Published on: 11/2/2015IST
Most expensive military aircrafts
The very thought of military aircrafts brings to our mind fast and furious fighter jet planes that can zip around the airspace at speeds more than that of sound. Some of these fighter planes not only have extreme maneuverability and deadly arsenal under their wings, they are extremely pricey, too. These military aircrafts are mostly flown by a single pilot and sometimes assisted by a weapons officer along with. There are a number of fighter jets that rule the airspace. But other than these fighter jets, military aircrafts also include stealth jets, multifunctional combat aircrafts, strategic bombers, attack and reconnaissance helicopters, carrier aircrafts among others. Here are some of the most expensive military aircrafts around the globe
1. V-22 Osprey
The V-22 Osprey is a high bred between a helicopter and a carrier aircraft, specifically designed for military services. This aircraft has the ability to take off vertically and landing. This aircraft is also known as a tiltrotor, as the rotors can tilt at various angles allowing the aircraft immense control of its flight. It uses STOL and VTOL technology for its short or vertical landing and takeoff as well. It can fly as fast as some of the most competent jet fighters. Though it has been at the center of some controversies and military accidents, it remains one of the most versatile military aircrafts as well as a costly one. Each unit of V22 Osprey is priced at about $118 million. 2. B-1B Lance Strategic Bomber
Priced at $200 million a piece, this bomber is inducted in the United States Air Force in the 1980s. It is a strategic bomber and also can carry nuclear bombs among other things and variety of bombs. This aircraft can fly really long range, and is one of the mainstay of US long range and strategic bomber force. The aircraft also has a number of features making it one of the most revered bombers of the modern times. 3. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
E-2D advanced hawkeye is one of the most expensive military aircrafts. In line with its name it provides a Hawkeye for the intelligence community specially the military intelligence from the skies. It is mainly a surveillance aircraft that also serves target acquisition and reconnaissance missions. It is extremely powerful and houses an advanced air surveillance system with its extremely powerful radar. It is a strategic and spy aircraft for defense purposes mainly. This version has been upgraded from its predecessor, and each one of these flying eyes cost a whopping $232 million.
4. VH-71 Kestrel
This high tech helicopter is in way to replace the US presidential fleet of helicopters. Priced at $241 million, this is undoubtedly one of the most expensive helicopters. Manufactured presently by Lockheed Martin, it is actually a variant of AW101 or the EH101 from AugustaWestland. This is a medium lift helicopter, and can operate in all weather conditions. Excellent for TTT or tactical troop transport, CSAR or combat search and rescue, AMCM or airborne mine countermeasures, as well as transport of executives, maritime surveillance and other military functions and operations.
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