The history of military aviation began almost immediately after the first flight of the Wright brothers' American aircraft, which took place in 1903 - after a few years, the military of most armies of the world realized that the aircraft could become an excellent weapon. With the outbreak of World War I combat aviation as a branch of the military, it was already quite a serious force - at first, reconnaissance aviation was used, which made it possible to obtain complete and operational data on the movements of enemy troops, followed by bombers, first improvised, and then specially built. Finally, fighter aviation was created to counter enemy aircraft. Air aces appeared, about the success of which films were made and newspapers wrote with admiration. Soon the fleet also acquired its own Air Force - naval aviation was born, the first air transports and aircraft carriers began to be built.

Indeed, military aviation proved to be one of the main branches of the military with the outbreak of World War II. Luftwaffe bombers and fighters became one of the main instruments of the German blitzkrieg, which predetermined the success of Germany in the first years of the war on all fronts, and Japanese naval aviation as the main strike force navy attack on Pearl Harbor set the course of hostilities on pacific ocean. British fighter aircraft were the decisive factor in preventing the invasion of the islands, and Allied strategic bombers brought Germany and Japan to the brink of disaster. The legend of the Soviet-German front was the Soviet attack aircraft.
Not a single modern armed conflict can do without military aviation. So, even in the event of the slightest tension, military transport aircraft carry out the transfer of military equipment and manpower, and army aviation, armed attack helicopters, provides support to ground troops. Modern aviation technology develops in several directions. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming more and more widely used. aircrafts, who, like 100 years ago, first became scouts, and now increasingly perform strike missions, demonstrating spectacular training and combat firing. However, so far, drones are not able to completely replace traditional manned combat aircraft, the emphasis in the design of which today is on reducing radar visibility, increasing maneuverability and the ability to fly at supersonic cruising speed. However, the situation is changing so rapidly that only the most daring science fiction writers can predict in which direction military aviation will develop in the coming years.
On the Warspot portal, you can always read articles and news on aviation topics, watch videos or photo reviews on the history of military aviation from its very beginning to the present - about airplanes and helicopters, about combat use air force, about pilots and aviation designers, about auxiliary military equipment and equipment used in the Air Force of different armies of the world.

Fighter F-15 Eagle

In order to finish what we started, we list everything that we have left :-). In the first, we talked about the types of aviation and mentioned what is part of the state.

But it is quite complicated and is itself divided into species and even into genera. So in order... Types of military aviation:

Long-range, front-line, army, air defense aviation, naval aviation (marine), transport and special purpose. The distant still has the name strategic, and the front, respectively, tactical.

Strategic missile carrier TU-160

Long-Range Aviation. Its main purpose is to destroy objects deep behind enemy lines. In addition, long-range aviation forces can also conduct reconnaissance and perform various special tasks. One of its characteristic representatives is our Russian TU-160.

Front-line bomber SU-24M

Front-line aviation. Its actions are aimed at supporting troops and protecting various objects in the near (operational) rear of the enemy. It is divided, as I have already said, also into clans. The first is bomber aircraft. Destroys objects in the tactical depth of the enemy defense. A typical representative in our Air Force on this moment- SU-24M.

Fighter-bomber SU-17UM3 (spark).

Fighter-bomber MIG-27.

The second is fighter-bomber aviation. A fighter-bomber is no longer a fighter, but also not a bomber. Usually he first performs the tasks of a bomber, and then, freed from bombs, he can lead fighting, like a fighter, although of course it falls short of a real fighter, as well as a bomber :-). Nevertheless, aircraft of this class are quite in demand. There were at least because such a concept exists, but there are no planes for it. In the West, the name fighter-bomber was replaced with "tactical fighter" in the late 70s. And we have long time bright representatives of aircraft of this class were SU-17 various modifications and MIG-27. But now these planes have already almost all taken off their resource, and there is nothing to replace them. This is what we have 🙁 ... I hope so far ...

Fighter MiG-29 (Poland).

American fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Fighter SU-27.

Third kind - this fighter aviation. The so-called air superiority aviation. Destruction of enemy aircraft in tactical depth. Air combat is their element. Outstanding representatives: MIG-29 and SU-27. The Americans have F-15s and F-16s.

Scout SU-24MR

Well, another kind of front-line military aviation - intelligence. Our main aircraft in this regard is now the SU-24MR (my own aircraft :-), it has worked on it since the technician, SU-24MR, board 41).

