lbs each engine (C/D models)

Payload: 24,500 lbs (11,113 kg)

Speed: 1,875 mph (Mach 2 class)

Range: 3,450 miles (3,000 nautical miles)

Crew A/C Models: One

Crew B/D/E Models: Two

Initial Operating Capability: September 1975

Unit Cost A/B models: $27.9 million (fiscal year 1998 constant dollars)

Unit Cost C/D models: $29.9 million (fiscal year 1998 constant dollars)

Average Age: 29.6

Current Inventory: 456

History: Acquired and introduced at times comparable to the F-15, the F-16 is a multirole fighter produced by multiple NATO countries, contributing to its ubiquity. The F-16 has been flown sorties in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Characteristics: The F-16’s bubble canopy gives it a unique look while providing greater visibility during combat. The F-16 is maneuverable and cost-effective, achieving this at the cost of range and speed.

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp.

Thrust: 27,000 pounds (C/D variants)

Payload:17,200 lbs (7,800 kg)

Speed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude)

Range: more than 2,002 miles (1,740 nautical miles)

Crew F-16C: one

Crew F-16D: one or two

Initial Operating Capability:

• F-16 A: January 1979;
• F-16 C/D Block 25-32: 1981;
• F-16 C/D Block 40-42: 1989; and
• F-16 C/D Block 50-52: 1994

Unit Cost F-16 A/B models: $14.6 million (fiscal year 1998 constant dollars)

Unit Cost F-16 C/D models: $18.8 million (fiscal year 1998 constant dollars)

Average Age: 26.1

Current Inventory: 949

History: The F-22 was the first fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Developed in the late 80s, the F-22 was initially planned to become the sole air superiority fighter in the Air Force but was relegated to limited production due to cost overruns.

Characteristics: The F-22 is extremely maneuverable and stealthy. Its supercruise-enabled engines allow for extreme speeds while maintaining fuel efficiency, and the internal payload gives the F-22 plenty of firepower.

Contractor: Lockheed-Martin Corp., Boeing Company

Thrust: 35,000-lb class (each engine)

Payload: classified

Speed: Mach Two class with supercruise capability

Range: More than 1,850 miles with two external wing fuel tanks (1,600 nautical miles)

Crew: One

Initial Operating Capability: December 2005

Unit Cost: $143 million

Average Age: 9.0

Current Inventory: 186

History: The F-35A is the Air Force variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)  program. The JSF program has three variants, one for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, designed to simplify parts and maintenance across the military. The F-35 is planned to be the replacement for numerous airframes across the services, including the A-10 and the F-16 for the USAF. The JSF program has nine international partners who have participated in its development.

Characteristics: Equipped with advanced situational awareness and mission system integration, the F-35 is a multirole aircraft with stealth capabilities. It carries internal and external payloads, and the A model takes off and lands conventionally. Pilots have an advanced helmet display system that will allow them to see through the airframe and maintain awareness during dogfights.

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp.

Thrust: 43,000 lbs

Payload: 18,000 lbs (8,160 kg)

Speed: Mach 1.6 (about 1,200 mph)

Range: More than 1,350 miles without refueling (1,200+ nautical miles); unlimited with aerial refueling

Crew: One

Initial Operating Capability F-35A: August 2016

Unit Cost: F-35A, $94.3 million

Average Age: 2.2

Current Inventory: 96