These Are The 5 Coolest Planes Used in James Bond Movies

James Bond, the legendary British spy, is known for more than just fast cars and sophisticated gadgets. Across 26 films, Bond has flown a wide range of aircraft, from vintage planes to modern jets, adding to the excitement of his adventures. Whether he’s escaping enemies or launching daring attacks, Bond’s aerial escapades are often just as thrilling as his car chases. These planes have become iconic, not just for their appearances in the movies but for their unique features and impressive capabilities.

Here are five of the most memorable aircraft flown by James Bond.

5. The DC-3

The Douglas DC-3 is one of the most recognizable planes in aviation history, and its appearance in Quantum of Solace (2008) adds to its legendary status. Bond and his companion, Camille, use the DC-3 to flee from their enemies, trading in a Range Rover to secure the plane. The scene takes place in the deserts of Mexico, where Bond finds himself in a thrilling chase against a SIAI-Marchetti SF.260, a much smaller and more agile aircraft. Despite its age and size, the DC-3 manages to hold its own, even after taking damage.

One of the most tense moments comes when one of the plane’s engines catches fire. Yet, the reliable DC-3 keeps flying long enough for Bond and Camille to make a daring escape by parachuting out. This isn’t the first time the DC-3 made an appearance in Bond films. It first showed up in Goldfinger (1964), marking its lasting presence in the Bond universe, with a 44-year gap between its first and second appearances.

4. Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

In Spectre (2015), Bond uses a Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander, a twin-engine high-wing aircraft, to chase after a convoy in the Austrian Alps. Though the plane is not built for combat, Bond pushes it to its limits as he attempts to rescue Madeleine Swann. The chase scene, set against a stunning snowy backdrop, has Bond flying dangerously low, scraping the plane’s wings against trees and skidding down the side of a mountain.

The special effects team behind the film created a clever system to keep the plane intact during these stunts. They fitted the aircraft with skidoos inside its fuselage, which allowed it to move smoothly across the snow without damaging its underbelly. The result is a high-speed chase that feels just as intense as any car pursuit. The BN-2 Islander has been in production for decades, with over 1,250 built and more than 750 still in service today.

3. Aero L-39 Albatros

Bond’s adventure in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) involves yet another thrilling aerial sequence, this time in a Czech-built Aero L-39 Albatros. In the film, Bond discovers nuclear warheads hidden aboard the jet, and it’s up to him to stop an impending disaster. With a missile fast approaching, Bond has less than a minute to make his move. In true Bond fashion, he takes control of the situation by ejecting an enemy and flying the plane to safety.

The Aero L-39 Albatros is primarily a trainer jet, but its versatility makes it ideal for light combat roles. This makes it a fitting choice for Bond, who must handle the aircraft in a dangerous and high-stakes situation. The jet’s sleek design and powerful capabilities make it one of the standout planes in the Bond franchise.

2. Little Nellie

One of the most unique aircraft Bond has ever flown is the Wallis WA-116 autogyro, known as “Little Nellie,” which appeared in You Only Live Twice (1967). The autogyro is a small, lightweight aircraft that is incredibly agile, making it perfect for Bond’s mission to locate a hidden rocket base. Despite its size, Little Nellie is packed with gadgets, including machine guns, rockets, and flamethrowers, allowing Bond to take on multiple enemies in mid-air.

The aircraft was designed by RAF Wing Commander Ken Wallis, who also flew it in the film’s iconic fight scene. Wallis set 34 world records with his autogyro designs, showcasing its impressive engineering and performance. Though not as fast or powerful as other Bond aircraft, Little Nellie remains one of the most memorable due to its unusual design and the exciting aerial battles it’s involved in.

1. The Horsebox Plane

Perhaps one of the most iconic and creative planes in the Bond series is the BD-5J Acrostar, which appeared in Octopussy (1983). In the film’s opening scene, Roger Moore’s Bond uses the tiny jet to make a daring escape. The BD-5J, often referred to as the “Horsebox Plane” because it fits inside a horse trailer, is a microjet designed for quick takeoffs and landings.

Bond’s Acrostar escape is one of the most thrilling sequences in the film. As enemies close in, Bond rolls the jet out of the horse trailer and takes off down a narrow road. He faces missile attacks but uses his expert flying skills to outmaneuver them. The BD-5J Acrostar was designed by Jim Bede and was one of the smallest jets ever built. It weighs only 450 pounds and has a wingspan of just 13 feet. Powered by a TRS-18 micro-turbo jet engine, it can reach speeds of up to 320 mph, making it both fast and agile.