Army Aviation. The name speaks for itself. It is also called military. And usually it is under the operational control of the command ground forces. Its tasks are varied. It supports troops directly on the battlefield with fire, lands troops, conducts reconnaissance, supports their actions with fire, etc. Accordingly, it is divided into assault, transport, reconnaissance and special purposes. This kind of task is performed by both aircraft and. Most prominent representatives aircraft of this class are our SU-25 attack aircraft and the American A-10. Well, the helicopter is, of course, the MI-24 veteran and the new KA-50, KA-52, MI-28. For the Americans, this is, of course, Apache.

Attack aircraft SU-25.

American attack aircraft A-10 Thunderbolt II

Helicopter MI-24.

American helicopter AH-64D Longbow Apache.

Air Defense Aviation. We already mentioned it in the article about the SU-15. Therefore, I repeat and say that this type of aviation is designed to cover important strategic facilities and areas from air attack. Now we have perhaps one notable representative of this class - this is the MIG-31.

Fighter MiG-31

Navy Aviation(Navy). It is designed to destroy enemy targets at sea, to protect own ships and important facilities at sea and in the coastal zone, to conduct reconnaissance and perform special tasks. Navy aviation, in accordance with the tasks performed, can be fighter, missile-carrying, reconnaissance, and assault. It includes both airplanes and helicopters. And they can be based both on land airfields and on ships (aircraft carriers). I will not single out aircraft of this type (outwardly they are practically indistinguishable from ordinary ones), oh naval aviation We will have a separate conversation in the future :-).

Transport aviation. Here, I think everyone understands. It transports goods in the interests of the army, and also disembarks (landing) troops. Also, military transport aircraft often perform various special tasks, including in the interests, as they say, National economy. Usually it is AN-12, IL-76, AN-124 "Ruslan", AN-26.

Transporter AN-124 "Ruslan".

Well, that's probably all. As you can see, it has a rather complex structure. I tried to simplify the story as much as possible, but it still turned out dry. However, without this not very fun enumeration is still indispensable. In the future, I will talk in more detail about the representatives various kinds and branches of military aviation. After all, among them there are unique, very interesting and simply heroic helicopters and, of course, heroic pilots. Until then, goodbye, see you again.

Photos are clickable.

Despite all the romanticism of professions, the work of pilots and stewardesses flying from one country to another is not always beautiful views heaven, but also hard work. Therefore, even for those who work high above the clouds, comfortable conditions for relaxation are needed. TravelAskу decided to tell you about the life of the crew on board the aircraft.

The most difficult in the work of pilots and stewardesses are non-stop flights, and this is over 15,000 kilometers of distance and more than 18 hours in the air. Few planes are capable of covering such huge distances, so the Boeing 777 and Airbus A340 are responsible for most of the transoceanic destinations.

However, such long flights require solid endurance not only from the equipment, but also from the crew itself. Their work is connected with great responsibility and making important decisions, they should always be calm and cheerful. For pilots provided separate menu so that in case food poisoning one, the other could take control. And of course, the main factor that allows staff to withstand the stress of long-distance flights will be healthy sleep.


There is always one pilot in the cockpit, and a flight attendant in the cabin. At the same time, during the entire flight, both pilots and flight attendants are entitled to up to 5 hours of rest. To make the holiday as efficient as possible, airlines are trying to create everything the necessary conditions. Although the crew will not be able to get up in full height, but you can stretch out on a soft bed and sleep sweetly. Depending on the aircraft, the lounge is located under the passenger cabin, above it or in it. Despite the fact that the main goal of all airlines is to create the largest number of seats for passengers, the crew does not have to huddle in cramped quarters either.

For example, on board the Boeing 787, the stewardess lounge is located above the passenger cabin and is equipped with 5 berths. It is called CRC (Crew Rest Compartments).


When creating the project, it all seemed cozier and more colorful.

However, such an arrangement of a place to rest pleases passengers with the spectacular appearance of stewardesses after a rest.


For pilots, similar apartments have been created here.


But in the Airbus A350, the rest rooms were located under the passenger compartment, but in latest models to increase the space of the luggage compartment, they were moved to the upper part.

For pilots, the room provides not only sleeping places, but also sitting ones.

The huge size of the Airbus A380 aircraft, designed for 853 passengers, more sleeping places are already required. The designers decided to use the height of the liner as rationally as possible, so they placed 12 beds, 3 one above the other. It may not be as comfortable as on the Boeing 787, but it gives you the opportunity to stand to your full height.


"Apartments" for pilots in the Airbus A380 are much more convenient - these are single rooms.


