Military aviation has always attracted a lot of public attention. And, if at the time of its inception it delighted with its efficiency, today it surprises with its capabilities and the presence of a mass of high-tech solutions. We live in a very unstable world, in which local conflicts occur every now and then, but perhaps the only advantage of this is the opportunity to observe the best works of engineering in action. We have combined them into a rating the best military fighters in the world, which can not only surprise you with technical progress defense industry, but will also make you proud own country, because most of the leading positions belong to Russian aircraft. As they say, “First things first, the planes...”
10. Dassault “Mirage” 2000 (France)
French aviation has noticeably improved since the Second World War, when it was completely destroyed German army. Attempts to conduct an independent foreign policy required strong army, so 30 years ago the Mirage military aircraft appeared, which immediately became the main fighter of the French Air Force and did not give up this position for two decades, because it showed excellent performance in peacekeeping operations in North Africa, as a result of which it began to be purchased en masse by India. It was in this region that he found himself: the successful destruction of enemy aircraft and headquarters, as well as guided missile attacks, broke the rebel resistance in a couple of days. According to some reports, despite being discontinued in 2006, Dassault 2000 participated in the Libyan War, where it caused stunning damage to the military equipment of Gaddafi's army.
9.
Just a couple of years ago, the Falcon, ranked ninth in the ranking of the best fighters in the world, was the most common combat aircraft in the world. Low cost and quality indicators made it the main export product of the American Air Force. As of today, there are 4,750 F-16 fighters worldwide. The modernized version will be produced at least until the end of 2017. Pictures of this aircraft were repeatedly captured by military reporters; it managed to take part in 100 conflicts, the most famous of which are the NATO Operation against Yugoslav troops and the Iraq War. The Israeli Army's F-16 Fighting Falcons are the most capable combat fighters. According to official data, they have forty air victories.
8.
Although prototypes have not yet taken part in combat operations, and its commissioning is planned for 2018, it has already incorporated the leading developments of domestic engineers. Compared to its predecessor, it will become more economical in terms of fuel consumption, but at the same time it will create more conditions for pilot comfort: from automated control flight while aiming to the increased volume of air created by the autonomous oxygen station. The only fly in the ointment, in our opinion, is the too early attempts of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to attract it to participate in international tenders, because the radar and some equipment have still not been completed perfect condition. A positive feature of this model is the cost of production; for example, the French produce aircraft with similar characteristics at two to three times the price.
7.
The most successful American project of the last forty years ranks seventh in the top ten best combat fighters in the world. The F-15 Eagle is guaranteed to remain in service until 2025, which means it will have time to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. It’s amazing, but “Eagle” suffered defeat in such a long period air combat only once, while destroying about a hundred enemy aircraft. This fighter is connected with the story of an Israeli Air Force pilot named Peled, who during the military conflict in Syria was able to destroy six enemy aircraft and cause significant damage to four more. Currently, six hundred F-15s are in service with various countries, and they are not going to be written off, because on average problems occur only once every 50 thousand flight hours.
6.
The crown of thought of French aircraft designers in the context of fourth generation fighters. The only drawback is the high cost of production, which requires the involvement of a lot of precision engineering objects. Having started its journey with the war in Afghanistan 15 years ago, the Rafale has proven its effectiveness in the fight against the Libyan army. It is worth noting that the “victims” of the Rafale were most often domestic fighters and helicopters in service with the Libyan Air Force. Speaking of modern times, Dassault is mostly involved in training exercises and has only carried out strikes against Islamic State forces in Iraq on a few occasions. It is also associated with a lot of incidents when the plane crashed or exploded in the air, but the manufacturer has proven that the cause of such situations is most often the human factor.
5.
The most reliable domestic aircraft is located at the equator of the ranking of the best military fighters in the world. He repeatedly proved his superiority during the exercises. Forming the backbone of the Indian Air Force, the Su-30 defeated American and British competitors in training battles, and in most cases, dryly. Also, it was Sukhoi that ensured the success of the operation of the Russian military space forces in Syria, and played a decisive role in the liberation of Palmyra. Over a quarter of a century, only 9 incidents were recorded, most of which were caused by an engine fire or insufficient fuel; fortunately, there were no military casualties, with the exception of a Vietnamese Air Force plane crashing into the sea.
4.
The only fighter created by the joint efforts of the countries of the European Union and proven its effectiveness during real combat operations (coalition operations in Syria and Iraq). Its undoubted advantage is the ability to interfere with enemy radars and, thereby, correct the flight direction guided missiles, so the lack of losses should not be a surprise. Another advantage is maximum range shooting, in this indicator Typhoon surpasses its closest competitors by as much as a hundred kilometers. Today, the countries of Europe and the Middle East are armed with about half a thousand fighters, each of which has a unique modification and production technology.
