The Boeing Company has a long history of producing military aircraft, with a wide range of planes designed for various purposes, including combat, transport, and reconnaissance. Here is a list of some of the most notable Boeing military aircraft:
Fighter and Attack Aircraft
Boeing has produced several fighter and attack aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, and F-22 Raptor competitor, the Boeing X-32. The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. The F/A-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter that can perform a variety of tasks, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance.
F-15 Eagle Variants
The F-15 Eagle has several variants, including the F-15A, F-15B, F-15C, F-15D, and F-15E. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a two-seat, dual-role fighter that can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The F-15EX is a newly developed variant, designed to replace the F-15C and F-15D models.
| Aircraft Model | Primary Mission | Length (ft) | Wingspan (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-15A | Air Superiority | 63.8 | 42.8 |
| F-15E | Multirole Fighter | 63.8 | 42.8 |
| F/A-18 Hornet | Multirole Fighter | 56 | 40.5 |
Transport and Tanker Aircraft
Boeing has also produced several transport and tanker aircraft, including the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker, and KC-46 Pegasus. The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft designed to transport troops, equipment, and supplies. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a aerial refueling tanker that can refuel fighter and transport aircraft in mid-air.
C-17 Globemaster III Variants
The C-17 Globemaster III has several variants, including the C-17A, C-17B, and C-17ER. The C-17ER is an extended-range variant, with a longer range and increased payload capacity.
| Aircraft Model | Primary Mission | Length (ft) | Wingspan (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-17A | Transport | 174 | 169.8 |
| KC-135 Stratotanker | Aerial Refueling | 136.3 | 130.7 |
| KC-46 Pegasus | Aerial Refueling | 165.6 | 157.7 |
Key Points
- The Boeing F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter with a top speed of over Mach 2.5.
- The F/A-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter with a range of over 2,000 nautical miles.
- The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of over 170,000 pounds.
- The KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker with a range of over 4,000 nautical miles.
- The KC-46 Pegasus is a next-generation aerial refueling tanker with a range of over 6,000 nautical miles.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Aircraft
Boeing has also produced several reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, including the RC-135 Rivet Joint and the P-8 Poseidon. The RC-135 Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance aircraft designed to gather signals intelligence and conduct surveillance. The P-8 Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft designed to detect and track submarines and surface ships.
RC-135 Rivet Joint Variants
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has several variants, including the RC-135S, RC-135U, and RC-135V. The RC-135V is a variant designed to gather signals intelligence and conduct surveillance in real-time.
| Aircraft Model | Primary Mission | Length (ft) | Wingspan (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RC-135S | Signals Intelligence | 136.3 | 130.7 |
| P-8 Poseidon | Maritime Patrol | 129.5 | 123.6 |
What is the primary mission of the F-15 Eagle?
+The primary mission of the F-15 Eagle is to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat.
What is the range of the KC-135 Stratotanker?
+The range of the KC-135 Stratotanker is over 4,000 nautical miles.
What is the payload capacity of the C-17 Globemaster III?
+The payload capacity of the C-17 Globemaster III is over 170,000 pounds.
