Soaring Giants: Unveiling the Biggest and Most Costly Military Aircraft Ever Built

12. Raptor F-22

Joined the Service in 1997 Not retired: N/A Price: *$350 million The USAF received this single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter as a product of the ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) programme. Although the F-22 Raptor's primary purpose was air superiority, it may also be used for electronic warfare, ground attack, and signal intelligence.

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©Emily Hilton / Foter.com F-22 Raptor Although Boeing Co. supplied the wings, avionics, training system, and aft fuselage, Lockheed Martin Corp. held the main contract. Officials from the USAF claim that the F-22 is a "critical component" of the branch's tactical strength. Out of the 195 that have been made, 187 are in use. In 2011, the programme was discontinued due to the development of the F-35, among other reasons.

13. The F/A-18 Hornet

Joined the Service in 1978 Not retired: N/A Price: $34.1 million Together with Northrop Grumman, McDonnell Douglas, a Boeing subsidiary, designed the F/A-18 Hornet. The Hornet was created in the 1970s and was modelled by the YF-17. The F/A-18 Hornet was first primarily used by the U.S. Navy and the Marines.

F/A-18 Hornet on Facebook.com and @Aviation Geeks The Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, or Blue Angels, is currently the Hornet's most well-known affiliate. In a way, the Hornet is a jack of all crafts.It was created by Boeing Co. to carry out close air support, fighter escort, interdiction, reconnaissance, fleet air defence, and more.