3.
The aircraft, which opens the top three among the best military fighters in the world, requires special attention, because it will form the backbone of the aviation wing of our country’s permanent military base in Syria. The secrecy of production for a long time forced potential buyers to avoid investing in a risky project, but participation in combat operations, where the Su-35 covered the main attack forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces, attracted a lot of attention to it. Considering that the aircraft is an extremely thorough modernization of the Su-27 (this is evidenced by the identical airframe), the fighter serves as proof of the durability of domestic military equipment, and also speaks of following traditions in aviation. Unfortunately, information about participation in exercises or battles with the enemy was not presented to the public.
2.
Multifunctional, economical, effective - in general, this is the best fighter produced in the United States. From 2014 to today, he has formed the backbone of the Air Force in Syria, where, having begun the fight against radical Islamists, he continues to create significant problems for IS troops. A noteworthy case is when the pilot, in one combat mission, not only completed a combat mission, but also remained in a certain area for another six hours, while not being noticed by enemy forces and transmitting the coordinates of the enemy positions who were trying to evacuate the base. Over the past two years, the F-22 has successfully completed approximately 210 combat missions. The entire operational period includes only two cases of loss during conflict, which indicates the high quality and reliability of the Raptor.
1. Sukhoi T-50 (Russia)
Palm in the ranking and title the best military fighter in the world receives the Sukhoi T-50 - the first domestic fifth-generation aircraft capable of simultaneous combat with several opponents located both in the sky and on the ground. This was made possible thanks to increased maneuverability and advanced technology. Even Western experts praised the first steps of Russian engineers in creating fighters with stealth reduction technology, but in practice it is not possible to draw any solid conclusions: all tests are carried out behind closed doors, and the final configuration of the prototype will be presented only in a year and a half.
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We could not ignore the best Soviet fighter, which is still in service both in post-Soviet countries and among allies in the communist camp, because he is in the top ten. It is noteworthy that the Su 27 becomes a participant in any computer flight simulator. Also, this aircraft is the only domestically produced fighter that took part in hostilities in the territory Central Africa, where he neutralized 3 enemy aircraft without losses, and the only identified disadvantage was the rather high fuel consumption during afterburner.
The air force is one of the most important components of the defense capability of each country. Every day, scientists around the world work to create faster and more efficient combat aircraft. Our review today presents 19 of the most best models fighters who have already proven themselves in combat.
1. American fighter-attack aircraft - Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
This model is a modernized version of a military aircraft F/A-18. The sample weighs 14.5 tons, and one full tank will be enough to fly 3,300 kilometers. The aircraft is equipped with a powerful F404 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed can reach 1915 km/h. The Super Hornet costs about $67 million.
2. German monoplane fighter - Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Wurger
The presented model performed well in the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Kurt Tank is the developer of a fighter called the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Wurger, which was created specifically for air force Germany. The aircraft made its first flight back in 1939.
3. American light fighter - Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
This model was developed back in 1974, but was put into operation at the end of 1979. The sample length is 15 meters. The sample is equipped with a powerful General Electric F110 engine. Price General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is about 19 million US dollars.
4. Swedish multi-role fighter - Saab JAS 39 Gripen
The presented model has been in service with the Swedish Air Force since 1997. The weight of this sample is 6622 kilograms, while the flight range from one full tank reaches 3250 kilometers. The creator of the aircraft is Saab AB. Costs Saab JAS 39 Gripen approximately 60 million US dollars.
5. Fighter - Su-30MKI (Flanker-H)
The modernized model of the aircraft weighs 18,400 kilograms, while its flight range from one full tank reaches 3,000 kilometers. This model made its first flight in 2000. The fighter is equipped with a powerful AL-31F engine. Price Su-30MKI is 25 million US dollars.
6. Two-seat fighter - McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
This model was created on the basis of the F-15D combat training fighter. This aircraft can be used for patrolling and providing cover for ground forces. The sample is equipped with a powerful Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed can reach 2655 kilometers per hour. Price McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle is approximately US$31 million.
7. French multi-role fighter - Dassault Rafale
French company Dassault Aviation is the creator of a 15 meter fighter called - Dassault Rafale. The maximum speed of this model reaches 2130 km/h, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 3700 kilometers.
8. Experimental aircraft - Sukhoi Su-35
This fighter weighs 18,400 kilograms, while its flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,600 kilometers. The model is equipped with a powerful AL-31F engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft reaches 2500 km/h. Costs Su-27M about 65 million US dollars.
9. Multirole fighter - Eurofighter Typhoon
This model was created by the company Eurofighter GmbH in 1986. The aircraft weighs 11 tons, and its flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,790 kilometers. The maximum permissible speed of the aircraft is 1838 km/h.
