Jet Airplanes Today

The 1930's invention of the jet engine led to an altogether new kind of airplane taking to the skies, one that could fly at breathtaking speeds, much faster than any of its propeller driven counterparts. Jet airplanes would go onto break the sound barrier, reaching speeds of 2,000 mph and above.

Broadly speaking, there are two different kinds of jet airplanes nowadays, those that are designed for commercial use, and those used by the military.

Commercial Jet Airplanes

These are the airplanes used by businesses and airlines to transport cargo, passengers and business executives all across the world.

Airliners

For everyday passengers, the jet age began in 1954 with the first ever flight of the Boeing 707. Catching on quickly, the 707 soon faced competition from the likes of the Douglas DC-8, and ever since then passengers have been travelling the world in jets. The two biggest manufacturers of airliners today are Boeing and Airbus from France. Boeing's most popularly used planes include the 737, 747, 757 and 767. Meanwhile, Airbus have proven to be a serious competitor with their A320, A330, A340 and now the brand new A380.

Business Jets

These are small or medium sized jet planes which allow rich executives and anyone else with enough cash to fly around the world on a whim. Some of the best known business class jet manufactures include Cessna, Dassault, Leer and Gulfstream.

Cargo Jets

Used to transport goods around the world, cargo jets have led to a rapid opening-up of trade in many countries in the world, thanks to their efficiency in transporting products quickly and safely. Made up of mostly passenger airliners that are converted to cargo carriers once they have been replaced from their human load-carrying duties, the most common cargo planes include B737's and B747's.

Military Jet Airplanes

Used by militaries across the world since their rapid development during World War II, these jets are essential for modern warfare.

Attack Jets and Fighter Jets

These are the glamour girls of the jet airplane world. Fighter jets such as the F-15, F-16, F-18 and the F-22 dominate the skies with their skills in air to air combat, being able to fly deep into enemy territory and drop devastating payloads or blow their targets from the sky. Modern fighter jets incorporate highly advanced technology that enables them to perform amazing maneuvers and fly at supersonic speeds.

Bomber Jets

Bomber jets are almost relics of a bygone era, having first been developed in World War II, they have changed little in design or concept since that time. The exception is the Stealth Fighter Bomber, an anti-radar airplane that can go anywhere in the world and appear invisible.

Specialty Jets

This covers an array of the more unusual aircraft employed by militaries across the world. They are used for specific missions and purposes where other types of aircraft simply don't suit, such as spy missions or reconnaissance. The U-2 unmanned plane is probably the most famous example of this type of plane. Meanwhile, planes such as the T-38 and T-45 are used by the USAF for pilot training.

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