The military is in possession of the most advanced vehicles in the world. Every year, the money from the taxpayers is poured into the development of these machines. There are plenty of cool car models out there, but these beasts are on a league of their own. Get ready to be blown away by these incredible vehicles! Who would have thought that technology is capable of making something like this in the first place? Trust us when we say that you are going to be impressed by what you will see in these slides.
BAE Systems Adaptiv Technology
Adaptiv has been developed as an active camouflage technology by BAE Systems. It prevents infrared night division machines from detecting all kinds of military vehicles. The machine comes with hexagonal Peltier plates that can be cooled and heated rapidly to form various images. On top of that, you can add a natural background and even non-target objects. This was announced in 2011. The company compared it to a “thermal TV screen” that uses hexagonal panels that cover tanks and carriers.
BAE Systems Adaptiv Technology
WildCat Robot
We would not want to run into a WildCat Robot in the wild. This Boston Robotics product is amazing as it can make its way through any terrain out there. This was made as a cargo carry unit or an intelligence carrying unit. Make sure to run away if you ever bump into one. Its speed is enough to make it terrifying.
WildCat Robot
Arquus Scarabee Armored Vehicle
The company introduced this machine at the Paris Air Show in 2019. Arquus is under Volvo and works on the light armored vehicle, which is due to enter active duty any time now. The Scarabee has a hybrid drive of ICE and electric motors. It can operate quietly during reconnaissance and stealth missions.
Arquus Scarabee Armored Vehicle
Owl-Eye Drone
In Russia, you are going to find this owl-eye drone. How cute is that? Russian intelligence agencies did several tests on all kinds of radar drones. Its mission is to create something that can’t be identified as a machine. If you ask us, the owl is a great design for something like this. Don’t you just adore it?
Owl Eye Drone
Army Rotorcraft Technology
The Army is now testing various parts of rotorcraft tech. That includes its ability to withstand combat violence. ARL-SLAD aviation analysis team leader Brian G. Smith said, “The purpose of this program is to generate some limited ballistic data that could reduce risk and/or encourage Future Vertical Lift designers to consider CTEF technology.” We cannot wait to see what it is capable of in the future.
Army Rotorcraft Technology
Saab Globaleye
Here is an airborne control and early warning platform by GlobalEye, the security and defense division of Saab. It can perform several roles. It has an array of sensors thanks to the Erieye ER radar and mission system. On top of that, it has been deployed in the Bombardier Global 6,000 long-range business jet. Basically, it is a very good radar with a range of 450 km that can function at a height of 30,000 feet high.
Saab Globaleye
Guardium Unmanned Ground Military Vehicles
This is a compact patrol vehicle that can carry 1.2 tons of cargo, weapons, and sensors. This is a big force multiplier used by the Israeli Defense Forces. With a 48-hour cruise or 24-hour combat battery pack, this ground drone has among the best endurance out there. You can operate it remotely or use autonomous mode if you wish. It can be used by a small border patrol force to control big swaths of territory.
Guardium Unmanned Ground Military Vehicles
TERN Program
Fair enough, you will find a lot of small aerial vehicles in the military. Still, not many of them are good on rough seas and small decks. DARPA launched its Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node to address this void. Doesn’t it remind you of a seabird? This aircraft is capable of taking off and landing on its tail.
TERN Program
Artillery Gun Module (AGM) Self-Propelled Automated Howitzer
Whoa, this piece of artillery is not only completely automated, but it is also light enough that it can be airdropped and carried by medium-sized transport planes. Its main gun and control components are modular, so it can be added to all kinds of track and truck frames. This is a German piece of equipment that can be used to turn supply trucks into accurate artillery machines even on a tight budget.
Artillery Gun Module (AGM) Self Propelled Automated Howitzer
Ghost Fleet Overlord
Naval Sea Systems Command is also called NAVSEA. It is a U.S. Navy project. Recently, it was said that it saw a test vessel complete two four-day autonomous transits. The machine saw 181 hours of unmanned operations that took place across an area of over 3,200 nautical miles. How impressive is that?
