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5 most expensive fighter jets of all time

Since WWII, we have seen expansive advancements in military fighter jet design and technology across the globe. Fighter jets must have the capacity to keep up in dogfights and operate in air-to-air or air-to-ground strikes. As a result, fighter jet engineering has led to significant cost increases per aircraft. Most modern fighter jets cost between $65 to $250 million each— let’s take a look at the 5 most expensive.

F-117 Nighthawk; 107.7 Million

The Nighthawk has been retired since 2008, but it is still known as one of the stealthiest U.S. fighter jets from inception to operation. The design and build of this aircraft was top secret and was incredibly expensive even at the time of its first flight in 1982. It incorporated two F404-F1D2 turbofan engines from the General Electric Compnay, and had a top speed of around 700 mph.

Chengdu J-20 Black Eagle; $110 Million

This multi-role, strike fighter jet is a Chinese aircraft that took its maiden flight in 2017. It utilizes a twin-engine afterburning turbofan system. This fighter jet can reach max speeds of 1350 mph and is the 5th generation of its family.

F-35B Lightning II; $121.8 Million

Known for its vertical landing capabilities, this aircraft also has the capacity for shorter take-offs. It is an aircraft intended for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, and has a top speed of 1200 mph. The F-35B has two unique features that set it apart from the rest of the aircraft on this list: it has an engine that can swivel 90 degrees, and a Rolls Royce LiftFan propulsion system.

F-35C Lightning II; $122.8 Million

The Lightning II is a carrier aircraft that is widely recognized for its versatility in air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. As the 5th member of the F-35 family, it is the most expensive version. The Lightning II has a more robust landing gear assembly design, and longer wings than any of its predecessors. This aircraft can fly a max speed of 1200 mph. and is powered by one Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine.

F-22 Raptor; $152 Million

Ranking in as the most expensive air superiority fighter jet is the F-22 Raptor. This aircraft is known for its maneuverability and super cruise capabilities. It has two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines with afterburners and two-dimensional thrust nozzles, allowing it to reach a top speed of 1500 mph. The F-22 Raptor is a 5th generation aircraft and took its maiden flight in 2005. Each aircraft is intended for 3 to 4 decades of use, making it a considerable investment, despite its hefty upfront price.

the journey of aero commander aircraft

            Commercial aviation began booming after WWII and there was a network of flights, but Ted Smith— who worked for the Douglas Aircraft Company during the war— noticed a void in the market. There was a need for business aircraft and aircraft that flew to locations rarely visited by the airlines. He wanted to build an aircraft that could meet this demand and simultaneously offer convenience, safety, and dependability. The first step in doing this was to assemble a team of 14 engineers; and together, they designed the first Aero Commander, but now is a part of Twin Commander Aircraft, LLC.

            The first prototype took flight in April 1948 and was certified in June 1950. The Aero Commander had impeccable safety standards and was the only aircraft of its kind at the time. To prove its safety and reliability, the company completed a flight from Oklahoma City to Washington DC in May 1951; it was loaded to full gross weight and had one of the aircraft propellers was removed from the engine. This flight was a hit and the backlog for the aircraft began to fill. The first production Aero Commander rolled off of the assembly line in August 1951. It was a piston-powered model 520. The Aero Commander went through a series of improvements over the following decades and was known for its impeccable safety and groundbreaking performance.

            In 1955, the United States Air Force ordered 15 Aero Commanders and it was the first light twin-engine aircraft deemed safe enough for the President to fly in— so two of them were designated to the White House. The Aero Commander evolved over a few decades and the last plane in this series ended production in 1986. This plane was the model 1000— the most advanced version of the Aero Commander. This aircraft can fly at a maximum cruising speed of 308 knots, has a maximum range of 2,080 nautical miles, and can fly at these maximums with 482 gallons of fuel.

which aircraft are used most by airlines?

Since its founding in 1916, The Boeing Company has become the world’s largest aerospace corporation. So, it’s no surprise that some of the most commonly used airplanes for major airlines are Boeing aircraft. Among the many aircraft that Boeing has to offer, the 747, 777, and 737 have been a few of the most popular. Their popularity is due to three factors— efficiency, reliability, and capacity.

The 747 was designed to carry more passengers and cargo when commercial aviation started booming. It introduced the twin-aisle wide-body design and was the first commercial use of the high bypass turbofan engine. In June 2014, Boeing delivered its 1,500th 747 and became the first wide-body airplane in production to cross this threshold. Some of the different variants of the 747 that are used for commercial aviation are the 747-100, 747SP, 747-200, 747-300, 747-400, and the 747-8. Although many airlines are phasing out the ageing 747, cargo carriers are still seeking them out, and the 747-8 will still be in production into the 2020s. The 747-8 is also Air Force One’s preferred aircraft.

