The Most Overrated Plane, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the plane you think is the most overrated!

Updated on May 7, 2024 06:28

Establishing clarity on overrated planes can be surprisingly beneficial for enthusiasts and potential buyers alike. By identifying which planes are often hyped beyond their practical value, users can make more informed decisions. This list serves as a tool to gauge public perception and challenge prevailing opinions on various aircraft. On this site, each vote directly influences the live ranking of what is considered overrated in the world of aviation. This not only ensures that everyone's voice is heard, but also keeps the list updated and reflective of current sentiments. Engaging with this poll could further enhance understanding and provoke thoughtful discussions among the community.

What Is the Most Overrated Plane?

1

52
votes
U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes · Public domain

F-35 Lightning II

Lockheed Martin

The F-35 program has been subject to numerous controversies and delays, and some experts argue that the plane's high cost and technical problems make it an overrated choice. Critics also argue that the F-35's capabilities are not significantly better than those of older planes like the F-16 or F-18.
The F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters designed for ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions. It is the result of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which aimed to develop a cost-effective and highly capable aircraft for multiple branches of the military.

Top Speed: 1,200 mph (1,930 km/h, Mach 1.6)

Range: 1,350 miles (2,220 km)

Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)

Unit Cost: $77.9 million - $101.3 million (depending on the variant)

Armament: Gun, missiles, and bombs (internal and external)
F-35 Lightning II in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced fifth-generation fighter
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced military technology
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced planes
- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult plane to fly
- Position 7 of 10 in Most advanced plane in War Thunder
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18
votes
Concorde

Although the Concorde was a groundbreaking aircraft that set speed records and captured the public imagination, its high operating costs, limited range, and environmental impact have led many to question its practicality and long-term viability.
The Concorde was a supersonic passenger jet aircraft known for its sleek and elegant design. It was jointly developed and manufactured by British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) and Aérospatiale, with major involvement from Sud Aviation and the Bristol Aeroplane Company.

First Flight: 2 March 1969

Introduction: 21 January 1976

Retired: 26 November 2003

Length: 202 feet 4 inches (61.66 m)

Wingspan: 84 feet 0 inches (25.6 m)
3

24
votes
Mark Harkin · CC BY 2.0

Boeing 737 MAX

Boeing

The 737 MAX has faced intense scrutiny and criticism following two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019. The plane's design and certification process have been called into question, and many experts believe that the plane was rushed to market without adequate testing and safety measures.
The Boeing 737 MAX is a widely known commercial aircraft model developed by Boeing, an American aerospace company. It is an advanced version of the popular Boeing 737 series, designed to enhance fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Cabin Capacity: Up to 230 passengers

Range: 3,550 to 7,130 km

Length: 39.52 m

Wingspan: 35.92 m

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 82,190 to 88,310 kg
Boeing 737 MAX in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most difficult plane to fly
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Boeing plane
4

23
votes
Julian Herzog (Website) · CC BY 4.0

Airbus A380

Airbus SE

The A380 was once hailed as a game-changing aircraft that would revolutionize air travel. However, the plane's massive size and high operating costs have made it a challenging proposition for many airlines, and several carriers have retired or cancelled orders for the plane.
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body airliner known for being one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in the world. It was designed and developed by Airbus SE, a multinational aerospace company based in Europe. The A380 is recognized for its spaciousness, efficient fuel consumption, and cutting-edge technology.

First Flight: 27 April 2005

Length: 72.72 meters (238.7 feet)

Wingspan: 79.75 meters (261.6 feet)

Height: 24.09 meters (79.0 feet)

Maximum Seating Capacity: 853 passengers
Airbus A380 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most comfortable passenger plane
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced airliner
- Position 3 of 10 in Most comfortable commercial aircraft
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Airbus plane
- Position 5 of 10 in Most advanced machine in the world
- Position 7 of 10 in Most difficult plane to fly
5

13
votes
Jwnabd · CC BY-SA 3.0

Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH

The Typhoon is a multirole fighter jet that was developed by a consortium of European countries. While the plane has impressive performance capabilities, some experts argue that its high cost and complex design make it an overrated choice compared to other fighter jets.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, delta-wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by a consortium of European countries including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It is known for its high agility, advanced avionics, and heavy use of composite materials.

Length: 15.96m

Wingspan: 10.95m

Height: 5.28m

Empty weight: 11,000 kg

Max takeoff weight: 23,500 kg
Eurofighter Typhoon in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most advanced planes
- Position 9 of 10 in Most advanced bomber in the world
6

24
votes
Dmitry Zherdin · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sukhoi Su-57

Sukhoi Design Bureau

The Su-57 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that is currently in development by Russia. While the plane has impressive specs on paper, many experts question whether Russia has the resources and expertise to produce the plane at scale and whether it can compete with other fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.
The Sukhoi Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau for the Russian Air Force. It is designed to excel in air superiority missions and to have capabilities in ground-attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare roles.

