Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress leads as best-selling combat aircraft; Lockheed Martin boasts multiple top sellers

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has also had a significant influence since it first flew in 1954. More than 2,500 planes have been built over seven decades for use by 28 different military forces worldwide. Its design allows operation from short airstrips and adaptability into various roles including cargo transport and special operations.

Boeing's B-29 Superfortress marked a leap forward in bomber technology during World War II. Between 1943 and 1946, nearly 4,000 units were produced. The B-29 was used extensively during the Pacific Campaign and was responsible for delivering atomic bombs during wartime operations.

The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon has seen more than 4,600 units produced since its selection by the U.S. Air Force in the 1970s. It introduced new technologies such as fly-by-wire controls and has been widely adopted through licensed production agreements with multiple countries.

Lockheed’s T-33 Shooting Star served as a jet trainer for pilots transitioning from propeller-driven to jet-powered aircraft after World War II. Over its production run from 1948 to 1959, more than 5,600 units were built for service in over twenty countries.

Another significant model from Lockheed is the P-38 Lightning. Designed before World War II began, it became one of the most produced twin-engine fighters with more than 10,000 built. The P-38 saw action across all theaters of WWII and influenced future fighter designs at Lockheed.

Finally, Boeing’s B-17 Flying Fortress remains unmatched in total combat aircraft production numbers. First flown in 1935 and produced until 1945 by Boeing along with Douglas and Lockheed-Vega plants, its high output allowed large-scale bombing campaigns that influenced both strategic doctrine and manufacturing processes within aviation industries.

Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin have contributed significantly to military aviation history through their respective aircraft models that set standards for performance and mass production.