Ghost Fleet Overlord
Sea Hunter
Officially known as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel, the Sea Hunter is also known as ACTUV at times. National Defense is interested in silent submarines that can linger close to the shore. This project was invented as an unmanned anti-submarine ship to make up for this void.
Sea Hunter
The Gladiator UGCV
This modified bomb disposal machine was developed for the Marine Corps. It has a long range, great speed, and high maneuverability. The Gladiator can also deal with small arms fire thanks to its armor, so it is one of the few combat drones in use at the moment. It has a multi-mission remote battle station that can use anti-vehicle and anti-personnel weapons. This can also mount supplies and sensors.
The Gladiator UGCV
B-21 Raider
The B-21 Raider, on the other hand, was made as a modern Long Range Strike Bomber. This was developed by Northrup Grumman, whose aim was to make an unmanned aircraft that can be used as a high-altitude stealth drone bomber. It is said that the company wants at least a single pilot on the controls as this will likely be used to deploy nuclear payloads.
B-21 Raider
BigDog Military Robot
Google is now the owner of Boston Dynamics, which developed BigDog to create a force multiplier. It can cross all kinds of terrains without tipping over. This machine is capable of running through sand, forest, desert, and snow easily. It is ideal when it comes to delivering supplies and equipment to soldiers in areas that are too dangerous for helicopters to reach.
BigDog Military Robot
“RoBattle” Unmanned Ground Vehicle
You are looking at an armored 7-ton drone made to attack the enemy head-on and lead combat formations. It has six independent wheels that can be switched out for tracks. This machine is capable of mounting heavy weapons such as 25 mm Bushmaster cannons and TOW missiles. Can you believe that it is fully automated? Despite this, a human operator needs to give the command to fire.
“RoBattle” Unmanned Ground Vehicle
UH-19XRW Hoverwing
You can consider this both a flying boat and hovercraft in one. The military version of this machine is a pioneer in more ways than one. It is an amphibious “Batmobile” with the capacity to load up to 1,200 pounds of cargo. It also has a 75-mph max speed and a 140-mile range. This machine can also cruise at a height of over six feet.
UH-19XRW Hoverwing
KRATOS BQM-167 Aerial Target Drone
Check out this KRATOS BQM-167 Aerial Target Drone, which is called Air Force Subscale Aerial Target or Skeeter at times. With its “fighter-like” features, you can compare it to 4th Generation Fighter mounts. This is a valuable piece of machinery that can be used to train airmen how to drop active weapons.
KRATOS BQM 167 Aerial Target Drone
Artificial Intelligence Aid
When it comes to intelligence, reconnaissance, control, and command, the Artificial Intelligence Aid has proven to be a big help. As a matter of fact, it is the catalyst of the so-called fourth industrial revolution. It can help all kinds of agencies across the world make the smartest and most efficient choices out there.
Artificial Intelligence Aid
NASA Mars Rover – 2020 Prototype
Take a look at this gorgeous piece of machinery. Below, you are looking at the Mars Exploration Rover prototype that made its debut at the Kennedy Space Center back in 2017. It is not the same unit that will visit the neighboring planet, although it has the same model and make. Doesn’t it look like a film prop?
NASA Mars Rover – 2020 Prototype
Lockheed Martin SR-72
The Lockheed Martin SR-72 has a surprising claim. It says that it can reach anywhere in the world in a span of an hour or so. You are probably interested to hear how the company plans to make such a thing possible. The single engine vehicle is believed to have a speed of over 14,500 mph. That’s fast!
Lockheed Martin SR-72
Google Glasses
This is not a military vehicle like the rest, but we are still amazed by it. Google Glass will allow troops on the ground to know more about the current mission. It can measure distances, show building layouts in 3D, and transmit video from drones. Without a doubt, it is a small but terrible piece of machinery.
Google Glasses
The Distributed Aperture System (DAS)
Also known as DAS, the Distributed Aperture System is going to let people stream images from infrared cameras on the aircraft in real time. It will let the pilot “see through” the cockpit or the airframe. Aside from that, it comes with a night vision mode that will surely come in handy to the people manning it.
