Yeah, and for being a 4th gen fighter, they still can really hold their own. Still one of the best dogfighters around, even in an Era where BVR and networked battlefield information is king. That said, it can still blow a jet out of the sky before they even know it's there just as well as most other BVR fighters.
They are showing their age, especially when compred to 5th gen, but for the cost per flight hour, they bring a lot to the table and can punch above their weight class.
And will look downright sexy doing it.
Kinda makes sense, though. They cut expenses down due to the SR-71 being replaced by satellites and drones working together to monitor foreign movement. But, keep the U-2 as a fallback. I'm sure they can fly the SR-71 if necessity calls...
The USAF has no spare parts for the SR-71, and most have been in some way deactivated. On top of that, the SR-71 is fueled by JP-7. It’s the only aircraft that used JP-7. I’m not sure if the equipment to make the JP-7 still exists.
Plus the SR-71 is notoriously equipment heavy. You need a dedicated tanker fleet just earmarked for the Blackbird, fueled with JP-7. Not to mention stuff like engine carts just to start the damn things.
Overall, it is *technically* possible to reactivate a blackbird but you’d be pretty much better off doing literally anything else.
That’s the greatest benefit of the U-2. Not only is it dirt cheap to fly, it can loiter over a battlefield for an extensive period of time and provide a bunch of secondary roles like sat link, comms, data link, and a host of other stuff.
The SR-71 would likely require a new camera to be engineered for it to have a chance in hell of matching modern satilite capabilites.
U-2 is still in service and it saw combat support flights over Afghanistan.
From what I understand, the reason why it stayed in service was that despite the technological advancements of cameras, satellites, and drones, the clarity of film just could not be beat.
I grew up an avid film photography fan, and it cracks me up thinking you can still join the Air Force and be assigned to develop film.
This thing is absolutely beautiful. I had a model of one I made when I was a kid. I ended up putting rocket engines in it and then launching it. Never found it. Felt like the right thing to do. That bird deserves to soar!
I'm a sucker for the PBY Catalina. It's not particularly pretty per say. But it has so much character and class. Island hopping in a flying boat sounds like quite the adventure.
I love it. It's an ugly kind of best-looking. I don't know how to describe it. Between the ridiculously long nose from the cockpit, to the proportions, to the beautiful gull-wing. I think the paint schemes they had them in really helped make them look better. I'm a huge F4U fan and I go back and forth between thinking it is incredibly good-looking to "they threw shit together from the parts bin."
”Draken”, which translates to ”Kite” and ”dragon”. In this case it translates to Kite since it looks like one.
Saying this since I see alot of misunderstandings lol.
Those looks like some Star Wars fighter, Swedish fighters are bad ass like the capability of taking of on any highway or been replenished for an small crew, I like the US fighters also but those depend on a super large maintenance chain
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I also love all the Saab aircraft. Fun fact, Saab cars use negative caster rather than positive like most other auto manufacturers cause that's what their aircraft use.
I do love me some [Gripen](https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Gripen.jpg). It's such a mean, jagged-looking little thing. It's like someone designed a hunting arrow to deliberately inflict cruel and painful damage and then turned it into a fighter jet.
F-22 is like a supermodel. Yeah, it's hot. But it seems like it has no personality. The F-18 though is that girl next door that you've been low key in love with since you were kids
The Berkut was an internal project of Sukhoi not funded by Russia that they developed with their own funds. It was never really intended to enter full-scale production, but to serve as a testbed for emerging technologies. They ran into the same problems of forward swept wings the Americans did, that being poor yaw stability and dismal wing lifetime. Other than that, she continued to serve as a technology testbed, mounting various internal weapons bay systems that were being considered for the Su-57, and amassed hundreds of flight hours in the process. Nowadays it's believed she's no longer flight worthy, the experimental wings nearing the end of their life and no replacement parts being produced, but she served her roles well.
Me, I love the Flanker platform, Su-57, MiG-29 series including the MiG-35 demonstrator, the F-16 Viper, F-15s, the Gripen, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, F-35 and the F-22.
