Over the years, many fighter jets have been built for various military and government purposes. Although fighter jets have tail and flight numbers for identification purposes, some of these jets have nicknames associated with the aircraft type. These nicknames are given for memorable reasons, specific nuances, or local cultures. Let's look at five cool nicknames for fighter jets and their backstory.
1 Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet
Nickname: Rhino
Date of production: | 1997-Present |
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Length: | 59 ft 7 in (18 m) |
Wingspan: | 45 ft 11.2 in (14 m) |
Range: | 2,069 mi (3,330 km) |
There is nothing like a chilling but rebellious nickname for one of the most iconic fighter jets. Known officially as the F-18 Super Hornet, the Rhino nickname was given to Boeing manufacturer fighter aircraft. However, there were two different military aircraft, the F-18 Hornet, the baseline version, and the F-18 Super Hornet. The F/A-18 Hornet made its maiden flight in 1995 and production from McDonnell Douglas in early 1997. Following the merger between McDonnell Douglas and Boeing in August 1997, in September, the jet was in full production, and by 1999, it entered service with the United States Navy. There were four models of the baseline model, the F/A-18 Hornet A, B, C, and D models. Then, Boeing developed the Super Hornet model, which has two models, E and F.
The advanced and more ample Super Hornet features many distinct differences from the baseline Hornet fighter, including a more pronounced nose. As such, fighter pilots of the Super Hornet began referring to it as the Rhino, as its nose was similar to the animal's iconic horn. The nickname paid homage to the F-4 Phantom II, nicknamed Rhino for the same Rhino-like protrusion on the nose. As such, the name stuck and was chosen to differentiate between the older F-18 Hornet variants and the newer F-18 Super Hornet variants to avoid confusion during carrier operations. The older F-18 Hornet requires a different catapult, handling settings, equipment, and trap from the Super Hornet. If confused, it would have disastrous consequences for the carrier and the aircraft crew.
45 Years Of The F/A-18 Hornet: A Look At The Family
A history of the F/A-18 Hornet family from the classics to the Super Hornet to the Growler.2 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Nickname: Moose
Date of production: | 1991-2015 |
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Length: | 173 ft 10.6 in (53 m) |
Wingspan: | 170 ft 7.2 in (52 m) |
Range: | 2,734 mi (4,400 km) |
For over 30 years, the C-17 Globemaster III has served as the backbone and workhorse of the Air Mobility Command, which can do anything from dropping paratroopers over a war zone to transporting a 69-ton M1 Abrams Battle Tank. The aircraft has earned a reputation for being a robust, large, albeit slow aircraft, so its nickname would refer to its strength and size. Believe it or not, the Moose nickname has nothing to do with the aircraft's performance or appearance despite the bulky appearance with its winglets that look like large antlers. The real reason behind the nickname is that it sounds like a female moose in the heat.
During ground refueling, the C-17 Globematser has pressure relief vents, which sound like a moose call when in use. However, it is not just any regular moose call; it is a call precisely similar to the call of a female moose in the heat. According to Canada's Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources, when it is mating season, a female moose emits a whaling call, which is answered by a heavy grunt by a male moose in anticipation of mating. As such, airmen of the aircraft affectionately nicknamed it due to the district sound it makes during refueling.
An Inside Look At The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
A detailed look in the C-17 Globemaster III, one of the world's most numerous and maneuverable military airlifters.3 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
Nickname BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow)
Date of production: | 1952-1962 |
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Length: | 160 ft 9.1 in (49 m) |
Wingspan: | 183 ft 8.7 in (56 m) |
Range: | 8,800 mi (14,080 km) |
The long-range heavy B-52 bomber was initially intended to be an atomic bomb carrier with the capability to reach the Soviet Union, thus being the mainstay of nuclear deterrent by the United States. Nevertheless, the aircraft has been adapted to serve in many combat roles. Its first combat mission consisted of bombing suspected hideouts of Viet Cong insurgents in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. During its stint in the Vietnam War in Operation Arc Light, when the United States Air Force (USAF) would fly B-52s from its base in Guam to Vietnam to provide battlefield air coverage during the war, the earned its famous nickname the BUFF acronym that in USAF records is deciphered as Big Ugly Fat Fellow. However, most USAF aviators will tell you it stands for Big Ugly Fat F****r, according to the United Service Organizations (USO).
