From World War II’s legendary dogfights to today’s stealth warfare, American fighter aircraft have defined air superiority for over seven decades. With the U.S. Air Force estimated to have 1,295 fighter aircraft at their disposal in 2025, they remain the backbone of American air power.
Here are 15 of the most exceptional fighters that have served under the Stars and Stripes, from record-breaking speed demons to stealth assassins.
Each aircraft tells a unique story of American innovation, combat prowess, and technological advancement that has helped maintain U.S. air dominance across multiple generations of aerial warfare.
1. F-22 Raptor
The undisputed king of air superiority, the F-22 Raptor revolutionized aerial combat with its unprecedented combination of stealth, supercruise, and supermaneuverability.
This fifth-generation fighter can engage multiple targets simultaneously while remaining virtually invisible to enemy radar. Despite its production being cut short, it remains the most advanced air superiority fighter ever built.
Key Features:
- Supercruise capability at Mach 1.5 without afterburners
- Advanced stealth technology
- Integrated avionics and sensor fusion
- Service ceiling of 65,000 feet
2. F-15 Eagle
As the fastest fighter in the USAF inventory, the F-15 Eagle boasts an undefeated combat record.
This air superiority fighter can reach astonishing speeds of Mach 2.5, outpacing nearly every operational fighter jet in history. Its impressive combat capabilities and reliability have kept it in service for decades.
Key Features:
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.5
- Range of 3,500 miles with external tanks
- Zero losses in aerial combat
- Dual Pratt & Whitney F-100 engines
3. F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 represents the pinnacle of multi-role capability, combining advanced stealth technology with unprecedented sensor fusion.
This fifth-generation fighter serves as the backbone of U.S. air power, capable of executing any mission from air superiority to ground attack. Its integrated technology allows seamless communication between aircraft for coordinated strikes.
Key Features:
- Advanced stealth capabilities
- Integrated sensor fusion
- Weapons payload of 18,000 pounds
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.6
4. F-14 Tomcat
The iconic Tomcat, made famous by Top Gun, revolutionized naval aviation with its variable-sweep wings and powerful radar system. This carrier-based interceptor could track up to 24 targets simultaneously and engage six different threats with its Phoenix missiles.
Key Features:
- Variable-sweep wing design
- Maximum speed of 1,544 mph
- Service ceiling over 56,000 feet
- Advanced AWG-9 weapons system
5. F-16 Fighting Falcon
Known affectionately as the “Viper,” the F-16 combines exceptional maneuverability with versatility.
This lightweight fighter pioneered fly-by-wire technology and remains one of the most widely used combat aircraft globally. Its innovative cockpit design and control systems set new standards for fighter aircraft.
Key Features:
- First fly-by-wire control system
- 9-g maneuverability
- Frameless bubble canopy
- Reclined ejection seat
6. F-4 Phantom II
The legendary F-4 Phantom II set 16 world records and became the last American fighter to achieve ace status in the 20th century.
This versatile warrior served in all branches of the U.S. military, proving its worth in countless missions during the Vietnam War. Its impressive payload capacity and dual-engine configuration made it a formidable opponent.
Key Features:
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.2
- Payload capacity of 18,000 pounds
- Nine external hardpoints
- Twin J79 turbojet engines
7. F/A-18 Super Hornet
The Super Hornet represents the evolution of carrier-based combat aircraft. This versatile fighter combines exceptional handling with advanced avionics and significant payload capacity.
Its ability to transition from air superiority to ground attack missions makes it invaluable to naval aviation.
Key Features:
- Advanced AESA radar system
- Carrier-capable design
- Twin-engine configuration
- Advanced electronic warfare suite
8. P-51 Mustang
Though from a different era, the P-51 Mustang revolutionized air combat during World War II.
Its exceptional range and performance characteristics made it the premier escort fighter of its time. The Mustang’s success helped establish American air superiority in Europe.
Key Features:
- Range over 1,650 miles
- Maximum speed of 437 mph
- Rolls-Royce Merlin engine
- Six .50 caliber machine guns
9. F-86 Sabre
The F-86 dominated the skies during the Korean War, establishing an impressive 10:1 kill ratio against MiG-15s. This swept-wing fighter introduced many innovations in fighter design and proved crucial in maintaining U.S. air superiority.
Key Features:
- First swept-wing fighter
- Maximum speed of 687 mph
- Advanced radar gunsight
- Six .50 caliber machine guns
10. A-10 Thunderbolt II
While primarily a ground attack aircraft, the A-10’s fighting capabilities earn it a place among America’s finest. Built around its massive GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the “Warthog” combines exceptional survivability with devastating firepower.
Key Features:
- 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon
- Titanium armor protection
- 11 hardpoints for weapons
- Exceptional low-speed maneuverability
11. F-8 Crusader
Known as “The Last Gunfighter,” the F-8 Crusader combined traditional gun-fighting capabilities with modern missile systems. Its success in Vietnam proved that guns still had a place in the missile age.
Key Features:
- Variable-incidence wing
- Four 20mm cannons
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.86
- Exceptional climb rate
12. F-105 Thunderchief
The “Thud” carried the heavy burden of bombing missions during Vietnam. Despite being designed for nuclear strike missions, it proved adaptable to conventional warfare and earned respect for its rugged reliability.
Key Features:
- Internal bomb bay
- Mach 2+ capability
- Advanced navigation system
- 14,000-pound payload capacity
13. F-101 Voodoo
The F-101 Voodoo served multiple roles from interceptor to reconnaissance platform. Its versatility and high-speed capabilities made it a valuable asset during the Cold War era.
Key Features:
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.72
- Range of 1,520 miles
- Nuclear capability
- Advanced radar system
14. F-5 Freedom Fighter
The F-5 combined simplicity with effectiveness, becoming one of America’s most successful export fighters. Its low cost and high reliability made it popular with U.S. allies worldwide.
Key Features:
- Low maintenance requirements
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.6
- Excellent maneuverability
- Cost-effective design
15. YF-12
Though never entering full production, the YF-12 deserves mention as the fastest and highest-flying fighter ever built. This Mach 3+ interceptor demonstrated the pinnacle of American aerospace technology.
Key Features:
- Maximum speed of Mach 3.35
- Service ceiling of 90,000 feet
- Advanced radar system
- Triple sonic shock wave
These magnificent machines represent more than just military hardware – they embody decades of American aerospace innovation and engineering excellence. Each aircraft pushed the boundaries of what was possible in its era.
Source:
Read Next:
Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