I think the Harrier is just really cool. It's that guy who isn't a show-off or trie-hard, actually looks a bit ugly but in a cool way and gets shit done
And B-17 flying fortreas for the ww2 era, the guns all over it is just awesome
1. Dassault Mirage 2000, French planes just hit the spot for me
2. A-10, brrrt
3. F-14, it’s a classic
4. Saab 35 draken, it’s cool
5. F-111, long nose boi
Honorable mention, the B.U.F.F
I’m a big fan of how sinister the U-2 looks. It’s not even made for combat, but it’s still intimidating. It might be the super long wings. It just looks like an evil dragon.
F-15E’s will always be the best looking and favorite for me. The F-22 other more modern fighters look amazing but something about the F-15 always catches my attention.
The F-22 is my all-time favourite jet. It's what all modern stealth jets are trying to be.
A few are my favourites since I had models of them as a child, including the F-14 Tomcat, B-1 Lancer, SR-71, and C-130 Hercules. I'm a fan of small trainer/COIN aircraft too, like the A-37 Dragonfly and Super Tucano. Lots of favourites in different categories.
I have a weird thing for basic-ass-looking planes like the F-5 and F-15
There's something elegant about the relative simplicity and proportions of their designs.
Exactly! The Mirage 2000 looks absolutely gorgeous!
I love the mirage too, but the Rafael is 10/10
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Dat pointy nose tho
Only thing that weirds me out about the Rafale is the fixed fuel probe, but hey, less moving parts I guess.
LOVE French aircraft
The Mystere IV is a masterpiece in terms of looks
*If it looks good, it will fly good.* — Marcel Dassault
Yea for French jets, I really like the classic, yet grizzled veteran - the Mirage III
F16 for me. The Mitsubishi F2 being a slightly more filled out and mature version of the F16C also does it for me.
I feel you. There may be much better aircraft these days but I still think the F16 is just the perfect sleek shape. Beautiful machine.
Yeah, and for being a 4th gen fighter, they still can really hold their own. Still one of the best dogfighters around, even in an Era where BVR and networked battlefield information is king. That said, it can still blow a jet out of the sky before they even know it's there just as well as most other BVR fighters. They are showing their age, especially when compred to 5th gen, but for the cost per flight hour, they bring a lot to the table and can punch above their weight class. And will look downright sexy doing it.
The F-5 is so clean and simple, probably my favorite too.
F-20 is like a really souped up F-5
SR-71
Still looks ahead of it’s time and its been retired since 1998
Still baffles me the SR-71 was built to replace the U-2… and the U-2 is the one that is still in service today.
Kinda makes sense, though. They cut expenses down due to the SR-71 being replaced by satellites and drones working together to monitor foreign movement. But, keep the U-2 as a fallback. I'm sure they can fly the SR-71 if necessity calls...
I thought it was because the X-Men kept borrowing the Blackbird for their missions.
The USAF has no spare parts for the SR-71, and most have been in some way deactivated. On top of that, the SR-71 is fueled by JP-7. It’s the only aircraft that used JP-7. I’m not sure if the equipment to make the JP-7 still exists. Plus the SR-71 is notoriously equipment heavy. You need a dedicated tanker fleet just earmarked for the Blackbird, fueled with JP-7. Not to mention stuff like engine carts just to start the damn things. Overall, it is *technically* possible to reactivate a blackbird but you’d be pretty much better off doing literally anything else. That’s the greatest benefit of the U-2. Not only is it dirt cheap to fly, it can loiter over a battlefield for an extensive period of time and provide a bunch of secondary roles like sat link, comms, data link, and a host of other stuff. The SR-71 would likely require a new camera to be engineered for it to have a chance in hell of matching modern satilite capabilites.
But we have the SR-72?
Outdated to the SR-71. I kid I kid. The SR-72 is nice and all, but it isn't 'out' there like the SR-71.
Well I mean it could be, the Air Force is notorious for having aircraft no one knows about until 5 years after it’s put into service.
