Top 10 Oldest Aircraft Of The US Military

 Here is a list of the top ten oldest American planes that are still in use today, from vintage aircraft to iconic warbirds that stood the test of time: 

10. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

The C-5 Galaxy remains the biggest military transport plane in the US Air Force fleet.

It first entered service in the 1970s, and the US Air Force currently operates 52 of these aircraft. The plane has been flying for over 50 years and continues to play an essential role in strategic airlift operations. 

9. Grumman C-2 Greyhound

The Greyhound took its maiden flight on November 1964, and entered service in 1966. Currently, there are 15 C2 Greyhounds still in service to promote logistics and personnel transfers.

However, their lifespan is limited as the Navy plans to retire all Greyhounds by 2026. 

8. Hughes OH-6 Cayuse

First flown in 1963, the Cayuse entered service in 1966, establishing 23 world records for speed, distance, and altitude.

Modern-day US variants flown by the US Army Special Forces are known as the MH-6 Little Bird which is still in service today. 

7. Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

The Hawkeye is the Navy’s all-weather carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning command and control aircraft.

The E-2 first took its maiden flight in 1960 and entered service in 1964. 

Remarkably, the E-2 remains in production with the latest E-2D variant currently having no plans for replacement. 

6. Boeing CH-47 Chinook

For more than 60 years since entering service in 1962, Chinooks have served as the Army’s heavy lift helicopter.

These planes have been upgraded over the years and are expected to remain in service with the Army for decades to come. 

5. Bell UH-1 Iroquois

The UH-1 Iroquois, affectionately known as the “Huey”, is one of the most iconic helicopters in the world. It’s famous for its role in the Vietnam War and its iconic sound. 

It first entered the US Army in 1959, and the final UH-1 was officially retired for US military service in 2016.

But there are reports of the US military still using newer versions of the chopper up to this day. 

4. Boeing KC-135

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker served as the backbone of the USAF’s aerial refueling fleet for over six decades.

The USAF maintains nearly 400 Stratotankers as part of their inventory. The plane first entered service in 1957 and has been flying for almost 70 years!

3. Lockheed C-130 Hercules

As the C-130 progresses to its eighth decade of service, retirement seems nowhere in sight, and the cargo aircraft is expected to fly for decades. 

The Hercules first entered service with the US in 1956 and has participated in several military, civilian, and humanitarian operations.

It’s the longest continuously produced plane with a production span of more than 60 years. 

2. Lockheed U-2

The U-2 first entered service in 1956 and later did flyovers over the Soviet Union that generated a trove of information for the Department of Defense. 

Over the years, various upgrades have been added to maintain its competitive edge. In 2020, the whole U-2 fleet of the Air Force was outfitted with electro-optical reconnaissance system sensors.

Currently, there are 27 U-2s kept by the US Air Force. 

1. Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

The Stratofortress was developed to be a long-range bomber that could carry out strategic missions without dependence on advanced and intermediate bases controlled by other countries. 

It has an impressive capacity, is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons payload, and is equipped with versatile capabilities.

It first took its maiden flight in April 1952, entering service three years later. Currently, there are 76 in the USAF’s inventory.