The Distributed Aperture System (DAS)
Festo Camera Ants
We know that this might sound strange, but we are not lying to you. Can you believe that they are now coming up with intelligence-gathering camera ants?! Controlled or unmanned, the point is to capture video at designated access points. We can just imagine how useful this is going to be in the future.
Festo Camera Ants
Drone Strike-Downs
It can be hard to fight terrorism if you do not have UAV offensives on hand. Even if this were the case, there are other counter-options available to the military now thanks to the rise of technology. We bet that it is not going to take a long time before military aircraft can counteract drone strikes.
Drone Strike-Downs
RIPSAW MS-1
Here is an unmanned light tank that can go up to a speed of 95 mph. That makes the RIPSAW MS-1 the fastest tracked military vehicle in the world. It can be used as a base chassis for drone tanks, armored personnel carriers, and military vehicles. The core version is very agile and nimble. Every variant costs less than one million dollars, so this will probably be used on the ground in huge numbers soon.
RIPSAW MS-1
Army Futures Command All-Terrain Vehicles
Why is it known as “The Vehicle That Shall Not Be Named”? The Army Futures Command All-Terrain Vehicle, together with a couple of other ATVs, recently finished a number of tests at Texas A&M. This machine did well in terms of mobility, radar functionality, and consistency. That is amazing news!
Army Futures Command All-Terrain Vehicles
RT01 Transport Vehicle
Also known as the Rover, Weyland Corp. made the RT Series Group Transport as an armored personnel carrier. This is among the most popular units in the lineup of the company. It comes with a shape-memory alloy wheel system and nano-reinforced hard-composite treads that can survive up to 2000° F.
RT01 Transport Vehicle
Non-Pneumatic Tires
The Army has actually been using airless tires for quite a while by now. On the bright side, this technology will soon be available to civilians too. The tires are amazing since they don’t go flat. You will not have to replace them often at all. As a matter of fact, this helps the Army save a ton of money.
Non-Pneumatic Tires
Oshkosh M-ATV
The Oshkosh M-ATV might be small, but this supercharged patrol car has edged out the HUMVEE. This can also be used for combat. It is faster and more maneuverable than its predecessor. This also offers greater protection from IEDs and rockets than armored personnel carriers. It comes with a CROW remote weapon station, as well as the latest electronic IED jammers from Warlock.
Oshkosh M-ATV
DOK-ING MV-4 Mine Clearance Drone
You are looking at a Croatian-made drone capable of digging up barricades and clearing safe passages in minefields. It can do these things remotely in a matter of several minutes. This unique drone is quiet as it has a quiet all-electric train. The DOKO-ING line used to provide all kinds of specialized variants too.
DOK-ING MV-4 Mine Clearance Drone
Gibbs Quadski
This is the first amphibious assault bike ever made. With a 140 hp engine, it has a max speed of 45 mph on land or water. You will find a couple of variants on the market, such as an amphibious snowmobile version. While it was first made as a recreational sports craft, it has become a hit in special forces too.
Gibbs Quadski
XM25 COUNTER DEFILADE TARGET ENGAGEMENT (CDTE) SYSTEM
It feels like the XM25 CTDE System has changed the game. This airburst grenade launcher is capable of firing grenades at top speed with incredible accuracy. Through its laser rangefinder, this piece of machinery can also spot enemy targets regardless of how well they have been hidden.
XM25 COUNTER DEFILADE TARGET ENGAGEMENT (CDTE) SYSTEM
The Wheel Track
What makes the Wheel Track so amazing is that it only takes two seconds to transform. This can be done in motion as the wheel turns from circular to triangular. The National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University worked on the wheel, but the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency funded it. In 2018, it bought home the Popular Science Award for “Best of What’s New.”
The Wheel Track
Corner Shot
You might have thought of this when you played cops and robbers as a child. The corner shot is the moment that you bend a weapon around the corner so that you can stay safe as you engage in active battle. This is a tactic that has been used by military people across the globe.