The sleeping area of ​​the Boeing 777-200LR is provided for 8 employees. The plane flies on such routes as Johannesburg-, distance - 13,582 kilometers, - Los Angeles, distance - 13,420 kilometers.


The video will tell you more about this airliner.

However, unfortunately, the rest rooms for the crew of transoceanic aircraft are not always so comfortable, there are also such:


The aviation industry is developing every year. Today, civil and military pilots use models of liners of all kinds of configurations and varieties. Aircraft amaze with variety and variations of purpose. Let's briefly study the types of aircraft and their names in order to classify this type of equipment for ourselves.

In the world, there are several separate criteria by which aviation experts classify various aircraft. One of important aspects systematization of technology becomes a function carried by the aircraft. Today, military and civilian vessels are used. Moreover, each category is divided into special groups.

In addition, it is also known separation according to the speed characteristics of the liner. Here aviators list groups of subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic models. This section of the classification is based on the definition of the acceleration of the liner relative to the speed of sound. Air technology, which is today used for scientific and military purposes, although previously similar models also worked for passenger transportation.

If we talk about the method of control, then it will be possible to distinguish two main types - manned aircraft and drones. The second group has been used by the military and scientists. Such machines are widely used for space exploration.

Considering the types and purpose of aircraft, aviators will name and classification according to the design features of the device. Here we list the differences in the aerodynamic model, the number and type of wing, the shape of the tail unit, and the fuselage device. The last subgroup also includes varieties that relate to the types and mounting of the chassis.

Finally, consider and differences in the type, number and method of installing engines. Muscular, steam, air-jet, rocket, nuclear, electric motors are distinguished here. In addition, ships are equipped with engines internal combustion(piston modifications of power plants) or combine several variations. Of course, in one review it is difficult to consider in detail full classification aircraft, so let's focus on brief description main categories.

Functionality of technology

As stated above, airliners are divided into two main groups: aircraft for civil and military aviation. In addition, experimental devices are distinguished here as a separate variety. Each category here involves a division into variations according to the type of purpose and functionality of the liner. Let's start with the study of aircraft that are used for "peaceful" purposes.

Civil side

We will determine in more detail what aircraft are, the names and subspecies of aircraft modifications. Here aviators talk about four variants of models. Let's list the categories as follows:

  • passenger liners;
  • cargo boards;
  • training airbuses;
  • special purpose aircraft.

Note that modifications for passenger transportation are separately divided into groups that determine the range of flights. Here they call main ships and airliners of local transportation.

Aircraft classification

  • close ones, which cover distances up to 2,000 km;
  • medium, capable of flying 4,000 km;
  • long-range, operating flights at a distance of up to 11,000 km.

In addition, the maximum capacity indicator determines the following criteria for airliners of local lines:

  • heavy aircraft with 100 or more seats;
  • medium modifications that take up to 50 people on board;
  • light liners carrying a maximum of 20 passengers.

Examples local line aircraft list the modifications SAAB , ERJ , Dash-8 , ATR . It is interesting that on certain types of liners of the local category they equip power plants different class. Here there are models with jet engines and aircraft with turboprop engine types.

Considering long-haul aircraft, let's call ships familiar to passengers Boeing And Airbus . Boeing planes are designed by an American corporation, and Airbus ships are designed by a European holding. Both companies compete with each other, constantly developing and modernizing the liners. So, today the Airbus A380 is considered the heaviest aircraft, although until the release of such a modification, they were in the lead American developments And 747 800 .

Model 747s are the first wide-body class aircraft that are still in service today. In addition, such aircraft are used by the best carriers in Russia and the world.

However, the Europeans do not lag behind the main competitor. The popularity and recognition of pilots won modifications , Airbus A300 And A350XWB. Model A300- the world's first wide-body aircraft, which is equipped with two engines. As you can see, the possible variations in the classification of liners defy description in one review. But knowing what planes are and who created them, the reader will decide on personal preferences and find out the basics of aviation.

Military aviation

Now let's briefly study the typology of the courts used by law enforcement agencies. Among these aircraft there are manned airliners and drones, modifications with different type motor, including rocket engine subspecies. However, we will consider the division of these species according to profile criteria.