Maximum speed: Mach 2

Range: 3,500 km (2,175 miles)

Service ceiling: 20,000 meters (65,600 feet)

Thrust: 176 kN (40,000 lbf)

Wingspan: 14.1 meters (46 ft 3 in)
Sukhoi Su-57 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced fighter jet in Russia
7

12
votes
Anthony Noble · GFDL 1.2

Antonov An-225 Mriya

The An-225 is the largest airplane in the world and is primarily used for transporting oversized cargo. While the plane is undoubtedly impressive, some experts argue that its limited practical applications and high operating costs make it a less useful tool than smaller cargo planes.
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft known for its massive size and carrying capacity. It is one of the largest and heaviest aircraft ever built and is primarily designed to transport oversized and heavy cargoes for military and commercial purposes.

Length: 84 meters (275 ft 7 in)

Wingspan: 88.4 meters (290 ft 0 in)

Height: 18.1 meters (59 ft 5 in)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 640,000 kg (1,410,958 lb)

Payload Capacity: 250,000 kg (551,156 lb)
8

13
votes
U.S. Navy · Public domain

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

The F-4 was a versatile fighter-bomber that saw extensive use during the Vietnam War. While the plane was successful in many respects, some experts argue that its design was flawed and that it was overrated compared to other contemporary fighters.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a legendary American supersonic jet fighter-bomber that served in various roles from the 1960s through the 1990s. It is widely considered one of the most iconic military aircraft of the 20th century due to its distinctive appearance and significant impact in several global conflicts.

First Flight: May 27, 1958

Introduction: 1960

Crew: 2 (pilot and radar intercept officer)

Maximum Speed: Mach 2.23 (1,472 mph or 2,370 km/h)

Range: 1,750 miles (2,820 km)
9

13
votes
Lothar Willmann · GFDL

Tupolev Tu-144

The Tu-144 was a supersonic transport plane that was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s. While the plane was a technological achievement, it was plagued by technical problems and safety concerns and ultimately failed to compete with the Concorde.
The Tupolev Tu-144, also known as the 'Concordski', was a supersonic transport aircraft developed by the Soviet Union. It was designed to rival the British-French Concorde in terms of speed and luxury. The Tu-144 made its first flight on December 31, 1968, and was the first commercial supersonic transport aircraft to enter service.

Crew: 3 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer)

Capacity: up to 140 passengers

Length: 65.70 m (215 ft 7 in)

Wingspan: 28.80 m (94 ft 6 in)

Height: 12.55 m (41 ft 2 in)
10

7
votes
Juergen Lehle · CC BY 3.0

Cessna Citation Mustang

Cessna Aircraft Company

The Mustang is a small business jet that is popular among private pilots and small companies. While the plane is versatile and relatively affordable, some experts argue that it is overrated compared to other entry-level business jets and lacks the range and speed of more expensive models.
The Cessna Citation Mustang is a light business jet designed for entry-level corporate use. It is known for its compact size, sleek design, and versatility. The aircraft is often considered as one of the most overrated planes due to its lackluster performance and limited range.

Maximum Speed: 340 knots

Range: 1,150 nautical miles

Maximum Altitude: 41,000 feet

Seating Capacity: 4-5 passengers

Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F-A turbofan engines

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Ranking factors for overrated plane

Cost

Compare the production and maintenance costs of the aircraft to other similar aircraft. An overrated plane may have a higher price tag without delivering proportionate benefits in terms of performance or capabilities.
Performance

Assess the plane's speed, altitude, range, and payload, and compare these specifications to other planes of its type. An overrated aircraft may have been advertised as having exceptional performance but may not actually live up to the hype in practice.
Reputation vs. Reality

Consider whether the plane's reputation has been built more on marketing efforts, political decisions, or historical circumstances rather than its actual merits.
Safety

Investigate the aircraft's accident and incident history, as well as any known design flaws or common maintenance issues. A plane's safety reputation can play a significant role in its perceived value.
Mission effectiveness

Evaluate how well the plane serves its intended purpose and how it compares to alternative options. If other aircraft are more versatile, effective, or more cost-efficient, the overrated plane may not be the best choice for its intended mission.
Technological advancements

Assess whether the plane's technology has become outdated or has been surpassed by newer, more advanced aircraft. An overrated aircraft may have lost its competitive edge due to age or technical obsolescence.
Operational history

Consider the aircraft's history of usage in various military, commercial, or private operations. An overrated plane might have a lackluster operational track record, underperforming in real-life scenarios compared to its theoretical capabilities.
User reviews and ratings

Take into account feedback from pilots, crewmembers, and maintainers who work with the plane on a regular basis. Their opinions and experiences can provide valuable insight into the plane's real-world performance and value.
Popularity or ubiquity

Analyze if the plane is overrated simply because it has become popular or well-known, without necessarily deserving its widespread acclaim.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most overrated plane. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or plane is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2375 views
185 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each plane once every 24 hours. The rank of each plane is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most overrated plane

Background Information: Airplanes are one of the most popular modes of transportation in the world. They are fast, efficient, and have revolutionized the way we travel. However, not all planes are created equal. Some planes are considered to be overrated due to their lack of efficiency, safety concerns, or simply because they have been hyped up too much. With so many planes in the sky, it's no wonder that people have their opinions on which planes are the most overrated. In this article, we will explore some of the most overrated planes in the world and take a closer look at why they have earned this reputation.