MILNET: Fighter Aircraft

The modern fighter is used either as an air-superiority aircraft, or a surface (ground, anti- ship, or anti-submarine) attack aircraft. In many cases the aircraft will be designed for the anti-submarine or close air support role, or will be a dual role aircraft.

Most surface attack aircraft are sub-sonic, since the need for supersonic speed is reduced for ground targeting. But the dual role aircraft such as the Navy's F/A-18 may also be called upon to dump ordnance and engage the enemy in the air.

Modern air-superiority fighters have max speeds in the Mach 1.8 to 2.3 range, and carry AAMs (infrared or radar guided).