10. Fighter-bomber - Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
American company Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is the creator of a stealth fighter called - Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This model is equipped with a powerful Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed can reach 1930 km/h and the flight range is 2220 kilometers. The sample made its first flight in 2006.
11. American attack aircraft - Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk
This model is developed by the company Lockheed Martin. This sample is designed to penetrate the system undetected air defense enemy and destruction of strategically important targets. The aircraft is equipped with a powerful General Electric F404 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 993 kilometers per hour. Price Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is about 100 million US dollars.
12. Multi-role fighter - Mig 21
This model is equipped with a turbojet engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 2175 kilometers per hour. The sample made its first flight back in 1955. Mig-21 is one of the most common supersonic aircraft around the world.
13. English fighter - Supermarine Spitfire
This model is one of the best fighters of the Second World War. This model is equipped with powerful engines such as: Rolls-Royce Merlin, Rolls-Royce Griffon, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can be 584 kilometers per hour. The aircraft made its first flight back in 1936.
14. Russian fighter - MiG-35
This model is equipped with a powerful RD-33 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 2600 km/h. The sample made its first flight in 2007. One full tank will last the aircraft for 2000 kilometers.
15. Multirole fighter - Chengdu J-10
This model is a development of a Chinese company Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.
The presented sample is equipped with a turbofan engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed of the aircraft can reach 2327 kilometers per hour. The aircraft made its first flight in 1998. Price Chengdu J-10 is 28 million US dollars.
16. British fighter - Hawker Siddeley Harrier
This model is a development of the Hawker Siddeley company, which in 1960 created a fighter called Hawker Siddeley Harrier. The maximum permissible flight speed of this sample is 1175 kilometers per hour.
17. American fighter - North American P-51 Mustang
This model was created by designer Edgar Schmüd together with the company North American Aviation. This model is equipped with a powerful twelve-cylinder engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 703 kilometers per hour.
18. Russian fighter - Su-47 Berkut
This model is equipped with powerful engines such as AL-31F, D-30, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 2650 km/h. The sample weighs 16,380 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,300 kilometers. The Su-47 Berkut costs about 70 million US dollars.
19. Multi-role fighter - Su-27
This model is equipped with a powerful AL-31F engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed can reach 2500 km/h. The sample weighs 16,380 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,530 kilometers. Costs Su-27 approximately 30 million US dollars.
And aircraft lovers will probably be interested in looking at these
Beginning with World War II, and perhaps also during the armed conflicts that preceded it, such as the wars in Spain and Abyssinia, the decisive role of aviation in the outcome of military operations became obvious. Air superiority determines success. Then there were Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq, the Middle East, Iraq again and many other local clashes that confirmed great importance aircraft in combat. Without the ability to effectively counter the actions of enemy attack and bomber aircraft, there is no chance of victory. And for this we need air defense systems and special types of aircraft that have a number of special qualities, such as speed, maneuverability and low vulnerability.
Ideas about what the best fighter should be have changed over the years. The metamorphoses of this type of military equipment were influenced by both developing technologies and experience gained at the cost of great sacrifices.
Thirties-forties, era of propeller-driven fighters
The I-16 performed well in the skies of Spain. As of 1936, it was perhaps the best fighter in the world. In its design, engineers from Polikarpov's bureau used the latest technical solutions, revolutionary for that time. It was the first production model with retractable landing gear, a powerful engine and weapons (including the possibility of installing unguided rockets). But the dominance of “Chatos” (“Snub-nosed” - as the Republicans called it for its wide hood profile) did not last long. The German Messerschmitt 109 appeared in the sky, which underwent several modifications throughout the Second World War. Only a few aircraft similar in class and engine power could compete with it, including the English Spitfire and the American Mustang, developed somewhat later.
However, despite all the outstanding technical specifications, it is very difficult to find a comprehensive criterion in order to determine the best aircraft. A fighter, it turns out, can also be different, and it needs to be assessed according to many parameters.
Fifties, Korea
In the post-war period, the countdown of generations of fighter aircraft began with the advent. The first of them includes the initial developments of engineers around the world, created back in the mid-forties. For us it was a MiG-9, whose parameters were not far removed from the Messerschmitt-262. Already during this time, the Americans were shocked by an unpleasant surprise for them.
Swift, compact and very maneuverable, the MiG-15 crushed seemingly unshakable power strategic aviation USA. The second generation began with this MiG. At that time it was the best fighter in the world, and it took time to create a worthy rival for it, which was the Saber.
Sixties, Vietnam and the Middle East
Then there were two lifelong rivals, the Phantom and the MiG-21, circling in the sky in “dog fights.” These planes were very different in size, weight, and level of armament. The American F-4 weighed twice as much as the Soviet interceptor, was less maneuverable, but had a number of advantages in long-range combat.
