Can You Identify These Military Planes From a Portion of a Photo?

MILITARY

By: Bambi Turner

7 Min Quiz

Image: Frank Rossoto Stocktrek / Digital Vision / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Hornet. Chinook. SuperCobra. Osprey. Shadow. Viper. Stallion. You may have heard the names of these iconic military planes many times over the years, but do you think you can tell them apart from a single picture? Prove it with this quiz!

The U.S. has the largest Air Force in the world, and in addition to a well-trained labor force, the Air Force also owns plenty of planes equipped to take care of all types of airborne tasks. Options range from fuel carriers to maintenance vehicles, bombers and fighter jets, planes designed to carry small numbers of men and peacekeepers, to vessels capable of transporting tanks and entire infantries. 

There are tiny lightweight fighters, like the F-16 or Tigershark, as well as enormous transport vessels measuring nearly 250 feet long, with tail sections as high as a six-story building. Planes range from B-52s and Stratotankers in use since the '50s to some of the most cutting-edge vessels ever to soar through the clouds. 

Up close, identifying many of these planes might seem pretty easy -- but what if we only show you one small piece of the plane -- still think you can puzzle it out? Take our quiz to find out!

Identify this plane based on the image.

Named for a tribe of Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest, the Ch-47 Chinook has been used by the U.S. Army since 1962. This twin-engine heavy lift copter has a max speed just shy of 200 mph, and can transport more than 50 troops at a time.

Advertisement

Which military plane is shown here?

The KC-135 Stratotanker was one of the first jet-powered refueling vehicles used by the Air Force in 1957. As of 2018, this Boeing creation remains one of just a handful of military planes with more than 50 years of service.

Advertisement

Think you can name this plane?

The AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine attack plane that has been used by the U.S. Marines since the mid-'80s. It is notable for its ability to perform vertical or short-lift take-offs and landings.

Advertisement

Can you ID this plane?

Introduced in 1971, the AH-1W chopper has gradually replaced the Cobra helicopters used by the Marines in Vietnam. Part of the Huey family, this twin-engine attack helicopter made by Bell has been largely phased out as of 2018 to make way for the more advanced AH-1Z Viper.

Advertisement

Can you identify the plane in this image?

The Vought F4U Corsair was a fighter plane used by the U.S. Navy and Marines in both WWII and the Korean War. Introduced in 1942, this extremely effective bomber was designed for use with carrier vessels, but found greater success in applications where land-based runways were accessible.

Advertisement

What is the name of this military plane?

Nicknamed the Warthog, or simply Hog, the A-10C Thunderbolt II is a single-seat attack plane. In use since 1977, it's used for air support as well as attacks on ground vehicles. Thanks to a large wing area, the Thunderbolt is extremely maneuverable, even when operated at relatively low speeds.

Advertisement

Which model of military plane is shown here?

The C-20 Gulfstream is a twin-engine military plane in use since the '80s by the Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army. It looks like a standard business jet, and is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as the transport of senior military officials.

Advertisement

Which military plane is shown here?

The EH-60A is a modified Black Hawk helicopter with an advanced electrical system for electronic warfare operations. This four-bladed medium-lift chopper was made famous bu the 2001 Ridley Scott film "Black Hawk Down."

Advertisement

Think you can identify this plane from only a single image?

The MV-22B Osprey is the primary assault support plane used by the the Marines as of 2018. In use since 2007, the engine placement on this plane allows for vertical lift, while still enabling the plane to fly faster than a standard helicopter.

Advertisement

What is the name of this plane?

In use by the Air Force since 2005, the F-22A Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fighter plane designed for electronic warfare, air battles and ground attacks. Produced by Lockheed Martin, this stealth fighter can reach Mach 2.255 -- that's around 1,500 miles per hour.

Advertisement

Pick the correct plane name.

Designed for bomber interception, the P-38 Lightning went on to become one of the most successful fighter planes of the WWII era. Despite many engine failure issues when the plane was introduced in 1939, this twin-engine aircraft helped the U.S. and its Allies fight to victory in WWII.

Advertisement

Match this military plane to its name.

Nicknamed "The Kate," the Nakajima B5N was a torpedo carrier used by the Japanese Navy during WWII. This fighter plane was designed to travel at 235 mph while carrying a crew of three -- plus an 1,800-pound torpedo.

Advertisement

Can you name this military plane?

The C-130H Hercules ranks among the largest military planes ever produced. Introduced in 1945, this four-engine plane is used for everything from troop and cargo transport to refueling and attack operations.

Advertisement

Can you name this plane used by the U.S. military?

The B-29 Superfortress four-engine heavy bomber was one of the biggest planes used during WWII. It cost more to design and produce than the entire Manhattan Project.

Advertisement

Can you name this plane used by the U.S. military?

The unmanned RQ-7B Shadow is a reconnaissance plane used by the U.S. Army and Marines. In operation since 2007, it has a 68-mile range and a top speed of 126 mph.

Advertisement

Can you ID this plane?

The U.S. Air Force has been using the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft since 1973. Designed for electronic warfare, this single-engine fighter plane comes equipped with at least 11 different locations to mount a variety of weapons.

Advertisement

What is the name of this military plane?

The C-12 Huron twin-engine plane has been used by virtually every U.S. military branch since its 1974 introduction. It can carry up to 13 passengers and 5 crew at speeds of 333 mph, and has been used for everything from cargo transport to medical evacuation.

Advertisement

Name the plane shown in this picture.

The T-1A Jayhawk is a twin-engine jet used to train future military pilots, navigators and flight personnel. In use since 1993, it can travel as fast as 538 mph.

Advertisement

Can you name this plane using only a single image?