Corner Shot
Crusher UGCV
The Crusher is one of the most advanced autonomous ground combat vehicles ever. Its body is made of aluminum and titanium. It is capable of independent suspension and comes with a hybrid electric/turbo-diesel engine. This can be used for combat or support rules. The hi-tech sensor and AI suite let it function no matter what the weather is like.
Crusher UGCV
Urban Aeronautics AirMule
The Israeli Defense forces created this flying car, which has proven to be a game changer for urban operations. This can haul over a thousand pounds of supplies and equipment for an hour. On top of that, it can fit in small spaces that choppers can’t reach. This is going to come in handy in rescue missions.
Urban Aeronautics AirMule
FLYPmode Patrol Vehicle
While the FLYPmode is still going through operational testing, it aims to speed up the deployment of forces in the future. It can give nearly the same level of protection as a light MRAP, but it has better speed, maneuverability, and visibility. It is cheap, adaptable, modular, and set to enter service soon.
FLYPmode Patrol Vehicle
Fed Alpha Armored Car
The plan is to use the Fed Alpha program in future combat designs. It comes with a hybrid engine that makes it very fuel-efficient. This burns 70 percent of the same gas that a Humvee does but still delivers the same cargo capacity, speed, and armor protection. This is unique since it has a built-in solar panel.
Fed Alpha Armored Car
Chenowth Advanced Light Strike Military Vehicles
This is the most recent version of the Light Strike Vehicle that has been popularized by Operation Desert Storm. The model is faster, more mobile, and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors. It can navigate half side slopes and 75 percent gradients too. With its 160-hp diesel engine, it can handle strap-on armors. It is a speedy scout that has surveillance sensors, electronic jammers, and battery hookups.
Chenowth Advanced Light Strike Military Vehicles
KRASUKHA-2/4 Electronic Warfare System
You are looking at a mobile electronic countermeasure and jammer. The Krasukha-2 can also jam UAV controls and AWACS. It can also use income cruise missile guidance systems and fire control sensors. With a range of 250 km, it is truly amazing. It can blind low-earth-orbit reconnaissance satellites as well.
KRASUKHA-2/4 Electronic Warfare System
Storm Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle
Dune buggies are excellent since they let rescue teams barrel through difficult terrains and haul up to three litters of patients. This is compact and lightweight enough to be airdropped from bigger choppers. It can make U-turns on steep terrain and even high-speed J-turns on rocky ground. Its cross country maneuverability is certainly in a league of its own.
Storm Search And Rescue Tactical Vehicle
TOS-1 Buratino Heavy Flamethrower System
It is true that the TOS-1 is not the best in terms of maneuverability. Still, it looks awesome. This comes with a Russian-made T-72 MBT chassis, but the turret was replaced by rocket contraptions. It was done to convert it into short-range artillery. It can even ripple off 24 to 32 incendiary or thermobaric rockets.
TOS-1 Buratino Heavy Flamethrower System
Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector
This is a ½-scale model of the Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector. The new tracked amphibious landing craft for the Marine Corps is also called the “combat paddleboat.” It has a better range and cargo capacity than the biggest hovercraft in the world. It is capable of lifting two M1 Abrams tanks in one go.
Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector
Merkava IV Windbreaker MBT
This is a photo of an armored vehicle that has proven to be better than other tankers. Apart from the multiple remote machine guns and 120 mm cannon, it has a 60 mm mortar built into it. The tanks come with a carboy bay that can carry four infantrymen. Its Trophy active protection system is great as well.
Merkava IV Windbreaker MBT
Saab Skelder
The Saab Skelder is a Vertical Take Off and Landing vehicle that comes in handy in terms of light cargo transport, electronic warfare, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. The Swedish company model was first unveiled at the Eurosatory exhibition in 2006. This happened in Paris in the summer of that year.
Saab Skelder
The Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System
Here is an energy weapon that blasts not artillery or lasers but radio signs. The LMADIS, as it is also called, is equipped with a pair of all-terrain vehicles called Polaris MRZRs. Half of them serve as a command unit, whereas the other one comes with signal jammers and sensors.
The Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System
Black Knight UGCV
The Black Knight UGCV might still be in its prototype stage, but it looks promising. This fighting vehicle is going to change ground combat as we know it. With machine gun attachments and 30 mm autocannon, it is among the best drones out there. Infantry forces can also use it as an expandable wingman.
Black Knight UGCV
The Mega M1 Riot Control Vehicle
This is a photo of the fully-automatic, fully-electronic, and fully-loaded Mega M1 Riot Control Vehicle. Weighing over 17,500 pounds, it can control tiny combat zones. Each feature was added with riots in mind. It has complete climate control, weaponry, CCTV system, water hose, lights, and reinforcement cargo space. Doesn’t it sound like they thought long and hard about each and every aspect of it?
The Mega M1 Riot Control Vehicle
Aggressive Hydraulics
The truth is that so many problems can be solved with the help of hydraulic solutions. For one thing, this can be used in road creation, aircraft cargo solutions, and combat zone reinforcement. We are big fans of it since it sounds like an efficient way to fix many problems. On top of that, it looks very cool.
Aggressive Hydraulics
The SandCat
You are looking at a vehicle with the visibility and maneuverability of traditional military patrol cars. It comes with a STANAG Level 3 armor too. This can cross trenches, streams, steep areas, and more. You can also trust it to cruise around ice, rocks, sand, and mud. This is great on and off the road.
The SandCat
Russian Falkatus Vehicle
Check out the Falkatus, which is a Russian-made armored car. The unit was a top-model product that has been revealed recently. It was called the “Punisher” at first. It will come equipped with a double-axle chassis that you can compare to the rally race version of KAMAZ. We can’t wait to hear more about it.
Russian Falkatus Vehicle
The Armored Combat Engineer Robot
This must be one of the largest land drones in use right now at a weight of 2.25 tons. This is a very adaptable vehicle although it is slow and heavy. Despite this, it can perform dangerous missions without risking the lives of humans. It is great for search and rescue operations. It also serves as a launch platform for aerial surveillance drones.
The Armored Combat Engineer Robot
Convair XC-99
One of the biggest planes in the world, the Convair XC-99 was made to carry 400 soldiers or 100,000 pounds of cargo. It saw its first flight in 1947, but it was retired a decade after that. The US Air Force used it as a heavy cargo plane. It was the biggest piston-engine, land-based transport plane in history.
Convair XC-99
Antonov An-124
In the ‘80s, Antonov Design Bureau built this aircraft. It has been used in military and commercial aviation since then. Over fifty of them were produced and deployed across the globe. It is an airlift quad-jet that was the heaviest cargo plane in the world for three decades. It was only surpassed by the Antonov AN-225.
Antonov An-124
HK-1
The HK-1 has been called the “Spruce Goose” since it was made almost entirely of birch. It was meant to be a transatlantic transport jet during the Second World War, but it was not finished in time. It was only flown once by the US military in 1947. You can find it at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.
HK-1
Blohm And Voss BV 238
This German flying boat was made and flown for the first time in 1944. It was the heaviest one built back then at a weight of 120,769 pounds. It required a lot of resources, which is why they only made a single unit. On top of that, this was the biggest aircraft made by the Axis Powers for the war.
Blohm And Voss BV 238
Antonov AN-225 Mriya
You are looking at a strategic airlift cargo plane. This is the longest and heaviest plane built! It comes with six turbofan engines. This was made to transport the Buran spaceplane of the Soviet Union in the ‘80s. Did you know that it has the largest wingspan of all aircraft in active service right now?
Antonov AN-225 Mriya
Ilyushin Il-76
This aircraft was built during the tensest part of the Cold War. It remains in active service with over a thousand still in use. This is a four-engine turbofan airlifter created by the Soviet Union. It was meant to be a commercial freight, although the Russian military later used it to transport military equipment.
Ilyushin Il-76
Convair B-36 Peacemaker
From 1949 to 1959, the US Air Force used the Convair B-36 Peacemaker. It had a short lifespan, but it remains the biggest piston-engine aircraft in history. It had the largest wingspan of a combat aircraft built at 230 feet. It could transport nuclear weapons without any need for modification in its heyday.
