Flying Missions | Fighter Mission

Fighter Mission

Within the Fighter mission, the Air National Guard performs a wide variety of roles using several specially designed aircraft. Roles such as air-to-air and air-to-ground are designed to penetrate enemy airspace and gain superiority. Combat Search and Rescue provides air cover while locating downed personnel so they may be recovered and brought back home. The performance and characteristics of the most advanced fleet of fighter aircraft in the world places the Air Guard side by side with the Air Force in defending this country and our allies.

Mission Aircraft

A-10 Thunderbolt II

The A-10 Thunderbolt II uses the aircraft's excellent maneuverability to fly at low altitudes and air speeds to unleash its highly accurate weapons. It has long range capabilities and a short takeoff and landing ability providing essential close air support of ground forces. This aircraft has been used extensively in recent engagements to protect our ground forces. The A-10 can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings allowing for accurate and effective targeting.

F-15 Strike Eagle

The F-15E Strike Eagle reigns supreme over the battlefield. This aircraft has the ability to penetrate enemy defenses, outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. It executes air-to-air and air-to-ground missions at low altitude, day or night in any weather conditions. The F-15's array of electronic systems and weaponry give it the ability to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly maneuverable fighter and an all-weather, multi-role aircraft that has proven itself in air superiority and air-to-ground support missions. Its mission is to provide a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapons system. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and range exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft and return.

F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor's air dominance cannot be matched by any known or planned fighter aircraft. The military's newest fighter aircraft is a superb blend of stealth, super cruise, maneuverability and integrated avionics, representing an exponential leap in war fighting capabilities. The Raptor can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This fighter is a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, and is designed to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances. It is charged with defeating threats to our nation's Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.