It is difficult to determine which of the best fighters fought in the skies of Vietnam, but the overall score was in favor of the MiG. One should also take into account the fact that at comparable prices the Soviet aircraft was much (several times) cheaper, moreover, in the event of an unfavorable outcome of the battle, the Americans lost two pilots, not one. Both of these aircraft belonged to the third generation of aircraft. Meanwhile, progress continued, and increasingly stringent requirements were placed on interceptors.
Fourth generation, starting in the seventies
Since 1970, the development of fighter aircraft production has followed new main lines. Avionics has become not just a means to help the pilot detect enemies and solve navigation problems; it has taken on a number of control functions. The degree of visibility of the aircraft to enemy radars has become extremely important. Engine parameters have changed, and the thrust vector has become variable, which forced us to radically reconsider the concept of maneuverability. Determining which is the best fighter of the fourth generation is not so easy; opinions on this matter are divided. The American F-15 has its supporters, especially in the West, and they have their own arguments, the main one of which is the successful experience of the Eagle in combat use. Others believe that the fourth generation of the best fighter in the world is the Russian-made Su-27.
Generation after generation
Generations of jet interceptors are separated from each other by several criteria: development time, shape and type of wing, information richness and some other criteria, but it is not always easy to draw a clear line between them; it remains conditional. For example, a deep modification of the MiG-21 has improved its characteristics so much that it can be approximately considered a fourth generation aircraft in almost all indicators of combat effectiveness.
Direction of design thought
Fifth generation interceptors today form the backbone of Russia and other technologically advanced countries. They are able to perform various combat missions, protect the airspace of their states, they are sold within the framework of military-technical cooperation to strategic partners. But working on new ones projects are underway continuously. Promising examples of the latest aircraft technology have some features that distinguish them from previous models, which gives reason to believe that the turn of the fifth generation has come. Its features include low radar signature, expressed in the desire to remove all types of weapons previously placed on external slings and the technology of radio-absorbing surfaces, which the Americans called “Stealth”. Besides this, everything latest achievements in the field of aircraft engine construction, rudders and control systems also indicate that the aircraft belongs to the latest generation. It is also important to use composite materials in the design, which reduces weight and, again, increases stealth. This is exactly what the best fighter in the world should be today. The photo of such an aircraft is recognizable, the outlines of the fuselage and planes are somewhat angular, the engines leave an inconspicuous contrail, and the injectors have a fairly high angle of possible rotation.
"Raptor"
In some ways they are subtly similar, although the general layout diagrams and technical parameters differ significantly. These include, first of all, the Raptor F-22. Experts, mainly American, believe that this is the best fighter in the world. The main argument in favor of this opinion is the fact that the Raptor is the only mass-produced and adopted vehicle in the world that meets the requirements for a fifth-generation interceptor. All other similar models, including Russian ones, are under development and refinement. There are also important factor, allowing one to doubt the correctness of this opinion. The fact is that the F-22 has never participated in combat operations, and how it will behave in a real battle is unknown. At one time, the American military-industrial complex widely advertised the Bi-2 stealth bomber, and then it turned out that even outdated Soviet radars, which were in service with the Yugoslav army, were quite capable of detecting it.
What about us?
Russia, of course, does not ignore US attempts to achieve military hegemony. We are planning to create an aircraft capable of fighting the most advanced interceptor of a potential enemy. They planned to “put it on the wing” back in 2005, but difficulties, mainly of an economic nature, prevented it. IN developed countries It usually takes a decade and a half to create a similar model and put it into service, and the Sukhoi Design Bureau received the technical specifications in 1999. Simple calculations suggest that the date when the Russian Air Force will receive the best fighter in the world is 2014 or 2015.
Little is known about him. They called the project not just an airplane or an interceptor, but a Frontline Aviation Complex. (PAKFA - “P” stands for promising, “A” - aviation, some tautology is forgivable for aircraft designers.) Take-off weight is approximately 20 tons, like the American F-22 and the F-35, which has not yet been adopted for service. Tactical characteristics allow the vehicle to be used from small airspaces; low radio signature technology is used. Naturally, the electronic equipment is the most modern. It is likely that this will be the best fighter in the world. T-50 is another name for the PAKFA platform; it is possible that these working codes will give way to the classic designation “Su” with some number.
China
For a long time, our Chinese friends did not bother to develop their own aircraft. Usually in the PRC they chose a good Soviet model that had gained good reputation, purchased technical documentation and produced it under their own index, consisting of the letter Y (for civilians) or J (for military) and a number. However, the economic boom last decades, which turned China into a global universal workshop, pushed the people's aircraft industry to start working on their own projects. Perhaps the J-10 is not the best fighter in the world, but all known technical specifications for this aircraft indicate that it is a machine on the verge of IV and V generations with the possibility of further modification. The original solution to the general layout scheme (delta-shaped canard without a classic tail) eloquently says that this time Chinese aircraft manufacturers did without external borrowings, showing their own approach.
