Military Aircraft

There are about four main types of military aircraft, they are: fighters, bombers, AWACS, and "tank killers." Fighters intercept and destroy enemy bombers, and as well, they serve a protective escort for friendly bombers. They are also involved in dogfights and strike missions. Bombers take out enemy targets like bridges, military buildings and stations, factories, etc. AWACS identify enemy targets and jam radar. "Tank killers" destroy tanks and give ground support to the troops on the battlefield.

The F-15
McDonnell Douglas built the best fighter in the world, to rival the Russian MiG-25. This fighter is the F-15 Eagle, which was build in 1972. It is the best because of its high surplus power, excellent maneuverability, and all-around firepower. The F-15 has great visibility, and it pioneered the HOTAS (hand on throttle and stick) concept to ease the pilot's task during combat. The F-15E Enhanced Eagle is the best version. It uses long-range ground mapping and forward looking infrared sensors, making it have rapid targeting and all weather capabilities. The F-15E can carry 25% more payload. All versions are powered by two 10855 kg. thrust Pratt and Whitney turbofan engines. The F-15's performance is: max speed-2655 km/h at 13411 m. per minute, range-5586 km. Its armament consists of one 20-mm cannon, 4 sparrow semi-active radar homing missiles, and 4 sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

The Stealth Bomber
The U.S. Air Force needed a new bomber to replace their vintage B-52, and the B-1 Bomber. It also had to be undetectable from radar, since the battlefield is full of radar traceable anti-aircraft guns, missiles, and fighters. The U.S. Air Force's answer was the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

Built in the late 80's by Boeing, this new bomber had radar-invading properties. The Stealth was shaped to have a flying or delta wing, with no sharp edges. It was built with a material called epoxy composite, which absorbs, but not reflects radar. The Stealth Bomber is powered by GE F 118-GE 100 engines which carry the B-2 over 50 000 feet, and a range of 12070 km. It can carry a payload of conventional or nuclear cruise missiles.

AWACS
AWACS are Airborne Warning and Control Systems. They monitor all air, ground, and sea activities. AWACS are modified Boeing 707s with electronic equipment. The distinguished physical feature is its 9-m rotating radome housing antennae. The radome contains radar, sensors, computers, communication equipment, which makes the AWACS the ultimate battlefield management center.

AH-64A Apache
The McDonnell Douglas Apache helicopter is an awesome tank killer. It's agile and very durable. The Apache has armored gearboxes, which the parts can keep going for an hour after the loss of lubrication oil. The Apache is so strong, that no battle damage can take out any of its systems.

This tank killer has a 30-mm cannon, 8-16 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, and FFARs (Folding Fin Aircraft Rocket) for armament. Its sensors consists of direct view optics, X3.5 or X16 magnification, laser range finder, laser spot trackers, a day TV camera, and FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) sight. Both crewmembers wear IHADSS (Integrate Helmet and Display Sighting System), built on their helmets, so by looking at the target they automatically aim the main sensors and inform the Hellfire missiles of target direction.