The Rutan Boomerang stands as a testament to radical aircraft design and the inventive mind of Burt Rutan. First flown in 1996, this highly unconventional aircraft is immediately recognizable by its asymmetric, twin-boom layout. Far from being a m...
The Convair NB-36H was a fascinating plane born out of the dream of nuclear-powered flight. If a plane could fly with nuclear power, it could stay in the air for years (assuming provisions for the crew and possibly coolant fluid is readily availab...
The Bell X-5 was the first operational aircraft capable of rotating its wings to change their sweep. This technology allowed to efficiency and speed to specific missions and paved the way for such prolific aircraft to be developed as the F-111, F-...
The Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" is a heavy, all-weather air superiority fighter designed by the Soviet Union. Known for its incredible supermaneuverability (its ability to perform extreme aerobatic maneuvers like the "Cobra"), powerful twin engines, an...
The Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier. Engineered by Bell Aerospace for the United States Air Force, its first sound barrier-breaking flight occurred on October 14, 1947. Carried to altitude by a B-29 bomber from Muroc Arm...
The X-32 (aka "the Ugly Duckling") was developed by Boeing to be a candidate for the Joint Strike Fighter program in the US. But unlike the Ugly Duckling, the X-32 did not find a beautiful family and live happily ever after. It continued to be hec...
The Handley Page Hastings was a stalwart of the Royal Air Force's transport fleet for over two decades, serving as the RAF's primary long-range transport aircraft through much of the Cold War. Though less famous than the American C-47s and C-54s, ...
The Short Sunderland was a large tactical flying boat developed for the British by Short Brothers Aviation. It had the ability to takeoff and land exclusively from and on water. At its time, it was one of the largest flying boats in operation. It ...
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, affectionately nicknamed the "Gooney Bird", was a tactical airlifter used by the United States and Great Britain during World War II. It was a rugged, reliable aircraft that pilots trusted. Flown in every theater of the ...
This day, June 6th, 2025, marks the 76th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. The Berlin Airlift was one of the most audacious aerial expenditures of the Cold War. Here is its incredible story. June 24, 1948 After World War II, Germany lay ...
The P-51 Mustang wasn't just a fighter plane; it was a game-changer. Initially designed for the British, its full potential was unlocked when fitted with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, transforming it into a sleek, long-range escort fighter capabl...
The Convair XFY-1 Pogo is a rather interesting, delta-winged aircraft that had a small fuselage and two vertical stabilizers. Designed by Convair for the US Navy as a proof-of-concept aircraft (similar to the Avrocar), it had short/vertical takeof...
This true mammoth of a plane, with its iconic bloated top and slender bottom fuselage, was designed by Airbus to transport planes and other massive cargo. With a massive door that swings upwards for easy loading and an almost unmatched capacity, t...
Ethan, are you obsessed with strange-looking planes? Yes, I am! Today's plane of the day is the VZ-9AV Avrocar, the closest humanity has gotten to a flying saucer! Born out of a need for a vertical takeoff, supersonic fighter-bomber, it was origin...
The MQ-25 Stingray is the world's first operational carrier-based autonomous aircraft. many people don't realize how different carrier-based planes are from normal planes. They need to be able to takeoff from a short landing strip, normally with t...
The Anduril YFQ-44a is the first unmanned fighter jet in the world and among the most technologically sophisticated aircraft in the world. Designed by Anduril Industries for the United States Air Force and unveiled to the public a couple of mont...
The MQ-20 Avenger is a highly advanced, very large surveillance drone developed by General Atomics. More advanced than its predecessor, the MQ-9 Reaper, it is one of the latest of its kind. Boasting a sleek, futuristic fuselage and an interesting ...
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a remotely piloted, high altitude aircraft in use by NATO, NASA, and the US Air Force. With high tech surveillance capabilities such as advanced SAR radar and increased range and survivability, the RQ-4 is one of the most a...
The MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted reconnaissance plane flown by the US and NATO. Employing cutting-edge electronic surveillance technology, the MQ-9 is used for both military and law enforcement operations. MQ-9s can also be outfitted with wea...
Happy Drones Week from Planes and Chess! Paying homage to advancements in autonomous technology and AI, for the next 7 days, every Plane of the Day will be a drone!
Should we change our name from "Planes and Chess" to "Planes & Chess"? I want your opinion! Vote in the forums! *Voting closes in 10 days
The F-117 Nighthawk was the world's first stealth fighter aircraft. Designed by Lockheed Martin's secret Skunk Works facility for the United States Department of Defense, the F-117 employed cutting-edge stealth technology and was one of the most h...
The KC-130J Super Hercules is the aerial refueling variant of the C-130. Two wing-mounted fuel hoses allow the KC-130J to refuel aircraft in-flight, eliminating the need to land for fuel and increasing mission times and ranges. The KC-130J can ref...
The MC-130 Commando II is the special operations version of the C-130. It is used to refuel special ops helicopters and resupply/infiltrate special operations troops on the ground. It is primarily used by the United States Air Force Special Operat...