Top hit parade
The history of world aviation is rich in outstanding achievements. Just listing the interceptor aircraft, which became masterpieces of engineering, would take up too much space. How to choose the best fighter from them? Among the successful models, one cannot help but recall the La-5 and La-7, the Airacobra, on which I.N. Kozhedub and A.I. Pokryshkin fought, the French Mirage, the Swedish Saabs, the English Lightning and many other powerful and beautiful cars. The task is complicated by the fact that no matter how perfect he was, there was almost always a worthy opponent. Therefore, it makes sense to present the conditional rating of the most outstanding interceptors in pairs:
- Messerschmitt 109 and Spitfire. During World War II, Soviet planes were good, but they lacked powerful engines, so they were left out of the top list.
- MiG-15 and Saber F-86. They fought a lot with each other in Korea.
- "Phantom" F-4 and Mig-21. Vietnam, the Middle East and other military conflicts have indicated strong and weak sides these very different aircraft.
- "Eagle" F-15 vs Su-27. The Eagle has a very good reputation for its successful deployment in modern theaters of war. The Sukhoi is not inferior to it in most technical and tactical indicators, and in some it is superior, but its combat experience is not enough for an absolute victory in the competition for the title of “the best fighter in the world.” 2014 was marked by the acceptance into combat units Russian Air Force dozens of Su-35S aircraft, which are a deeply modernized version of the Su-27.
- T-50 and Raptor. The opponents appear to be quite worthy. It would be better for them not to meet in air battles, but if this does happen in the future, there is a high probability that our car will not fail.
What will be the best fighter in the world of the 21st century? One can only guess what new concepts the aircraft design engineers of the future will come up with. The century has just begun, and by all indications it will be turbulent...
The most important evaluation criterion is combat experience. All fighters presented, except for the 10th place (but for a good reason), participated in combat operations. Secondly, all cars, without exception, have some kind of clear advantage; most have outstanding performance characteristics.
10th place – F-22 “Raptor”
The only 5th generation fighter in the world, built according to the concept of “first to see, first to shoot, first to hit the target.” Supersonic stealth vehicle, equipped with last word technology has become the subject of heated debate about its price, capabilities and relevance. Literally from the words of the American program: “Why spend 66 billion dollars on the F-22 program if deep modernization of the F-15 and F-16 can give a comparable effect? Because technology must develop, progress cannot be stopped..."
The lack of real combat experience negatively affects the Raptor's assessment. The most modern fighter takes only 10th place.
9th place - Messerschmitt Me.262 “Schwalbe”
The world's first jet combat aircraft. 900 km/h. It was a breakthrough. It was used as a fighter-interceptor, blitz-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.
The airborne complex included 4 30 mm cannons with 100 shells per barrel and 24 unguided missiles, which made it possible to riddled a 4-engine bomber in one go.
Having received the captured Swallows, the Allies were impressed by their technical excellence and manufacturability. What did crystal clear radio communication cost?
Before the end of the war, the Germans managed to release 1,900 Swallows, of which only three hundred were able to take to the skies.
8th place – MiG-25
Soviet supersonic high-altitude interceptor that set 29 world records. In this role, the MiG-25 had no competitors, but its combat capabilities remained unclaimed. The only victory was achieved on January 17, 1991, when an Iraqi MiG shot down a US Navy F/A-18C Hornet carrier-based fighter.
His service as a scout turned out to be much more productive. During combat service in the Arab-Israeli conflict zone, MiG-25Rs opened the entire fortification system of the Bar-Lev line. The flights took place on maximum speed and an altitude of 17-23 km, which was the only means of protecting an unarmed reconnaissance officer. In this mode, the engines burned half a ton of fuel every minute, the plane became lighter and gradually accelerated to 2.8 M. The MiG's skin heated up to 300 °C; according to the pilots, even the cockpit canopy became so hot that it was impossible to touch it. Unlike the titanium SR-71 "Black Bird", the thermal barrier became a problem for the MiG-25. The permitted flight time at a speed of more than 2.5 Mach was limited to 8 minutes, which, however, was enough to cross Israeli territory.
Another remarkable feature of the MiG-25R was its potential ability to “catch” 2 tons of bombs in flight. This especially tickled the nerves of the Israeli military: an indestructible reconnaissance aircraft was still tolerable, but an indestructible bomber was really scary.
