The U.S. Air Force boasts some of the world’s most formidable aircraft in its arsenal, but not everything about them is public knowledge.
After the First World War, air combat became an essential part of every nation and its military strategy. It was, in fact, the major component of the Second World War. In July 1947, the United States Congress crafted the final draft for the formation of the Department of the Air Force, which makes the body independent of the Army. Since its formation, the United States Air Force has engaged in many wars, including the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Berlin Crisis, and the war against global terrorism.
There are so many scary aircraft in the U.S Airforce’s arsenal, and they are touted as the most sophisticated in the world. Some of these jets cannot be found anywhere else, not even in Russia, China, or Europe. Some of the features of those jets are public knowledge, but the military conceals other parts as classified information. However, with the advent of technology, there are very few secrets. How many of these facts do you know about the USAF and their jets?
8 Some Jets In Its Fleet Are Over 50 Years Old
With the high cost of production and the time it would take to produce another aircraft that would replicate the features of those aircraft perfectly, the U.S. Air Force has jets that have been in operation for more than 50 years.
For instance, the B- 52 has been in operation since 1955, U-2 since 1955 also, KC-135 since 1957. Nevertheless, these jets have been upgraded over the years to have contemporary technologies.
7 The F-22 Has Better Stealth Technology Than The F-35
The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are fifth-generation aircraft that were produced in the mid-’90s. The pentagon prohibits the sale of F-22 because of its cutting-edge features, and the government could not afford to let such aircraft fall into the hand of the enemy.
Although both aircraft have state-of-the-art technology, when you compare the F-22 to the F-35, the former has superior stealth technology and slightly edges out its sibling.
6 Some Jets Don’t Need A Radio For Communication
When it comes to secret missions, radio silence is very important. However, that doesn’t guarantee that classified information cannot be compromised. In addition to its superb stealth technology, the F-22 is built with sophisticated features and it doesn’t need the radio to communicate.
It has Link-16 data that allows it to communicate freely with other jets, allied forces, the navy, and the Army without the fear of being intercepted. Due to its advanced tech, the U.S. prohibits the sale of this aircraft.
5 Jet For The Future
There might not be an immediate war or war anytime soon but the U.S. Air Force is already thinking ahead of the enemies. The U.S. Air Force is currently working on a sixth-generation aircraft that will replace the F-22.
With the sophisticated features of the F-22, we can only imagine what capabilities the sixth-gen jets will bring to the table. The future jets are called the Next Generation Air Dominance program (NGAD). The plan is underway to have them in the next couple of years.
4 Sixth Generation Aircraft Contractor
The US Air Force is keeping every detail about the sixth-generation aircraft close to their chest, and this includes the design and contractor. But one thing is certain, the next-generation aircraft contractor would be between the three mighty aerospace contractors; Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or Northrop Grumman.
However, considering that only Lockheed Martin currently manufactures stealth fighters and has been a contractor for the U.S. Air force, it is likely that Lockheed Martin would be the contractor of the next-generation aircraft.
3 The Sixth Generation Aircraft Is At The Advanced Prototype Testing Stage
In an interview, former assistant secretary to the USAF, Will Roper, said that the U.S. Air Force has built and tested the prototype of the next-generation aircraft in the real world and there is a record time of achieving that. It is no news that the US Air Force is working as fast as they can to make bigger and better aircraft than the F-22.
Although the U.S. Air Force is keeping every information about the next generation aircraft classified, analysts believe it could imbibe the features of drones, fighters, and other sophisticated features.
2 Even Training Jets Can Bring Down Enemy Aircraft
Every jet in the armory of the U.S. Air Force is sophisticated. Although the fighter jets and the bomber jets are more sophisticated than the training jets, the U.S. Air Force training jets cannot be underrated, especially when compared to counterparts from other countries.
The U.S. Air Force is perhaps the most technologically advanced in the world. Although not designed for war, the U.S. Air Force training jets are capable of working during the war. Therefore, it could bring down an enemy jet if there is a need.
1 The Presidential Aircraft Are Old
The two presidential aircraft designated to the president of the United States are both older than 30 years. The two planes began operation in 1990 when George H.W. Bush was president.RELATED:Air Force Officially Names F-15EX Fourth-Gen Fighter Jet ‘Eagle II’
With over 30 years under their belts, the jets are due for replacement, and there are plans to develop the new Air Force One. Boeing Co. will deliver two new presidential planes which will cost $5.3 billion in 2025, but the current presidential planes are relatively old.
