Quantcast

US Air Force maintains exclusive fleet of advanced military aircraft

Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
US Air Force maintains exclusive fleet of advanced military aircraft
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The United States Air Force operates several aircraft that have been developed exclusively for its use, highlighting the country's capability to maintain a robust and independent military aviation sector. These aircraft include the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, F-22 Raptor, B-2 Spirit, SR-71 "Blackbird," and the upcoming B-21 Raider.

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, with 131 units built, serves as a strategic airlifter for the US Air Force. Despite its potential for international sales, no foreign country has shown interest in acquiring such a large transport aircraft. The C-5M Galaxy variant represents an upgrade of 52 of these units. The aircraft provides the US with unparalleled strategic airlift capabilities across global distances.

Another notable aircraft is the F-22 Raptor, which was initially planned for a larger production run but ended with 187 units due to budgetary constraints. It remains one of the few US fighter jets under an export ban by Congress. "While the US does sell its F-35 to foreign allies and partners, it is very selective about who it sells it to and often imposes 'onerous' conditions for its sale."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The B-2 Spirit stands out as a stealth strategic heavy bomber with only 21 units built. It is unique in its operational role globally and can carry significant payloads like the Massive Ordinance Penetrator bombs. The B-2's production was curtailed post-Cold War due to high costs.

The SR-71 "Blackbird" was produced in limited numbers (32) and served as a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft during the Cold War era. Its successor, believed to be in development by Lockheed Martin as the SR-72 "Darkstar," may also remain exclusive to US operations.

Finally, the B-21 Raider is expected to enter service around 2027 with approximately 100 units planned for acquisition by the US Air Force. This new strategic stealth bomber will replace older models like the B-1 Lancers while maintaining some existing fleets such as the B-2 Spirits into future decades.

Overall, these aircraft reflect America's strategic emphasis on maintaining advanced aviation technology within its military forces without relying on exports.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group recently announced on LinkedIn the celebration of employee participation in the Sue Gin Fund at its Honolulu facility.

Jul 1, 2025

The 2025 Paris Air Show has concluded with numerous orders placed by major aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, ATR, Boeing, and Embraer.

Jul 1, 2025

First class air travel in the United States has seen a decline, yet it remains significant for premium domestic markets.

Jul 1, 2025

Both the IAE V2500 and CFM56 families of engines are widely recognized as successful turbofans in the aviation industry.

Jul 1, 2025

Embraer and CommuteAir have entered into an agreement to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jul 1, 2025

Boeing has constructed a total of 1,573 Boeing 747 aircraft, including two Air Force One models pending delivery.

Jul 1, 2025