7th place - British Aerospace Sea Harrier
The first vertical take-off and landing aircraft ( land version Hawker Siddeley Harrier appeared back in 1967). Having gone through a series of modernizations, it still remains in service with the Corps. Marine Corps USA under the name McDonnell Douglas AV-8 Harrier II. The clumsy-looking aircraft is very photogenic in flight - the sight of a combat vehicle hovering in one place will not leave anyone indifferent.
The main secret of British designers was the method of creating lifting traction. Unlike their Soviet counterparts from the Yakovlev Design Bureau, which used a design with 3 independent jet engines, the Harrier uses a single Rolls-Royce Pegasus power unit with deflectable thrust vectoring. This made it possible to increase the aircraft's combat load to 5,000 pounds (about 2.3 tons).
During the Falklands War, the Royal Navy's Harriers operated at a distance of 12,000 km from home and achieved excellent results: they shot down 23 Argentine aircraft, without a single loss in air combat. Quite good for a subsonic aircraft. In total, 20 Harriers took part in the hostilities, of which 6 were shot down while attacking ground targets.
According to all experts, without the support of carrier-based aircraft, the Royal Navy would not have been able to defend the Falklands.
6th place – Mitsubishi A6M
The legendary deck Zero-sen. A mystery plane from Mitsubishi engineers, which combined the incongruous. Excellent maneuverability, powerful weapons and a record flight range - 2600 km (!) with a curb weight of 2.5 tons.
“Zero” was the embodiment of the samurai spirit, with its entire design demonstrating contempt for death. The Japanese fighter was completely stripped of armor and protected fuel tanks; the entire payload reserve was spent on fuel and ammunition.
For a whole year, aircraft of this type dominated the skies above Pacific Ocean, ensuring a victorious offensive Imperial Navy. Towards the end of World War II, the Zero played a grim role, becoming one of the main weapons of kamikaze pilots.
5th place – F-16 “Fighting Falcon”
The F-16 review is written in the form of a comparison with the MiG-29, I hope this will help answer many questions for readers.
Rule fighter aircraft says: whoever discovers his opponent first has an advantage. Therefore, optical visibility in air combat is of great importance. Here the “American” has an advantage. The frontal projection of the F-16 almost matches the MiG-21, which American pilots said was almost impossible to visually notice at a distance of 3 kilometers. Visibility from the F-16's cockpit is also better, thanks to the canopy. For the MiG-29, the disadvantage is that the RD-33 engine creates a dense plume of smoke in some flight modes.
In close maneuver combat, thanks to the integral layout and the presence of 2 engines, the MiG has outstanding flight characteristics. The F-16 lags somewhat behind. The MiG-29's turn speed reaches, according to Russian data, 22.8 °/s, while the F-16's turns at 21.5 °/s. The MiG climbs at a speed of 334 m/s, the rate of climb of the F-16 is 294 m/s. The difference is not that big and good pilots can level it out.
The frontline fighter's armament must include both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon categories. The F-16 has the largest range of weapons at its disposal and is capable of using guided and unguided bombs and anti-radar missiles. Electronics housed in an additional container make targeted use of weapons possible. The MiG-29, on the contrary, is forced to limit itself to unguided bombs and NURS. In terms of carrying capacity, there is a net loss: for the MiG-29 this figure is 2200 kg, for the F-16 - up to 7.5 tons.
Such a huge difference can be explained simply: the MiG-29’s payload reserve “ate” the second engine. According to many experts, the MiG has a largely flawed layout; 2 engines for a front-line fighter is too much. General Designer of the MiG Design Bureau Rostislav Belyakov said it best on this occasion at Farnborough-88: “If we had such a reliable and high-torque engine as Pratt & Whitney, we would without a doubt design a single-engine aircraft.” The range of the MiG-29 also suffered from such vicissitudes: the MiG-29 does not exceed 2000 km with a PTB, while the F-16 has a flight range with a PTB and 2 2000-pound bombs that can reach 3000-3500 km.
Both fighters are equally armed with medium-range air-to-air missiles. For example, the Russian R-77 has impressive declared performance characteristics, while the American AIM-120 has repeatedly confirmed its rather modest characteristics in combat. Pure parity. But the MiG-29 has a greater firing range from an air cannon and larger caliber. The six-barreled Vulcan F-16, on the contrary, has more ammunition (511 rounds versus 150 for the MiG).
The most important element is avionics. Radars are difficult to evaluate because manufacturers hide the exact characteristics. But according to some statements by pilots, it can be determined that the MiG-29 radar has the largest viewing angle - 140 degrees. The APG-66 radar for the F-16A and, accordingly, the APG-68 for the F-16C have viewing angles of no more than 120 degrees. A significant advantage of the MiG-29 aircraft is that the pilot has a helmet with a “Schel-ZUM” sight, which gives decisive superiority in close air combat. But the F-16 again has its own important advantage - the flight control system (Fly-by-Wire) and the HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) engine control system, which makes the aircraft extremely easy to fly. With just the press of a single switch, the Falcon is ready for battle. In contrast, the MiG-29 is manually tuned, which takes much longer to get into combat.