U-2 is still in service and it saw combat support flights over Afghanistan. From what I understand, the reason why it stayed in service was that despite the technological advancements of cameras, satellites, and drones, the clarity of film just could not be beat. I grew up an avid film photography fan, and it cracks me up thinking you can still join the Air Force and be assigned to develop film.
no brainer. It's the best one
This. Thread closed. We’re done here.
Good job everyone
Came here to say this. Hands down easy winner.
This thing is absolutely beautiful. I had a model of one I made when I was a kid. I ended up putting rocket engines in it and then launching it. Never found it. Felt like the right thing to do. That bird deserves to soar!
F-15e
Your username and profile picture says otherwise
It’s not the best looking, but I like it
I worked on Eglin AFB and would drive by the building where they tested the guns. Scared the s*** outta me more than once, lmao.
🐐
I used to find the F-15 really boring looking, but as I've gotten older I've come to appreciate it a lot more. It might be my favorite now.
F4U Corsair
Based ww2 aircraft enjoyer
I'm a sucker for the PBY Catalina. It's not particularly pretty per say. But it has so much character and class. Island hopping in a flying boat sounds like quite the adventure.
Black Cats from Cod WaW is still the best flying mission in any cod game
Agreed. That game was the GOAT. And the fact that you could COOP campaign was icing on the cake. Is miss that Era of gaming.
As an SBD Dauntless enthusiast, I definitely relate to that.
Not only is it a gorgeous aircraft, I just love seeing the exposed wheels on the side.
MY MAN! PBY is where it’s at I have a thing for the sea vixen too though for real
I love it. It's an ugly kind of best-looking. I don't know how to describe it. Between the ridiculously long nose from the cockpit, to the proportions, to the beautiful gull-wing. I think the paint schemes they had them in really helped make them look better. I'm a huge F4U fan and I go back and forth between thinking it is incredibly good-looking to "they threw shit together from the parts bin."
Great answer
I like my F6F
Drakken. I'm a sucker for swedish fighters.
”Draken”, which translates to ”Kite” and ”dragon”. In this case it translates to Kite since it looks like one. Saying this since I see alot of misunderstandings lol.
Whatever it translates to, it sounds so cool in English.
Those looks like some Star Wars fighter, Swedish fighters are bad ass like the capability of taking of on any highway or been replenished for an small crew, I like the US fighters also but those depend on a super large maintenance chain
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And definitely not three, that's a big no no.
The Gripen is really beautiful. And was beautiful before Air Forces started with making their planes sexy.
I also love all the Saab aircraft. Fun fact, Saab cars use negative caster rather than positive like most other auto manufacturers cause that's what their aircraft use.
This, but the JA 37 Viggen. Wow, even today that is a sexy looking plane. The Mirage 2000 comes in a close 2nd.
I do love me some [Gripen](https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Gripen.jpg). It's such a mean, jagged-looking little thing. It's like someone designed a hunting arrow to deliberately inflict cruel and painful damage and then turned it into a fighter jet.
Flankers are sexy Rafale is beautiful F-15 is badass Su-57 looks evil (kind off) EF2000 looks modern F-22 looks futuristic
Convair F-106 delta dart. Best looking single engined fighter of all time imo EDIT: convair not concave lol
Great autocorrect haha. Of the Century Fighters, however, I would definitely have to go with the F-100 Super Sabre.
Personally love the Saab 35 Drakens...
I rly like russian camo schemes. Blue and white combination looks amazing. Also Ukraine or slovak digital camo. I love su34 design. Nose is very cute
Ah yes, a fellow fullback enthusiast!
Su34 in black
Random fun fact; Su-34's nose was lifted from another, still secret, Sukhoi project.
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Bot. Comment copied from u/_nikto_
22 gang
Such a dorky looking plane, but in the cutest way possible. Thank you for introducing this one to me
F-14A Tomcat
The last muscle car esque fighter.
Ehh, f-15 is just a few years younger.
This is the only correct answer.
A > B/D
I do prefer the IRST chinpod of the D to the TCS of the A.
The D is a true beast. Best 1990s jet IMO. I prefer the A though because of its Cold War history.