It earned the nickname from US service members due to its larger airframe, which enabled it to be retrofitted with technologically advanced weapons control, maritime, and electronic countermeasures systems. The nickname also pays homage to legendary Air Force General Curtis LeMay, who wanted the more oversized bomber and assisted Boeing in developing the aircraft. The eight-engine B-52 is still in operation and has played a pivotal role in conflicts ranging from the Vietnam War and the Cold War to the Global War on Terror and Desert Storm to recently in Ukraine. The B-52 is most known for the destruction it could do, as a group of three B-52s loaded with 1,000-pound bombers could destroy an area of a mile long and half a mile wide during a bombing run.
A Complete History Of The B-52 Bomber In The US Air Force
The aircraft type has quite an extensive service history.4 Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Nickname: Viper
Date of production: | 1972-1984 |
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Length: | 52 ft 5.9 in (16 m) |
Wingspan: | 59 ft 0.7 in (18 m) |
Range: | 2,577 mi (4,148 km) |
As with other fighters on this list, the F-16 has an official name, Fighting Falcon, albeit seldom used. The USAF officially named the Fighting Falcon at a July 1980 ceremony at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. General Dynamics produced the aircraft between 1974 and 1993 before Lockheed Martin took over production. Over the years, it has become one of the most notable fighter jets and has flown over 200,000 combat sorties. The origins of the unofficial Viper nickname date back to 1980, as the F-16 still did not have an official name. One such name was Viper, which resembled a viper snake like a cobra due to its sharp appearance as it flew.
Moreover, pilots also dubbed the F-16 Viper after the fighter spacecraft the Colonial Viper Mk 2 Starfighter from the television show Battlestar Galactica. Many F-16 pilots began weaning name tags that said "Viper Pilot." However, according to the Air & Space/Smithsonian Magazine, they were quickly told to remove the tags. However, the unofficial Viper nickname stuck. The Japanese F-16 version also features the Viper nickname. Years later, the Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft was nicknamed Viper Zero after the F-16 Viper.
How Did The F-16 Viper Get Its Nickname?
The Viper stayed as the unofficial nickname of the F-16.5 Fairchild Aircraft A-10 Thunderbolt II
Nickname: Warthog
Date of production: | September 1997-Present |
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Length: | 59 ft 7 in (18 m) |
Wingspan: | 45 ft 11.2 in (14 m) |
Range: | 2,069 mi (3,330 km) |
The A-10 Thunderbolt II was developed by the USAF by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) team from Fairchild Republic Company, which is part of Northrop Grumman today. Due to the widespread fame of the A-10, its nickname is almost universally known. As described by Northrop Grumman, the A-10 is affectionately nicknamed The Warthog. Its unmistakable appearance became legendary during the Gulf War with the USAF as it excelled in the close air support role. The Warthog, or the Hog, as referred to by some, earned its nickname from its unique appearance and the immense firepower it has, culminating with the unmistakable sound the A-10 emits when firing weapons.
Its famed nickname is derived from the roaring whine the A-10s GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm cannon makes when firing, similar to that of a Warthog, not to mention its ugly appearance and design for flying at a low altitude close to mud and dirt where the action is. Moreover, the GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm Gatling gun is mounted on the nose, making it a perfect location for nose art designs that resemble a Warthog's face with tusks. According to Military Machine, the Warthog nickname was allegedly thought of by an A-10 pilot from the 104th Fighter Squadron in the Maryland Air National Guard named Robert "Boomer" Ettinger, as he believed the A-10 appearance resembled a warthog.
The Story Of Fairchild's Twin-Boom C-119 'Flying Boxcar' Transport Aircraft
The C-119 proved to be a succesful gunship providing close ground support.Do you have any other favorite nicknames? Please share with us in the comments below.