Since planes were put into use for the military, the United States has been known for producing some of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world.
These are among the most expensive planes in the world as well. It has been reported that if there is a global conflict anytime in the future the U.S. has the advantage of air supremacy because of its advanced military air forces.
Here are the ten most expensive military aircraft ever created by the Americans.
10. F/A-18 Hornet: $94 million
The F/A-18 Hornet, which costs about $94 million, entered into service during the 1980s. It is the first American hybrid between a bomber and a fighter, which is called a strike fighter.
This plane has the capability of attacking ground and aerial targets with the ability to engage in combat if necessary.
These planes were instrumental to the victory the U.S. attained during Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s, performing exceptionally well during combat there.
Switzerland, Kuwait, Israel, France, and Canada also have Hornets.
9. EA-18G Growler: $102 million
The Hornet has been modified to become a $102 million EA-18G Growler. With all of the capabilities of a Hornet, it isn’t fitted for the more aggressive air excursions and is lightly armed.
Instead. the Growler has radar jamming equipment mounted in it to intercept enemy radar and disrupt their communications.
8. V-22 Osprey: $118 million
Coming in at $118 million is the V-22 Osprey, which is a magnificent helicopter and airplane combination featuring tiltrotor technology.
This unique innovation enables the plane to land and takes off like a helicopter while having an airplane’s speed and range. Time needed to fly, and land are reduced, and there is no need for a landing strip.
However, there was an accident involving an Osprey that resulted in 30 deaths, which prompted the cease in production by Vice-President Dick Cheney.
Military leaders have acknowledged the aircraft’s versatility and advantages, so it is still used.
Having been used in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has earned positive reviews in both of those conflicts.
7. F-35 Lightning II: $122 million
The F-35 Lightning II, costing $122 million, is a response to the undying need for fighter jets that have stealth features.
These are planes that don’t sacrifice weaponry and speed which made it into a breakthrough aircraft that is virtually invisible to the enemy radar.
With the ability to function as a fighter and bomber, it is well-armed to the teeth, enabling it to dogfight if necessary. It is the first fighter jet that can handle a vertical takeoff.
6. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye: $232 million
With advanced radar equipment and communications tools, it can be called the most advanced reconnaissance plane available.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye hasn’t entered military service yet, but advocates and designers believe that the plane can surpass the performance of the E-2C Hawkeye.
5. VH-71 Kestrel: $241 million
Intended to replace the chopper fleet of the president, the VH-71 Kestrel costs $241 million.
When President Barack Obama took the office of president, he stopped production and sent the funding toward maintaining his old helicopters.
4. P-8A Poseidon: $290 million
Costing $290 million, the P-A8 Poseidon is fitted for the U.S. Navy. This commercial Boeing 737 turned into a military plane is equipped with missiles, torpedoes, and depth charges.
It is designed to send death to submarines from above.
3. C17A Globemaster III: $328 million
Coming in at a whopping $328 million price tag, the C17A Globemaster III is not your regular transport plane used by the military.
It can deliver military equipment, soldiers, and vehicles anywhere in the world. During conflicts, it can drop as many as 102 fully-loaded combat-ready soldiers inside enemy territory. It is also able to drop Hummers, tanks, and any other military ground vehicle.
2. F-22 Raptor: $350 million
Considered the world’s best jet fighter, the F-22 Raptor was the U.S. response the Russian MIG Fulcrum and SU Flanker.
The $350 million aircraft was conceived in the 1980s when the U.S. was competing to produce a quality aircraft that could face off against Russia’s best planes.
Raptor production was halted after the Russian threat diminished, so the U.S. military has less than 200 of the planes.
1. B-2 Spirit: $737 million
The B-2 Spirit doesn’t look much like a warplane. Invisible to radar, infrared, electromagnetic or visual signals, it has the capabilities to fly into enemy territory without detection so it can deliver a bomb payload.
It was originally created to transport nuclear explosives but now has the ability to carry multitudes of bombs. It costs a whopping $737 million.