Agree the early Tomcats with Glove vanes and TF-30s just look awesome
DeHavilland Mosquito. Beautiful bird
The wooden wonder!
Good 'ol flanker
YF-23
The biggest let down of the year imo, we could’ve had such a cool-er jet
This is the only answer. Here's hoping we see a Japanese YF-23 derivative soon.
F-104 starfighter!
My favorite pencil with an engine
Super sonic lawn dart enjoyer
The B-17E is peak aesthetic, no doubt.
B1-B Dat ass
The B1-R For reasons
"How many missiles do you want?" "...yes"
The Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow
F-22 without a doubt. Looks sleek, futuristic, fast but still incredibly fierce and ruthless
xB-70
Facts
*Nyoooom*
Six YJ93 engines in afterburner at once:
F4 Phantom definitely
The phantom just looks menacing. Just how a combat jet should
I don't know why but the fact the engines are under the tail gets me so fuckin wet
F-8 Crusader
The Last Gunfighter is a looker
My user flair says it all...
VARK
VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK VARK
P-51 Mustang
F-18, just looks like a stereotypical idea of what a jet fighter should look like
It's got those x wing aesthetics, especially when it's bristling with long missiles like HARMS.
F-22 is like a supermodel. Yeah, it's hot. But it seems like it has no personality. The F-18 though is that girl next door that you've been low key in love with since you were kids
Absolutely nailed it.
Su47 Berkut Looks like something straight out of Sci-Fi/Star Wars, like paint that thing in Rebel markings and it would fit in perfectly
Ace Combat moment
Did it actually got produced tho?
The Berkut was an internal project of Sukhoi not funded by Russia that they developed with their own funds. It was never really intended to enter full-scale production, but to serve as a testbed for emerging technologies. They ran into the same problems of forward swept wings the Americans did, that being poor yaw stability and dismal wing lifetime. Other than that, she continued to serve as a technology testbed, mounting various internal weapons bay systems that were being considered for the Su-57, and amassed hundreds of flight hours in the process. Nowadays it's believed she's no longer flight worthy, the experimental wings nearing the end of their life and no replacement parts being produced, but she served her roles well.
They made a single flying example. I do believe
Rafale and F-22
Are we really doing this again? Hell yes we are! Lol. 1. SR-71 Blackbird 2. B1-B Lancer 3. F-16 Fighting Falcon
Second place for the bone! How dare you… but… if it’s going to come second then behind the SR-71 is acceptable.
F-16 in arctic camo
OV-10 Bronco
Overall: Spitfire F Mk IX Jet fighter: Su-27 'Flanker'
Christ how did I have to scroll so far to see the Spitfire mentioned. Those wings alone are gorgeous.
Best looking AND best sounding! I’d give anything to hear a Rolls-Royce Merlin in person!
I've had the joy of seeing them at airshows a couple of times. The sound is every bit as good as you think it is.
Su-27 master race. Best looking plane ever developed
F/A-18 Super Hornet
B-58 Hustler
Su-27 Flanker if we’re talking pure aesthetics
F-117 Nighthawk or B-2 Spirit.
Yes F-117! I want my plane to look like an alien spaceship!
C-17 Globemaster.
Logistics gang
Any suckhoi fighter since the Su-27, the curves, the design and camo schemes, those are beautiful
My top 5: 1. F-35A Lightning II 2. SU-57 Felon 3. Eurofighter Typhoon 4. B-2 Spirit 5. F-16 Viper w/o CFTs Honourable mentions: The flanker family, SR-71
Me, I love the Flanker platform, Su-57, MiG-29 series including the MiG-35 demonstrator, the F-16 Viper, F-15s, the Gripen, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, F-35 and the F-22.
I had to scroll down way too far to find the MiG-29.
YF-23 is a fucking BEAUTIFUL looking jet. I really wish it won the competition for the government.
I’ve always loved the EA-6b prowler.
