All historical periods, from the earliest days of aviation to the modern jet age, reflect advances in the development of fighter aircraft. From the Spad S.XIII of World War I to the F-15 Eagle, the epitome of technological advancement in modern aerial combat, every phase of aviation history has its iconic aircraft. But which ones can be defined as the best fighters of all time?
Countries buy fighter jets to solve national strategic problems, and the aircraft, accordingly, should be judged on their ability to solve or mitigate those problems. Thus, the main question is: how well has this aircraft helped to solve the strategic problems of the countries that built or bought it? This question leads to the following evaluation criteria.
- Combat Performance: How did this aircraft stack up against opponents, not just another fighter, but also bombers and ground-based installations?
- Reliability: Could this aircraft be counted on in combat for every need, and did it spend more time in the repair shop than in the air?
- Cost: How much blood and resources did the army and the people have to pay to get this plane into the air?
Professor Robert Farley, a well-known expert in the field of aviation and military history, developed his list of the best fighter jets based on three key criteria: technical characteristics, combat experience and strategic importance.
The Spad S.XIII became a symbol of the First World War due to its combat capabilities and ease of production. It provided exceptional maneuverability and efficiency in aerial combat, becoming a reliable ally for pilots in the fiercest battles of the time.
The F6F Hellcat played a prominent role in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Its amazing reliability and combat capability allowed it to secure air superiority over its opponents, and its effectiveness in dogfights made it a legend among pilots.
The Me-262 "Swallow" became the world's first fighter jet with a jet engine, put into service during the Second World War. Although its introduction occurred too late to solve strategic tasks, it was distinguished by significant combat power and offered serious resistance to Allied bombers.
The MiG-21 "Donna Riba" impresses with its availability, ease of use and wide distribution. This Soviet fighter became a real symbol of reliability and efficiency, which ensured the protection of airspace in different countries of the world.
The F-15 Eagle was introduced in 1976 and remains perhaps the best fighter of all time for its value and unmatched all-round capabilities. Its technological superiority, exceptional maneuverability and combat power make it unrivaled in modern sky battles.
These planes not only ruled the skies, but also effectively solved the strategic tasks of their countries.