MiG Design Bureau and General Dynamics demonstrated completely different approaches to solving the same problem. Both aircraft implement interesting design solutions and, in general, the verdict is this: the F-16 is a multirole fighter, while the MiG is a pure air fighter, focused primarily on close maneuver combat. Here he has no equal.
Why did the Falcon win, and the MiG-29 not even enter the “Top 10” rating? And again, the answer will be the results of the combat use of these machines. The F-16 fought in the skies of Palestine and went through the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. A separate page of Falcon was the raid on the Iraqi nuclear center Osirak in 1981. Having covered 2800 km, the F-16s of the Israeli Air Force secretly penetrated Iraqi airspace, destroyed the reactor complex and returned to the Etzion airbase without losses. Total number F-16 air victories under the control of pilots from NATO countries, Israel, Pakistan and Venezuela amount to about 50 aircraft. There is no data on the defeat of the F-16 in air combat, although one aircraft of this type was shot down by air defense missiles in Yugoslavia.
4th place – MiG-15
A single-seat jet fighter, the name of which became a household name in the West for all Soviet fighters. Entered service with the Air Force Soviet Union in 1949. The plane that prevented World War III.
Verbatim from the words of the Military Channel: “In Western society there was an opinion that Soviet technology was something bulky, heavy and outdated. There was nothing like this in the MiG-15. A fast and maneuverable fighter with clean lines and an elegant shape...” Its appearance in the skies of Korea caused a furor in the Western press and headache for the US Air Force Command. All plans to launch a nuclear strike on the territory of the USSR collapsed, from now on strategic bombers B-29s had neither one chance break through the screen of MiG jets.
And one more important point, - The MiG-15 became the most produced jet aircraft in history. It was in service with the air forces of 40 countries.
3rd place - Messerschmitt Bf.109
Favorite fighter of the Luftwaffe aces. Four famous modifications: E (“Emil”) – the hero of the Battle of England, F (“Friedrich”) – it was these fighters that “broke the silence at dawn” on June 22, 1941, G (“Gustav”) – the hero of the Eastern Front, the most successful modification, K ("Elector") - an overpowered fighter, an attempt to squeeze out all the remaining reserves from the vehicle.
104 German pilots who fought on Messerschmitt were able to bring their tally to 100 or more downed vehicles.
A sinister, fast and powerful aircraft. A real fighter.
2nd place - MiG-21 vs F-4 “Phantom II”
Two different looks jet fighter 2 generations. An 8-ton light front-line fighter and a 20-ton universal fighter-bomber, which became the basis of the fighter fleet of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.
Two irreconcilable opponents. Hot battles in the skies of Vietnam, Palestine, Iraq, India and Pakistan. Hundreds of downed cars on both sides. Bright combat history. They are still in service with the air forces of many countries.
Soviet designers relied on maneuverability. The Americans are looking for missiles and radio-electronic equipment. Both views turned out to be wrong: after the first air battles, it became clear that the Phantom had given up its guns in vain. And the creators of the MiG realized that 2 air-to-air missiles were unacceptably few.
1st place – F-15 “Eagle”
Murderer. 104 confirmed aerial victories without a single loss. None of the modern aircraft can boast of this indicator. The F-15 was created specifically as an air superiority aircraft and for 10 years, before the advent of the Su-27, it was completely out of competition.
The first time the F-15 went into battle was on June 27, 1979, when Israeli “Needles” shot down 5 Syrian MiG-21s in close maneuver combat. Over more than 30 years of combat service, F-15 trophies included MiG-21, MiG-23, Mirage F1, Su-22 and MiG-29 (4 in Yugoslavia, 5 in Iraq). No less impressive were the achievements of the Eagles in Asia, for example, during the “Team Spirit-82” exercise, 24 F-15 fighters based on the island of Okinawa carried out 418 “combat” sorties in 9 days, of which 233 were for three days, while the level of combat readiness of all aircraft was almost continuously 100%.
High flight characteristics of the F-15, its ability to operate autonomously when used by the enemy electronic warfare equipment, day and night, in simple and difficult weather conditions, at high and low altitudes, made it possible to create the F-15E “Stike Eagle” attack aircraft based on its design (340 aircraft were produced). By 2015, the troops will receive a “stealth” version of the fighter-bomber based on the F-15 - the F-15SE “Silent Eagle”.
The combat use of the F-15 is the cause of much controversy. Particularly questionable is the fact that not a single Eagle was lost in battle. According to statements by Syrian and Yugoslav pilots, at least ten F-15s were shot down over Lebanon, Serbia and Syria. But it is not possible to confirm their words, because... No one on either side was able to demonstrate the wreckage. One thing is certain: the participation of F-15s in hostilities largely determined the course of many military operations (for example, the Lebanon War of 1982).