Convair B-36 Peacemaker
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
The C-17 Globemaster III is among the biggest military planes in existence. It was first flown in 1991 and remained in production until 2015. McDonnell Douglas developed it for the US Air Force. Each unit costs $218 million to be built. It went on to carry out strategic and tactical airlift missions in the past.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI
Made during the First World War, this was among the biggest wooden planes to be made in the early 20th century. It was a four-engine strategic bomber developed in Germany. It made history as one of the first military jets to come with a closed cockpit. Six of them survived as others crashed or got shot down.
Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI
Kawanishi H8K
This flying boat was primarily used by the Imperial Japanese Navy for maritime patrol. It was made to cover long distances without any backup. It earned the moniker “Emily” among the Americans. This piece of equipment was only used in action in 1942, but it stayed operational until the end of the war.
Kawanishi H8K
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
You will always want to avoid an aircraft called “Hercules.” What more if it is known as “Super Hercules”? The US Air Force first flew the C-130J in 1996. It has since been deployed to fifteen other countries. It is a four-engine turboprop transport plane that has outlived other military aircraft when it comes to production time.
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Martin JRM Mars
This four-engine seaplane became popular during the Second World War. It was the biggest seaplane in the Allied forces at the time. They only built seven units even though they were effective. Four of the surviving flying boats were turned not firefighting water bombers, which made them even more useful. Sadly, this model is no longer available.
Martin JRM Mars
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Even though it is hard to refuel strategic bombers, this plane can do the job just fine. The Americans used it a lot during the Vietnam War. It was very valuable and strategic in Operation Desert Storm. The Boeing KC-135 proved to be revolutionary since it was the first jet-powered refueling tanker owned by the US Air Force.
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
NASA Super Guppy
This plane went on to replace the Pregnant Guppy. It is also the first plane developed by Aero Spacelines. You can easily tell that it was made for cargo. Five planes in the two Guppy variants were built. Can you believe that they are all still in use to this day? Called “Super Guppy,” it truly deserves the nickname.
NASA Super Guppy
Caspian Sea Monster
In the ‘60s, the Soviet Union worked on the Caspian Sea Monster. It underwent extensive testing until the ‘80s when it got damaged in an accident. This was the biggest and heaviest aircraft in the world back then. The US was focused on figuring out its capabilities for much of the Cold War since it could fly without being detected by radar systems. This was primarily used by the Soviet Navy.
Caspian Sea Monster
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Introduced in the late 1950’s, the Starfighter was used in different militaries all over the world until the 60’s came about. The plane was developed by renowned aeronautical engineer Kelly Johnson and it proved to be deadly, seeing many controversies in active use. Nowadays you can actually buy this plane, with ten said to be privately-owned in the United States. In 2011, a restored, engineless version of this unit went on sale in the U.K. for a price of £25,000.
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
North American P-51 Mustang
The P-51 Mustang is truly a classic. First developed for the British as a medium-altitude fighter plane during WWII, it surpassed expectations and reached even greater heights when the Rolls Royce Merlin engine was put inside it. This particular model was instrumental in reconnaissance missions, escorting many bombers in numerous wars due to its capability to fly long-range. The plane has a max speed of 430mph and is a smooth ride.
North American P-51 Mustang
Supermarine Spitfire
The Spitfire was the most heavily produced aircraft by the British during WWII. It was the only one that wasn’t only produced prior to the conflict, but also during it. The plane has seen different variants with alternate wing designs. The 50 Supermarine Spitfire is still worthy to this very today! Many people consider it the most instrumental aircraft during WWII due to its contribution in the Battle of Britain.
Supermarine Spitfire
F-4 Phantom II
The F-4 Phantom II is certainly a rare aircraft. It became a part of the U.S. fleet in 1960 and is still used sporadically, despite its retirement. Listed as a two seater, it is a long-range supersonic bomber and jet interceptor. The Phantom II had a top speed of over Mach 2.2 and could carry more than 18,000 pounds. It was an aircraft to be feared by U.S. enemies.