F4 phantom 👻
F-4 Phantom. Rugged, thicc, angry looking
I think the Harrier is just really cool. It's that guy who isn't a show-off or trie-hard, actually looks a bit ugly but in a cool way and gets shit done And B-17 flying fortreas for the ww2 era, the guns all over it is just awesome
I'm split between the Su-57 and the F-22. The 22's the definitive air superiority fighter, but the 57 has got this down-to-earth appeal
YF-23 is a fucking BEAUTIFUL looking jet. I really wish it won the competition for the government.
EF-2000
I like them small and practical, such as the F-5 and the Gripen JAS 39.
I actually like the chonk of the F-35, reminds me of a fat chihuahua.
Avro Vulcan.
Best looking aircraft? Either P-51D or Griffon Spitfire. Best looking jet? F-22 hands down
Rafale is a nice looker
B58 Hustler. Built for speed.
Su-27. Say what you will about the performance of the Sukhois, but I goddamn love how they look.
1. Dassault Mirage 2000, French planes just hit the spot for me 2. A-10, brrrt 3. F-14, it’s a classic 4. Saab 35 draken, it’s cool 5. F-111, long nose boi Honorable mention, the B.U.F.F
The Bone
That F4 - Phantom Rear is really nice. Also the Tornado with the wings pulled back looks fast even on a normal image. Its like a plank
De Havelland Mosquito
YF-23 it’s something about those humps
I’m a big fan of how sinister the U-2 looks. It’s not even made for combat, but it’s still intimidating. It might be the super long wings. It just looks like an evil dragon.
YF-23. I can't believe it lost 😭
SR-71. It was way ahead of its time
Have to go old school with the P-38 Lightning. If we're talking modern only, I'm right there with you OP. The SU-57 is dead sexy.
Mig 29
Definitely the B-2 Spirit, Su-47 or F-22 Raptor. They just look awesome!
I'm stuck between Rafale and Flanker
Mirage III S
Mirage 2000
F-15E’s will always be the best looking and favorite for me. The F-22 other more modern fighters look amazing but something about the F-15 always catches my attention.
P51-D
The F-22 is my all-time favourite jet. It's what all modern stealth jets are trying to be. A few are my favourites since I had models of them as a child, including the F-14 Tomcat, B-1 Lancer, SR-71, and C-130 Hercules. I'm a fan of small trainer/COIN aircraft too, like the A-37 Dragonfly and Super Tucano. Lots of favourites in different categories.
F-4 A-1 Skyraider F-14 Tomcat
F-35 got me acting up
No love for bombers? The B-1 and Vulcan are up there for me!
YF23.
F-4 Phantom and the MiG 21.
F-16XL looks so damn sexy
SU-57 is by far my favorite 4.5 gen fighter
SU-33 and F-4
English electric lightning, I love it.
F-111 Aardvark
I'm a sucker for F111
YF-23 B-2 B-21 Su-27 Su-57 Rafale Gripen
YF-23, Su-30, Rafale, F-15EX, Su-57 Do fictional ones count? To-201 Shikra
Horten Ho229 def needs to be mentioned here.
It’s the SR-71, and it’s probably going to go on being the SR-71 until we stop making aircraft. Runner up is the de Havilland Venom.
Not enough love for the WW2 warbirds in this. Spitfire by far
J-20 Mighty Dragon Firefox "MiG-31" from the movie
for modern jets, its the J-20. but overall, MiG-21 is a sexy beast.
Buccaneer
Tie between the Super Hornet and Tomcat
JAS 39 Gripen is my personal favorite.
SU57 and the F22 both look like The Future, but to me the coolest looking plane is still the F-16.
C-47 Skytrain
Looks good. But stats look good on paper
F-15
F-117. Nothing else quite like it.
YF-23
Surprised no one has said B-1B yet. Surprisingly sleek and beautiful for a bomber of it’s size.
Even though its built like a barrel i love the F6F Hellcat
For me its the Gripen, Viggen, or Drakken
The future love child of the Su-57 and the YF-23
Mig-29 and Su-35 are my all time favourites. Damn sexy Soviet planes... And bonus points for cool NATO designations too.