The F-15 Eagle is the most formidable and effective combat vehicle, and therefore deservedly takes 1st place.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, many of the outstanding designs remained outside the “Top 10” ranking. The hero of all air shows, the Su-27 is the best peacetime aircraft, flight qualities which allows you to perform the most complex figures aerobatics was not included in the rating. The Supermarine Spitfire, which is simply a good aircraft in all respects, was also not included in the rating. Too many successful designs have been created and it was very difficult to choose the best ones.
People have long conquered the air. Now the military strength of states is measured not only by weapons, but also by the supply of fighters. Fast planes civil aviation in a matter of hours they can transport you to the other side of the Earth. Some can even afford to buy such a vehicle and surf the skies. At all times, aviation has attracted the most different people. Some people love to fly, while others love to create ever more advanced machines for this.
It is not surprising that there are all kinds of ratings. After all, various transport ships differ from each other, some even in such a developed age evoke admiration and respect. The best aircraft in the world can be classified according to different parameters. But the common denominator still exists here, that is, they are unique in their industry.
For an airplane, the interior is not as important as its speed. After all, you can make any sofas and windows inside; the question of how to lift it all into the air is much more serious. The larger the plane, the more powerful it should be, and therefore the slower it should move. But not always. You can give the following ranking of the fastest aircraft:
- X-43A. Perhaps this is the best aircraft in the world, if the main characteristic is speed. The only downside is that the model is still experimental, although it is supersonic. This unit reaches 11 thousand km per hour.
- X-15. And this is already the best military aircraft in the world, on which at one time they were first installed rocket engines. No comments needed – 7 thousand kilometers per hour.
- Black Bird. American military plane. Reaches 3500 km/h, can dodge missiles, and is considered very maneuverable.
- XB-70. In the USA it is also called Valkyrie. This is the real pride of the country, its symbol. Despite the fact that the speed here is lower than that of previous models (3100 km/h), this bomber is maneuverable, comfortable and looks simply gorgeous.
- MIG-25. Soviet aircraft They are not inferior to Western ones, and in speed too. This unit is rightfully considered a masterpiece of engineering. Classification: fighter-interceptor. It reaches a speed of about 3000 km/h.
- The MIG-31 has a slightly slower speed, but has an amazing range. He is also not afraid of difficult weather conditions.
- TU-144. Civil aviation cannot be ignored either. After all, this plane is supersonic, but at the same time it is comfortable and big amount seats. Speed – up to 2500 km/h.
- Concodor. A civil aviation aircraft, which, due to its design (resembles an elongated arrow), develops supersonic speed. Over the entire period, only 6 copies were produced.
Of course, there are still many fast aircraft in civil aviation, but few of them reach supersonic speed.
Beautiful civil aviation aircraft
Among the planes that people fly every day, there are also celebrities. Some of them differ in size, others in characteristics, and others in convenience. The following list can be given:
- "Ruslan". This heavy and spacious aircraft is designed for long-distance flights;
- AN-22 is the world's largest turbine-propeller aircraft;
- The Airbus A340 is the world's longest four-engine aircraft;
- The An-225 is the largest unit in the world; it lifts a mass of 640 tons into the air.
About the last point we can also say that it is inactive, has 4 motors and the largest wingspan in the world.
The coolest planes in the world
The title of cool units is taken by the most expensive, luxurious and comfortable models. At all times, they are used by presidents, stars, and politicians. Such vehicles are prohibitively expensive, sometimes costing millions of dollars. The following list can be given:
- Falcon 900 Ex. This model costs about 35 million, and the President of Ghana flies on it. The advantage of the vehicle is that it is equipped with hidden fuel tanks and can fly over distances of about 8,000 kilometers. Powerful engines, advanced electronics, speed of about 1000 km/h;
- IL-96-300 - aircraft of the President of the Russian Federation. It has four turbo engines, security systems, various radars and electronics. All the best modern equipment engineers tried to install it on board. Special model exists in 1 copy. Although there may be more than 250 people on board, usually only the head of state flies there;
- The Airbus A319 belongs to the President of Brazil. On board is a real mini-palace with luxurious seating and entertainment. Wherein vehicle It uses fuel very economically and emits a minimum of waste into the air;
- Airplane doomsday. This is what they call a special unit (there are 4 of them in the world) for the US President. This is, perhaps, also the most mysterious aircraft in the world, because about its characteristics and interior decoration nothing is known. Now all that is clear is that he can remain intact during a terrorist attack, nuclear explosion or a collision with an asteroid.
Doomsday plane
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