2021 Photo Contest Finalists: Attack Aircraft And Bombers

December 10, 2021
Attack
Credit: Fred Taleghani, Palo Alto, California

U.S. Air Force F-117A 88-0841 “Mystic Warrior” on final at Fresno Yosemite International Airport after a mission with F-15Cs from the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard. The F-117 has not been seen much in recent years but started flying with California Air National Guard units in 2021 that are training to defend the U.S. against cruise missiles. Their minimal radar signature makes the F-117s suitable for this role.

Attack
Credit: Fred Taleghani, Palo Alto, California

U.S. Air Force F-117A Nighthawk 84-0811 “Double Down” flies on final approach to Fresno Yosemite International Airport after a training mission.

Attack
Credit: Erik Kuna/Oldsmar, Florida

The A-10 demonstration team brings the heat—literally—to the 2020 Stuart (Florida) Air Show during their flight demonstration.

Attack
Credit: James Tadlock/Las Vegas, Nevada

A Boeing B-1B from the 34th Bomb Sqdn. returning to Nellis AFB, Nevada, after flying a mission during Red Flag 21-1.

Attack
Credit: Albert Figuccio/Westfield, New Jersey

During practice at the Warren Grove Gunnery Range, Warren Grove, New Jersey, a Maryland Air National Guard A-10 drops dummy Mk. 85 air-retarded bombs. This is just one of many weapons used by an A-10.

Attack
Credit: Albert Figuccio/Westfield, New Jersey

A Maryland Air National Guard A-10 during practice fires at its target while passing overhead at the Warren Grove Gunnery Range in Warren Grove, New Jersey. If you look closely, you can see one of the rounds fired. This is not likely by chance since it is firing 2,100 rounds per minute. Rather, it can be seen in the photo due to the close distance of the A-10 and the resolution of the camera and lens.

Attack
Credit: James Reeder/Palmdale, California

A Northrop B-2 Spirit appears to have a wingman while shooting touch-and-gos at Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.

Attack aircraft and bomber crews maintain their readiness through training in this broad range of aircraft. Some of these images are from training missions, while others are from air show displays.

These aircraft are considered offensive systems, but they rely on stealth, countermeasures and tactics to evade adversaries, as they have no means of firing back at aircraft trying to shoot them down.

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