Discover the most famous fighter planes in history, from World War I to modern stealth models, and learn why they have remained so iconic.

Why some planes have become iconic

The fame of certain fighter planes is due to several factors: their historical role, their advanced technical capabilities, or even their presence in the media. The Spitfire, associated with the Battle of Britain, and the F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation stealth aircraft, have become benchmarks. Their visibility in films, documentaries and air shows has helped cement their status in the collective memory.

Pioneers of military aviation

Legendary aircraft from the first half of the 20th century

The first fighter aircraft radically transformed military operations in the 1910s. Here are some of the most famous models.

Fokker Dr.I

• First flight: 1917
• Characteristics: Extremely maneuverable triplane, armed with two Spandau machine guns.
• Engine: 110 horsepower Oberursel rotary engine.

Supermarine Spitfire

• First flight: 1936
• Characteristics: Elliptical wings, metal structure, very good speed. Combined armament: Browning machine guns and Hispano cannons.
• Engine: Several versions, including the Rolls-Royce Merlin.

Hawker Sea Fury

• First flight: 1944
• Characteristics: Fast fighter-bomber, armed with 20 mm cannons, bombs, and rockets.
• Engine: Bristol Centaurus with 2,480 horsepower.

Vought F4U Corsair

• First flight: 1940
• Characteristics: Inverted W-shaped wings, high speed, powerful firepower.
• Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-2800, power up to 2,450 horsepower.

Their role in major conflicts

• Fokker Dr.I: Used during World War I, notably by the famous Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen.
• Spitfire: Actively defended the United Kingdom against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.
• Sea Fury: Operational at the end of World War II and during the Korean War, on interception and ground attack missions.
• Corsair: Very present in the Pacific, including during the Korean War, feared for its performance and agility.

Why they are still recognized today

• Fokker Dr.I: Associated with the legendary figure of the Red Baron, it has become a German aviation symbol.
• Spitfire: Evokes British resilience, one of the most represented aircraft in commemorations.
• Sea Fury: Respected for its versatility and exceptional speed.
• Corsair: Known for its distinctive wings and performance, it remains visible in popular culture, notably through the TV series “Hawkeye”.

The birth of jet aircraft

The arrival of jet engines changes the game

The Second World War accelerated the introduction of the first jet aircraft, which would pave the way for unprecedented performance.

Bell X-1

• First flight: 1946
• Characteristics: First aircraft to break the sound barrier.
• Engine: XLR-11 rocket engine, 2,720 kg thrust.

F-86 Sabre

• First flight: 1947
• Characteristics: Highly maneuverable, armed with .50 caliber machine guns.
• Engine: General Electric J47, thrust of 2,680 kg.

MiG-15

• First flight: 1947
• Characteristics: Swept wings, armed with a 37 mm cannon and two 23 mm cannons.
• Engine: Klimov VK-1, thrust of 2,700 kg.

English Electric Lightning

• First flight: 1954
• Characteristics: Reached Mach 2, equipped with 30 mm cannons and air-to-air missiles.
• Engine: Two Rolls-Royce Avon engines, combined thrust of 7,420 kg.

Their role in conflicts

• Bell X-1: Instrumental in supersonic research, the basis for future military aircraft.
• F-86: Active during the Korean War, in direct opposition to the MiG-15.
• MiG-15: In service with the North Korean and Chinese forces.
• Lightning: Deployed by the RAF to defend British airspace during the Cold War.

What makes them famous

• X-1: First to break Mach 1.
• F-86: Symbol of American fighter aviation in the 1950s.
• MiG-15: One of the most produced aircraft in history, feared for its performance.
• Lightning: Its interception speed made it a key element of British air defense.

Modern aircraft

Versatile and technologically advanced fighters

From the 1970s onwards, aircraft became increasingly multi-role and equipped with highly complex on-board electronic systems.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

• First flight: 1974
• Characteristics: Known for its maneuverability and low cost.
• Engine: Pratt & Whitney F100, 10,800 kg thrust.

MiG-29

• Characteristics: Twin-engine fighter, highly agile and well armed.
• Engine: Two Klimov RD-33, combined thrust of 8,300 kg.

SR-71 Blackbird

• Characteristics: Reconnaissance aircraft flying at over Mach 3.
• Engine: Two J58, total thrust of 29,500 kg.

U-2

• First flight: 1955
• Characteristics: Operates at 21,000 m altitude, discreet and enduring.
• Engine: General Electric F118, thrust of 7,700 kg.

F-14 Tomcat

• Characteristics: Variable-geometry wings, armed with Phoenix missiles.
• Engine: Two F110-GE-400, combined thrust of 25,400 kg.

Dassault Rafale

• First flight: 1986
• Characteristics: Modular, multi-role, high-performance weapons system.
• Engine: Two Snecma M88, combined thrust of 10,200 kg.

Operational use

• F-16: Used in NATO operations and numerous regional conflicts.
• MiG-29: Still in service with several armed forces.
• SR-71: Provided key intelligence during the Cold War.
• U-2: In service for 70 years, used in both civilian and military contexts.
• F-14: Very active in the US Navy, famous for its combat capabilities.
• Rafale: Engaged in Mali, Syria, and French overseas operations.

What sets them apart

• F-16: Chosen by more than 25 countries, valued for its versatility.
• MiG-29: Still relevant in modern theaters of operation.
• SR-71: Fastest reconnaissance aircraft ever built.
• U-2: Unmatched in high-altitude surveillance.
• F-14: Cultural icon thanks to “Top Gun”.
• Rafale: A highlight of the French aerospace industry, adaptable to all types of missions.

Latest-generation fighters

Towards stealth domination

Fifth-generation aircraft mark a turning point with integrated stealth, supercruise, and network connectivity capabilities.

F-22 Raptor

• First flight: 1997
• Features: Stealth, extremely agile, capable of flying at Mach 1.8 without afterburner.
• Engine: Two F119-PW-100, combined thrust of 15,900 kg.

F-35 Lightning II

• First flight: 2006
• Features: Multi-role fighter, advanced software architecture, highly integrated with allied forces.
• Engine: F135, thrust of 19,500 kg.

SU-57 Felon

• Characteristics: First Russian stealth fighter, designed for long-range missions.
• Engine: Two Saturn AL-41F1, total thrust of 15,900 kg.

Their missions

• F-22: Designed for air superiority, with few equals in air combat.
• F-35: Serves as the backbone of many air forces.
• SU-57: Currently being deployed, intended for strike and interception missions.

Why they mark their era

• F-22: First fifth-generation aircraft to enter service.
• F-35: Deployed in more than 15 countries, combining interoperability and stealth.
• SU-57: Russia’s response to American designs, combining modern technology and power.

From World War I propeller planes to the latest generation of stealth fighters, the evolution of fighter jets reflects the profound transformations of modern warfare. These aircraft are not mere military tools: they embody decades of technological progress, strategic doctrines, and major geopolitical conflicts. Their notoriety reflects not only their effectiveness, but also the impact they have had on the course of history.