F-4 Phantom II
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
The Curtis P-40 Warhawk was a key player in the skies during WWII and was actually among the three most used U.S. fighters during the conflict. The Warhawk has seen many upgrades over the course of its lifetime, due to various issues and performance shortcomings. The Warhawk is not actually considered a “top fighter”, but you can see it looks very cool. Its appearance is likely one of the reasons it is so popular amongst aviation fans worldwide.
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
B-29 Superfortress
The B-29 Superfortress wasn’t given its name for no reason, it is a beast of an aircraft. Developed in the early 1940s by Boeing, advanced features were added to the extent that the bomber plane was significantly improved. Not only did it have pressurized crew areas and remote-controlled guns, but it gained the title of heaviest production plane in the world!
B-29 Superfortress
Northrop F-5
A lightweight supersonic jet fighter that has many variations, the Northrop F-5 was introduced in 1962 and is noteworthy for how simple and low maintenance, yet effective in the air it is. Even now, it continues to be used as a training plane in the U.S. It is a supersonic jet fighter that can max out at further than 1000mph. This fact means that it is one of the quickest military airplanes available to civilians.
Northrop F-5
Bell UH-1 Huey
The Bell UH-1 Huey is one of the most heavily used helicopters on Earth. It is currently used by 40 countries and was initially introduced during the Vietnam War. It was used on many missions in that particular conflict, which included medical evacuations and transportation. The Huey can travel at 125 mph and can carry between one and four people aboard. The Huey is a symbol of the Vietnam war and the older versions still cost around $500,000.
Bell UH-1 Huey
Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
The introduction of the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star brought much change across the U.S. Air Force. These new aircrafts didn’t fly with propellers and were quite different from its predecessors. Around 1,700 P-80 units were produced, but the T-Bird was more suitable for the military market. 7,000 units were made worldwide. Some militaries still use this model to this day.
Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was originally meant to replace the A-1 Skyraider in the U.S. Navy. The chief designer of the Douglas was Ed Heinemann, who came up with a small, but effective aircraft. The engine is situated in the fuselage, the fuel is in the wings and the nose is in the avionics. The navy went on to name this compact bomber “Heinemann’s Hot Rod”. It was first used at the conclusion of the Korean War.
Douglass A-4 Skyhawk
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG 21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG 21 was introduced in 1959 and went on to be a staple plane in numerous military conflicts. It was mostly used by Indian, Soviet and Libyan Air Forces and was the first Soviet aircraft that was capable of performing both fighting and intercepting requirements successfully. It is still used in some countries and at once stage held various records. For example, at one stage it was the most produced supersonic aircraft in the world.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG 21
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon was quite some plane, just look below at its elegance. They can actually be bought nowadays for around $8 Million. Just ensure that if you do, you take some time to study the small print. If you were to acquire one, you would need to follow some demanding defense contracts.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Hawker Hunter
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the RAF of London commissioned the MK-58 Hawker Hunter as a fighter jet. Eventually, it was used for both fighter-bomber and intelligence-gathering roles. Having now produced single and double pilot versions, it was heavily exported and has served in other militaries worldwide. It was officially retired in 2014 and is now considered a ‘warbird’.
Hawker Hunter
Aeo L-39 Albatros
If you think of warbirds, there is a strong chance you will think of the L-39 Albatross. Aero Vedochody developed it as an aircraft for the purpose of training, in Czechoslovakia. It was the first jet trainer of the second generation and had a super sleek design paired with a smooth operation. This aircraft had the ability to fly on internal fuel for up to two and a half hours, something quite impressive for a plane this size.
Aeo L-39 Albatross
Grumman OV-1 Mohawk
The Grumman OV-1 was brought in to replace the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog and was used by the U.S. Air Force as an all-weather observatory attack plane. It was introduced due to its increased speed and greater power and it even earned the Grumman Aircraft Corporation an award! The plane was quite a success in many military roles. It had bulletproof windows and aluminum alloy floor, keeping it safe from small ground arms.
Grumman OV-1 Mohawk