A Quick Guide To Fascinating US Military Jet History (2024)

Since the early fighter jets in the 1940s, fast-forward to today, military aircraft taking to the skies continue innovating and developing new ways to protect the nations they serve. While the first recorded fighter jet was theMesserschmitt Me 262(used by the German and Czech forces), the first US-developed turbojet fighter was the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star.

Photo: SmithsonianNational Air and Space Museum

Global generations throughout the decades

First generation

The story started during World War II when the early versions of fighter jets looked to break into the aviation scene. They were categorized as first-generation jet fighters, but their wood or light frames were easily recognizable and did not use avionics. Instead, their controls and firepower were all operated manually by the pilot(s) in charge. Famous first-generation fighters included the Me 262, Heinkel He 162, Gloster Meteor, and Lockheed F-80.

Second generation

Eventuating from the Korean War, between 1950 and 1953, more innovation was needed. At this point, weapons were increasingly complex to manage when traveling at high speed, so radar and missiles were deployed to ensure accuracy and overall effectiveness. This became apparent to command pilots, who needed more battlefield support.

Photo: Alan Wilson l Wikimedia Commons

In this instance, the jet fighters were adapted to be utilized in multiple roles. Examples of these second-generation fighters included the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, French Dassault Mirage III, MiF-21, andEnglish Electric Lightning.

Third generation

The next generation was inspired by their multirole capabilities, where necessary weapons could be carried but could also combat in air-to-air interception while deploying missiles and bombs. More advanced technology, including the pulse Doppler radar and specialist targeting avionics, had evolved.

Turbofan engines had also entered the industry, which aided pilots with increased thrust and maneuverability. Examples of this generation included the Sukhoi Su-17, General Dynamics F-111, andMcDonnell Douglas F04 Phantom.

Fourth generation

Entering service in the '70s, fourth-generation fighter jets pushed the boundaries of technology and avionics. These jets significantly improved their maneuverability and were built with lighter composite materials. Infrared capabilities and fly-by-wire characterized these aircraft in this generation, and as more technologies evolved in this area, early digital communications aided pilot control. Aircraft in this scope included the General Dynamic F16, Harrier II, and later the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Sukhoi 35.

Fifth Generation

By the 90s, mobile networking and digitization computation had evolved, and newer aircraft were provided with enhanced agility and smaller bodies. Technological advancements meant better firepower and more sophisticated control and command, which aided in unrivaled battlefield presence.

Photo: Mike Mareen | Shutterstock

While aircraft evolved, so did new ways of communication, sensors, engines, and subsidiary attack drones. With the need for advancements in the fighter jet realm, extensive investment continues to be made in developing new fighter jets. In this generation, headliners included the Lockheed Martin F-22,Sukhoi Su-57, and Chengdu J-20, many of which remain in operation today.

Timeline of US fighter jets

Looking back at the history of US fighter jets since the Second World War, the US Air Force, Navy, and Marines have operated up to 47 different types of fighter or inceptor aircraft. Let's look into some of the most iconic aircraft that have served the United States with data fromAviamagazine:

Photo: USAF

Moving into the 60's

As military aviation developed, we saw more aircraft enter service in the 1960s, including:

As we move into the new millennium, many of the latest aircraft, including the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor andF-35 Lightningfamily, remain in service, conducting various air operations for the United States Navy and Air Force.