Most Expensive Fighter Aircrafts
A military aircraft that is primarily built for air-to-air combat against other aircraft and dominate airspace is known as a fighter aircraft.
Bombers and attack aircrafts are mainly built for ground target destruction. Fighters are known for their smaller size, maneuverability and speed when compared to other aircrafts. Many fighters also are equipped with ability of ground attack. The main purpose of a fighter is to establish air superiority and control of air-space. This is extremely essential for winning modern day conventional warfare, and this has been one of the hallmarks of modern war-fare strategies from the First World War. The development and evolution of modern day fighter aircrafts have been a long and odorous journey and presently they are some of the most expensive and technically advanced aircrafts. Here are some of the most expensive fighter aircrafts
The F/A 18 Hornet is available in a number of variants for strategic and military used. It is one of the earliest U.S. Strike fighters to be used in action. The maximum speed that can be attained is 1.8 mach and is equipped with air-to-air, air-to-surface and also anti-ship or anti-tank missiles. It can also use a number of other missiles, laser guided ones for example. It is loaded with a 20mm M61 Vulcan Gatling gun with more than 500 rounds. This multi-role combat aircraft was designed and developed by McDonnel Douglas, presently Boeing and costs about 94 million USD a piece. The F/A-18 Hornet is also used by a number of other countries as their main combat aircraft.
EA-18G Growler: Cost 102 million USD
Designed and developed by Boeing The EA-18G Growler can be dubbed as an armed version of F/A 18 Super Hornet’s two seater version. What sets the aircraft a rung above the Super Hornet is the fact that it has been armed for electronic warfare along with a few missiles. The EA-18G Growler is basically an electronic attack aircraft, with its anti-radar technology, it can not only block radar detection of aircrafts, but it can also interfere with the enemy communication systems with its advanced technology. This electronic fighter costs about 102 million USD for each unit. This aircraft also has a top speed of 1.8 mach and is highly efficient in modern warfare.
F-35 Lightning II: Cost 122 million USD
Manufactured by Lockheed the F-35 lightning II, has a maximum speed of 1.67 mach. The aircraft is a multi-role fighter aircraft, and performs a variety of air defense missions. This was developed in the Joint Strike Fighter Program currently dubbed as the Joint Advanced Strike technology between USA and its allies. Due to its multiple roles in air warfare, air to surface warfare and also a host of other roles, it is loaded with laser guided bombs, air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles among other weapons. It is fast, efficient, and the maneuverability makes it a deadly fighter aircraft in possession.
F-22 Raptor Stealth Jet: Cost 350 million USD
This is another stunning fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin/Boeing. Considered to be one of the best fighter aircraft in modern day air-force arsenals, this is a twin engine fifth gen aircraft. It uses a number of latest technologies and also combines stealth technology for efficiency and effectivity. The aircraft can have a maximum speed of 2.25 mach, and can participate in ground attack, electronic warfare as well as signal interference. It is loaded with arsenal for electronic warfare, and also for air to air and air to surface combat. It is loaded with M61 A2 Gatling Gun, air-to-ground missiles, air-to-surface missiles and a lot more. This exquisite fighter aircraft costs about 350 million USD for each unit.
Conclusion:
These are some of the most expensive fighter aircraft in the world. There are also other costly fighter aircrafts around the world, as well as some other military aircraft that rule the skies with their performance and effectively. Via.bornrich