Military transport aircraft Il-76

Here, as in the civil classification, there is transport liners transporting personnel. This IL-76,An-12, 26 And 124 . In the USA, these functions are carried by models Boeing C-17, 97 And Douglas YC-15. In addition, the military also uses auxiliary equipment- ambulance aircraft, liners for communication, spotters. However, the military development of the boards also uses several categories of vehicles that are found only here. Their list looks like this:


As you can see, the category of military aircraft is quite extensive and deserves serious study. We have only briefly described the main criteria for systematizing such a group. However, aviation experts prefer to classify aircraft using a comprehensive study that includes Full description side structures. Let's dwell on this issue.

About design features

Belonging to a particular category of the liner is determined by five features. Here, the designers talk about the number and method of attaching the wings, the type of fuselage, the location of the plumage and the type of chassis. In addition, the number, place of fixation and types of motor are important. Find out the known variations in the design of the sides.

Differences in design features - an important criterion for the systematization of airliners

If we consider the classification of the wing, then the liners are divided into polyplanes, biplanes and monoplanes. Moreover, in the last category, three more subspecies are distinguished: low-plan, medium-plan and high-plan sides. This criterion determines the relative position and fixation of the fuselage and wings. As for the fuselage typology, here aviators distinguish between single-body and two-beam modifications. There are also such varieties here: gondola, boat, carrying fuselage and combinations of these types.

Aerodynamic performance is an important classification criterion, since they affect. Here the designers call the types of normal circuit, "duck", "tailless" and "flying wing". In addition, a "tandem", "longitudinal triplane" and a convertible scheme are known.

The landing gear of airliners is systematized according to the design and method of fixing the supports. These elements are divided into roller, float, caterpillar, combined types and air-supported chassis. Engines are equipped on the wing or in the fuselage. Moreover, the liners are equipped with one engine or a large number of engines. In addition, the type of power plant also plays a decisive role in the systematization of the aircraft class.

Unmanned aerial vehicles have found application in the scientific and military spheres

Modern aviation has several types of liners, which are classified according to various criteria.
According to their purpose, aircraft are divided into civil, military and experimental aircraft.
Aircraft classification
Airbus A380 - a giant in the world of passenger liners
Boeing aircraft is the main competitor in the field of passenger transportation of the European holding that produces Airbuses

Military aviation has always attracted a lot of public attention. And, if at the time of its inception it delighted with its efficiency, today it surprises with the possibilities and the presence of a mass of high-tech solutions. We live in a highly unstable world in which local conflicts, but perhaps the only advantage of this is the opportunity to watch the best works of engineering in action. We have ranked them the best military fighters in the world, which can not only surprise you with the technical progress of the defense industry, but also make you proud of your own country, because most of the leading positions belong to Russian aircraft. As the saying goes, “Airplanes first…”

10. Dassault "Mirage" 2000 (France)

French aviation has noticeably added since the Second World War, when it was completely destroyed by the German army. Attempts to conduct an independent foreign policy demanded strong army, therefore, 30 years ago, the Mirage military aircraft appeared, which immediately became the main fighter of the French Air Force and did not give up this position for two decades, because it proved to be excellent in peacekeeping operations in North Africa, as a result of which it began to be massively purchased by India. It was in this region that he found himself: the successful destruction of enemy aircraft and headquarters, as well as guided missile attacks, broke the resistance of the rebels in a couple of days. According to some reports, despite being discontinued in 2006, Dassault 2000 participated in the Libyan war, where it caused stunning damage to the military equipment of Gaddafi's army.

9.

A couple of years ago, Falcon, located on the ninth line in the ranking of the best fighters in the world, was the most common combat aircraft in the world. The low cost and quality indicators made it the main export product of the US Air Force. As of today, there are 4,750 F-16 fighters worldwide. The upgraded version will be produced at least until the end of 2017. Pictures of this aircraft repeatedly fell into the lenses of cameras of military reporters, he managed to take part in 100 conflicts, the most famous of which are the NATO Operation against Yugoslav troops and the Iraqi war. In the Israeli army, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is the most effective combat fighter. According to official data, they have forty air victories.

8.

Although prototypes have not yet taken part in hostilities, and its commissioning is planned for 2018, it has already incorporated the leading developments of domestic engineers. Compared to its predecessor, it will be more economical in terms of fuel consumption, but at the same time, it will create more conditions for pilot comfort: from automated flight control during aiming to an increased volume of air created by an autonomous oxygen station. The only fly in the ointment, in our opinion, is the too early attempts of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to attract him to participate in international tenders, because the radar and some equipment are still not brought to an ideal state. positive feature This model is also the cost of production, for example, the French manufacture aircraft with similar characteristics two to three times more expensive.

7.