The F/A-18A Hornet is a twin-engine attack jet used by the Navy and Marines since the '80s. Capable of Mach 1.8, or 1,190 mph, this aircraft is used for everything from combat to air support to reconnaissance.

Advertisement

What is the name of this plane?

The HH-60H Rescue Hawk is a specialized variant of the Navy's SH-60 Seahawk -- which was itself inspired by the Black Hawk helicopters used by the Army. The Rescue Hawk is a twin-engine chopper with a hinged tail, allowing it to take off and land in tight spaces.

Advertisement

Know what this plane is called?

The Supermarine Spitfire is a single-seat fighter plane used by Britain and its Allies during WWII. This tiny fighter measured just under 30 feet long, but could travel as fast as 363 mph.

Advertisement

Think you know the name of this plane?

Introduced in 1959, the HC-130 Hercules is a search and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules helicopter. Used by the Air Force and Coast Guard, this chopper not only performs reconnaissance over the water, but is also used to fuel aircraft.

Advertisement

Name the plane shown in this picture?

The EA-6B Prowler is a twin-engine aircraft designed for electronic warfare. Used by the Navy and Marines, it was introduced in 1971. While it can carry missiles, its primary role is to jam radar and interfere with air defense systems.

Advertisement

Pick the correct plane name.

The P-51 Mustang is a long-range fighter plane used in the WWII-era. Just 32 feet long, it could travel up to 440 mph, and was used in both bombing and reconnaissance missions.

Advertisement

Can you name this plane using only a single image?

The Sopwith Camel was used by British forces during WWI. This single-seat biplane required a lot of skill to pilot, but was very maneuverable, and could reach speeds of 113 mph. Not bad for one of the earliest war planes.

Advertisement

Think you can name this plane?

The F-15 Eagle is an Air Force twin-engine tactical fighter. It carries only a single pilot and can reach Mach 2 speed. As of summer 2018, this aircraft has suffered no aerial combat losses since its 1976 introduction.

Advertisement

Do you know the name of this plane?

The CH-5E Super Stallion is three-engine heavy-lift chopper that's been in use by the U.S. military since the '80s. Despite its ability to carry more than 50 troops or 15 tons of cargo, it's surprisingly agile and low-profile.

Advertisement

Can you identify the plane in this image?

The F-5N Tiger II is a supersonic jet that has been in use since the '50s. It can reach Mach 1.6 -- that's 1,060 mph -- and is renowned for its relative affordability and ease of maintenance compared to many other military planes.

Advertisement

Think you can identify this plane from only a single image?

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was used by the Japanese Navy during WWII. Nicknamed Zeke or Zero, this long-range fighter plane was retired at the end of the war in 1945.

Advertisement

Think you know the name of this plane?

The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter used by the U.S. Army since the mid-'80s. It can carry two crew members, and is designed with plenty of redundant systems to survive heavy attacks.

Advertisement

Know what this plane is called?

The Messerschmitt BF-109 was a fighter plane used by German forces during WWII. It was very advanced for the time period, but holds a sad legacy -- many of the planes were produced in concentration camps.

Advertisement

What is the name of this plane used by the U.S. military?

The B-1B Lancer, which military personnel have nicknamed "The Bone," is a supersonic heavy bomber plane. Introduced in 1986, this Air Force plane can carry a crew of four at Mach 1.25.

Advertisement

Match this military plane to its name.

The RC-12 Huron is a twin-engine military utility plane used by almost every branch of the U.S. military. Introduced in 1974, it's used not only for battlefield support, but also for radar and intelligence support.

Advertisement

Which model of military plane is shown here?

The MH-60 Seahawk is a twin-engine chopper inspired by the Black Hawk helicopters used by the Army. It has been used for warfare, search and rescue and other missions since 1979.

Advertisement

Do you know the name of this plane?

In use by the Navy since 2009, the EA-18G Growler can travel at Mach 1.8, or 1,190 mph. This aircraft is designed for electronic warfare, which includes jamming enemy radar and intercepting radio signals.

Advertisement

Choose the correct name of this military plane.

The F-35B Lightning II is a single-engine aircraft used by the Air Force, Navy and Marines. Designed for both ground and air attacks, the "B" designation means that the plane is equipped for vertical landings and short takeoffs.

Advertisement

Can you name this military plane?

The F/A-18C Hornet is a twin-engine supersonic aircraft in use since 1978. The "C" designation means that the aircraft has a single seat, and is primarily used for training.

Advertisement

What is the name of this plane used the U.S. military?

The T-45C Gashawk has been used by the U.S. Navy to train new pilots and navigators since 1991. The aircraft is famous for its glass cockpit, which means it has electronic displays instead of the traditional switches and gauges found in older aircraft.

Advertisement

Choose the correct name of this military plane.

Part of the Huey family, the UH-1Y Venom is a twin-engine medium-utility chopper in use by the Marines since 2008. Nicknamed Yankee, the Venom was designed to replace the aging UH-1N Twin Huey helicopter.

Advertisement

Identify this plane based on the image.

The AH-1Z Viper is part of the iconic Huey family of military choppers. This twin-engine attack helicopter was introduced in 2010 to replace the aging AH-1W SuperCobra.

Advertisement

Explore More Quizzes

About Zoo

Our goal at Zoo.com is to keep you entertained in this crazy life we all live.

We want you to look inward and explore new and interesting things about yourself. We want you to look outward and marvel at the world around you. We want you to laugh at past memories that helped shape the person you’ve become. We want to dream with you about all your future holds. Our hope is our quizzes and articles inspire you to do just that.

Life is a zoo! Embrace it on Zoo.com.