Planes of Thunder
The initial production airplanes, the first training F/A-18s have been in service with VFA-125 since November 1980. The new capabilities introduced by the F/A-18 have met with an enthusiastic response among operating personnel. More >> Planes of Thunder
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multirole fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. More >> Planes of Thunder
The F-117A Nighthawk is the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology. The unique design of the single-seat F-117A provides exceptional combat capabilities. More >> Planes of Thunder
The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. More >> Planes of Thunder
NicknameApache Maximum Altitude21,000 Feet Top Speed184 mph Range300 miles The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-deliveryMore >> Planes of Thunder
NicknameHarrier Vectored Thrust Range2,416 Miles 3,380 sorties in Desert Storm A joint effort by British Aerospace and McDonnell Douglas resulted in the development of the AV-8A Harrier II whichMore >> Planes of Thunder
The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This asset greatly enhances the U. S. Air Force's capability to accomplish its mission of Global Engagement. It also provides aerial refuelingMore >> Planes of Thunder
NicknameTweet Fundamental trainer Wingspan33 feet Top speed410 mph The T-37 Tweet is a twin-engine jet used for training undergraduate pilots, undergraduate navigator and tactical navigator studentsMore >> Planes of Thunder
NicknameHercules Horsepower4,508 Wingspan132 feet Range4,894 miles The C-130 primarily performs the intratheater portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough,More >> Planes of Thunder
NicknameBlackhawk Maximum Altitude19,000 Feet Top Speed184 mph Range373 miles The Black Hawk is a multi-purpose helicopter that serves as the US Army's principal tactical transport helicopter (replacingMore >> Planes of Thunder
NicknameWarthog Wingspan57.5 Feet Top Speed439 mph The A-10 and OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple,More >>
| Nickname | Chinook |
| Capacity | 44 Troops |
| Top speed | 144 mph |
| Range | 1,250 miles |
The CH-47 Chinook is a very large and powerful transport helicopter. It is a very successful and versatile helicopter.
Many countries use the Chinook including the US, Britain and Spain.
The Chinook has seen action in the Vietnam and Gulf War. It has also seen action with the British in the Falklands.
The Chinook can carry more than 44 troops or 12,700 lb underslung.