Military Aircraft 1971 to date

     By 1971, the cold war had started to thaw.  Arms reduction treaties resulted in the massive reduction of nuclear bombers.  In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Strategic Air Command was ordered to stand down from alert - the first time in over 20 years.  The Air Force shifted it's emphasis to its tactical missions.  With no viable military threats on the horizon, the U.S. Congress reduced defense appropriations.  Far fewer aircraft were developed and purchased.
     The Gulf War soon provided the Air Force and the Navy with the opportunity to test their latest aircraft in real combat situations.  The Stealth aircraft hit their targets.  Not only were they not fired upon, but they were never even detected.  "Smart Bombs" proved their worth.  Combat aircraft from Navy carriers successfully struck many targets.  All in all, it was a grand demonstration of American air power.  Good show, guys!
USAF Combat Aircraft - fighters and bombers USAF Combat Aircraft
All the great new fighters - the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, F-15, F-16 and even the new F-22 Raptor.  B-1 and B-2 Bombers and, of course, the lovely A-10 Thunderbolt / Warthog.
air force cargo planes, training aircraft and spy planes USAF Support Aircraft
New KC-10 Tanker, the various flying command posts, the new cargo planes and trainers.  
United States Navy aircraft US Navy & Marine Aircraft
EA-6B Prowler, AV-8B Harrier, F-14 Tomcat, F-18 Hornet plus the support aircraft.
Attack Planes, Fighers and Bombers Aircraft from Other Countries
Includes famous Panavia Tornado and Mig-29.
aviation td15