While the F-35 Lightning II might be one of the newest additions to the U.S. Air Force, it is by no means the most widely used. Even with the expected procurement of these jets numbering over 1,000, there are a handful of other fighter jets that the U.S. Air Force flies more regularly.
One of these such aircraft is the A-10C Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the "Warthog," which is a close air support and forward air control aircraft. Designed for durability and survivability, its rugged airframe can withstand intense ground fire while delivering devastating firepower from its 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon. The A-10C's role has remained irreplaceable over its nearly 50-year career in the service.
The F-15 Eagle, and Strike Eagle variants, is one of the most storied aircraft in the fleet with an unmatched combat record. Since its introduction in 1976, the F-15 has claimed more than 100 air-to-air victories without a single loss in combat. There's no wonder why the Air Force relies so heavily on these jets with over 370 in their arsenal.
Last but not least, is the F-16 Fighting Falcon. This jet is by far one of the most widely used fighter aircraft on the planet. Its cost-effectiveness has largely played into its wide adoption by world air forces, but some of the most costly and advanced variants are piloted by the U.S. Air Force. Over 700 of these aircraft are in active service.
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