The 777s passenger capacity, long range, and fuel efficiency make it a suitable option for international flights. It is the first commercial aircraft entirely designed with a computer and is one of the most aerodynamically advanced aircraft. Boeing currently manufactures the 777-300ER, 777-200LR, 777-200ER, and the 777F— each varying in weight capacity and range. The 777x is currently being manufactured and will be the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world. It is also introducing folding wingtips, a norm in military aviation, into commercial aviation.

The 737 was intended for short to medium range flight distances, but different models increased capacity and it has since become the most popular jet aircraft. Some of the series that Boeing produces are the 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, and the 737-900ER. The 737 MAX was designed to offer the best flexibility, reliability, and efficiency in the single-aisle market. The 737 has an increased range, payload, and takeoff performance; it also has reduced noise, engine maintenance costs, and fuel consumption. It is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing’s history.

Another commercial aircraft manufacturer that has been popular among airlines has been Airbus. Specifically, the A320 family and A380. Airbus is the largest aerospace company in Europe. The A320 is the longest-range single-aisle aircraft and is the world’s best-selling aircraft of all time. There are four sizes in the A320 family: the A318, A319, A320, and the A321. They are versatile and can fly to airports in hot deserts, urban environments, and Antarctic runways. Over the years, the A320 family has become more efficient. This is due to the use of composite primary structures, center-of-gravity control using fuel, glass cockpit (EFIS) and a two-crew flight deck. The A380 has a double-deck, wide body design. It is the world’s largest and most spacious passenger aircraft and is utilized by airlines all around the world. Unfortunately, due to lack of demand, Airbus has decided to stop production of the A380 in February 2019.

which helicopter is right for you?

When one is in the market for a helicopter there are many options to choose from. The first thing to consider are your priorities. What size you are looking for in terms of size, engine, and speed? There are three main types of helicopters— light piston-engines, light turbines, and twin-engines. Learning about these different types of helicopters will help you navigate the market.
The smallest of the three is the light piston engine helicopter. The Schweizer 300 and Robinson R22 are common light piston helicopters. They have between two to three seats with a speed range of 80-110 mph. They are the most economical of the three, however the fuel they use is expensive. The size is also a bit of a downside because it fits very few people, so most outgrow this model quickly. But it continues to be the most common model for helicopter training and private use, and a fantastic option for first-timers.
Another option is the light turbine helicopters, which are the most commonly owned. The Eurocopter Squirrel and Bell Jet Ranger are popular light turbine helicopters. They fit between five and six passengers! With its sporty look, relative comfort, and faster speed, this model is very popular for both charter and private owners.
The final option is the twin-engine helicopters like the Agusta 109 and Sikorsky S-76. They are very large and expensive compared the two previous options mentioned. This is because they are faster, seat up to 14 people, and are much safer. They are generally owned by corporate and charter companies; however, some are owned privately. Twin-engines can also fly over city centers and park on rooftop pads.

5 key trends in aerospace manufacturing to look out for

The core principle of aerospace and aviation is innovation. In the coming years, we should expect to see some exciting new things in the aerospace industry. While aircraft haven’t seen much change structurally since aircraft first started being used for travel, the expected number of travelers doubling by 2035 means that innovators are working hard to make advancements in sustainability, design, and operations.

One of the main goals of aircraft is efficiency — streamlining all aspects of the aircraft and air travel that would optimize efficiency. As seen on the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, the combination of passenger capacity and fuel efficiency makes this new plane the cutting edge of aircraft travel. The plane is said to have 25% better fuel economy than its competitor, the Airbus A380.

Another new aircraft innovation is modifying cabin lighting. The aircraft cabin lighting industry is worth nearly 2 billion dollars. This is due to the change from photoluminescent lights to LED lights which are much brighter and more efficient.

Another innovation in the increased usage of a new material called Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). This material is lightweight and durable; it’s very high in demand in the aerospace industry. CFRP, once it comes more economical to manufacture, will be a good replacement for typical aircraft materials like steel and iron as it is much sturdier with through-life durability.

Aircraft seats are a very big aspect to the customer experience that is changing over time. Airlines continue to invest in the newest seats in all aspects of the aircraft including economy class and first class, maximizing comfort. These seats are better despite being thinner and they’re more efficient because airliners are able to fit more passengers per plane without sacrificing leg room.

And, a final trend to look out for is the increase in air travel for business; air travel conducting business more convenient. Despite already making up as much as 75% of an airline’s profit on any given flight, it’s expected that airliners will increasingly cater to the business class and influence aerospace manufacturing accordingly.