The most successful American project For the past forty years, it has been ranked seventh in the top ten best combat fighters in the world. The F-15 Eagle is guaranteed to remain in service until 2025, which means it will have time to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. It's amazing, but "Eagle" for such a long period was defeated in dogfight only once, while destroying about a hundred enemy aircraft. This fighter is associated with the story of an Israeli Air Force pilot named Peled, who during the military conflict in Syria was able to destroy six enemy aircraft and cause significant damage to four more. Now in service various countries there are six hundred F-15s, and they are not going to be written off, because, on average, problems occur only once in 50 thousand flight hours.

6.

The crown of thought of French aircraft designers in the context of fourth-generation fighters. The only drawback is the high cost of production, which requires the involvement of a mass of precision engineering objects. Having started its journey with the war in Afghanistan 15 years ago, the Rafal proved its effectiveness in the fight against the Libyan army. It is worth noting that the “victims” of the Rafal were most often domestic fighters and helicopters that were in service with the Libyan Air Force. Speaking of modernity, Dassault most often participates in the exercises and only a few times struck at the forces Islamic State in Iraq. A lot of incidents are also associated with it, when the plane crashed or exploded in the air, but the manufacturer proved that the human factor is most often the cause of such situations.

5.

The most reliable domestic aircraft is located at the equator of the ranking of the best military fighters in the world. He repeatedly proved his superiority during the exercises. Making up the backbone of the Indian Air Force Su-30, in training battles he defeated American and British competitors, and in most cases in a dry one. Also, it was Sukhoi that ensured the success of the operation of the Russian military space forces in Syria, and played a decisive role in the liberation of Palmyra. For a quarter of a century, only 9 incidents have been recorded, most of which were caused by engine fire or insufficient fuel, fortunately, there were no casualties among the military, with the exception of the fall of the Vietnamese Air Force aircraft into the sea.

4.

The only fighter created by the joint efforts of the countries of the European Union and proved its effectiveness during real hostilities (coalition operation in Syria and Iraq). Its undoubted advantage is the ability to interfere with enemy radars and, thereby, adjust the direction of flight guided missiles, so the lack of losses should not be a surprise. Another plus is the maximum firing range, according to this indicator Typhoon outperforms its closest competitors by as much as a hundred kilometers. Today, the countries of Europe and the Middle East are armed with about half a thousand fighters, each of which has a unique modification and production technology.

3.

The aircraft that opens the top three among the best military fighters in the world requires special attention, because it will be the backbone of the aviation wing of the permanent military base of our country in Syria. The secrecy of production for a long time forced potential buyers to avoid investing in a risky project, but participation in hostilities, where the Su-35s covered the main attacking forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces, attracted a lot of attention to him. Given that the aircraft is an extremely thorough modernization of the Su-27 (an identical airframe speaks of this), the fighter serves as proof of the durability of domestic military equipment, and also speaks of following traditions in aviation. Unfortunately, data on participation in exercises or skirmishes with the enemy were not made available to the public.

2.

Multifunctional, economical, efficient - in short, in front of you best fighter manufactured in the United States. From 2014 to the present, he has been the backbone of the Air Force in Syria, where, having begun the fight against radical Islamists, he continues to create significant problems for the ISIS troops. Notable is the case when the pilot, in one sortie, not only performed combat mission, but also remained in a certain area for another six hours, while he was not noticed by enemy forces and transmitted the coordinates of the positions of the enemy, who was trying to evacuate the base. Over the past two years, the F-22 has successfully completed about 210 combat missions. The entire period of operation includes only two cases of loss during the conflict, which indicates high quality and reliability of the Raptor.

1. Dry T-50 (Russia)

Palm in the ranking and title the best military fighter in the world receives the Sukhoi T-50, the first domestic fifth-generation aircraft capable of simultaneously combating several opponents located both in the sky and on the ground. This was made possible thanks to increased maneuverability and advanced technology. Even Western experts highly appreciated the first steps of Russian engineers in creating fighters with stealth reduction technology, but it is not necessary to draw any solid conclusions in practice: all tests are carried out behind closed doors, and the last configuration of the prototype will be presented only in a year and a half.

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We couldn't ignore the best soviet fighter, which is still in service both in the post-Soviet countries and among the allies in the communist camp, because. he is in the top ten. It is noteworthy that the Su 27 becomes a member of any computer flight simulator. Also, this aircraft is the only domestically produced fighter that participated in hostilities in the territory Central Africa, where he neutralized 3 enemy aircraft without loss, and the only identified disadvantage is the rather high fuel consumption during afterburner.