The US Air Force is the world's premier aerial power.
With 39 distinct types of aircraft, and many more subvarieties of each airframe, it is easy to understand why the US Air Force has no peers. Each airframe is custom-made to carry out a select mission effectively, and each
pilot knows their aircraft perfectly.
Below are the 39 distinct types of aircraft that the US Air Force fields, according to the Air Force Fact Sheets.
A-10 Thunderbolt II
Capt. Richard Olson, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, gets off an A-10 Warthog after his flight at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, September 2, 2011.
Mission: The A-10 is specifically designed to carry out close-air support at low altitude and low speed. The A-10 is built to be highly survivable and can takeoff and land in locations near to the front lines.
Source: US Air Force
AC-130
Variants: AC-130U "Spooky" and AC-130W Stinger II
Mission: Both AC-130 variants are highly modified versions of the original C-130 airframe. The variants are both tasked with close-air-support missions, convoy escort, and point air defense.
Source: US Air Force
B-1B Lancer
Mission: The B-1B Lancer is the Air Force's bomber backbone. It has the largest payload capacity of any aircraft in the fleet, is multi-mission capable, and can carry and deliver huge quantities of both precision and nonprecision weaponry.
Source: US Air Force
B-2 Spirit
The B-2 Spirit approaches the boom of a McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, KC-10A Extender during a Capstone orientation flight. Capstone is a Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training mission providing interservice training for the wartime application of airlift.
Mission: The B-2 Spirit is a stealth bomber capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear munitions.
Source: US Air Force
B-52 Stratofortress
A B-52 drops a load of bombs in Afghanistan.
Mission: The B-52 is a long-range heavy bomber that is able to participate in and complete a wide range of mission sets. During conflicts, the B-52 can provide close air support, strategic attacks, surveillance, and counter-air and maritime operations.
Source: US Air Force
C-130 Hercules
Mission: The C-130 Hercules is primarily used for airlift missions and transporting equipment and troops. It can land on rough dirt strips, move oversized loads, and the airframe can be modified into a range of aircraft such as the AC-130U and the WC-130 Hercules.
Source: US Air Force
C-17 Globemaster III
A US C-17 Globemaster in flight.
Mission: The C-17 is the newest cargo aircraft to enter the Air Force's airlift fleet. The plane is capable of strategic delivery of cargo and people, can complete airdrop missions, and can move patients during aeromedical evacuations.
Source: US Air Force
C-20
Variants: C-20B, C-20H
Mission: The C-20 is a modified Gulfstream civilian aircraft. The planes are used to transport high-ranking officials from the government and Department of Defense.
Source: US Air Force
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