The Most Beautiful Aircraft Ever Built, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the aircraft you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:17

Aircraft design combines technology, aerodynamics, and aesthetics in a unique way that captures the imagination of both aviation enthusiasts and the general public. For those who appreciate the intricate details of aircraft design, creating a list of the most beautiful aircraft can be an engaging way to acknowledge and celebrate these achievements. Such rankings not only highlight the creativity found in the aerospace industry but also reflect the diverse preferences and opinions of the global community. By participating in the voting process, individuals have a direct impact on how these aircraft are viewed and ranked by their peers. This democratic method ensures that the list remains updated and relevant according to contemporary tastes and opinions. It also offers a fascinating insight into what features and design elements are most admired by different cultures and groups, making it a compelling resource for anyone interested in the art of aircraft design.

What Is the Most Beautiful Aircraft Ever Built?

1

42
votes
TSgt. Michael Haggerty, USAF · Public domain

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

Lockheed Corporation

The sleek, black design of this high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft makes it a stunning sight. Its speed and agility also add to its beauty.
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was designed and built by the Lockheed Corporation. The aircraft's sleek and futuristic design, coupled with its unmatched performance capabilities, make it widely considered one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built. Its unique appearance and innovative technologies have made it an icon of aerospace engineering.

First flight: December 22, 1964

Crew: 2 (Pilot and Reconnaissance Systems Officer)

Length: 32.74 meters (107.8 feet)

Wingspan: 16.94 meters (55.7 feet)

Height: 5.64 meters (18.6 feet)
2

32
votes
Concorde

The iconic supersonic passenger jet had a unique, slender shape that made it instantly recognizable. Its drooping nose added to its distinctive appearance.
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

35
votes
Spitfire

The classic fighter plane of World War II has a graceful, curved design that is instantly recognizable. Its wings and tail are especially elegant.
The Spitfire is a legendary single-seat fighter aircraft that was built primarily for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic aircraft ever produced.

First Flight: 5 March 1936

Wingspan: 11.23 m (36 ft 10 in)

Length: 9.12 m (29 ft 11 in)

Height: 3.86 m (12 ft 8 in)

Empty Weight: 2,352 kg (5,185 lb)
4

22
votes
Iberia Airlines · CC BY 2.0

Boeing 747

Boeing Commercial Airplanes

The "Queen of the Skies" is one of the most recognizable commercial airplanes in the world. Its humpbacked design and massive size are impressive and beautiful.
The Boeing 747, also known as the 'Jumbo Jet', is a wide-body commercial airliner that has been widely regarded as one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built. Its distinctive hump-shaped upper deck and graceful curves have made it an iconic symbol in the aviation industry.

First Flight: February 9, 1969

Length: 231 ft 10 in (70.66 m)

Wingspan: 195 ft 8 in (59.64 m)

Height: 63 ft 8 in (19.41 m)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 987,000 lb (447,696 kg)
Boeing 747 in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Boeing plane
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular aircraft
- Position 7 of 10 in Most comfortable commercial aircraft
- Position 9 of 10 in Most difficult vehicle to drive
5

30
votes
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dan T. Le/Released) · Public domain

F-22 Raptor

Lockheed Martin

This stealth fighter jet has a sleek and angular design that is both beautiful and intimidating. Its advanced technology and capabilities make it a marvel of engineering.
The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation fighter jet built for air superiority. It is designed to have stealth capabilities and advanced avionics to defeat modern air defense systems.

Max speed: 1,500 mph

Ceiling: 65,000 ft

Range: 1,840 miles

Thrust: 35,000 lbf

Length: 62 ft
F-22 Raptor in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult plane to fly
- Position 3 of 10 in Most advanced planes
- Position 4 of 10 in Most advanced fifth-generation fighter
- Position 5 of 10 in Most advanced plane in War Thunder
6

29
votes
Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0

P-51 Mustang

North American Aviation

Another classic fighter plane of World War II, the Mustang has a sleek design and distinctive nose that make it a beauty to behold. Its powerful engine and maneuverability add to its appeal.
The P-51 Mustang is a World War II era American fighter aircraft known for its exceptional performance and versatility. It is one of the most renowned and advanced planes in War Thunder, recognized for its distinct design and successful combat history.

Crew: 1

Length: 32 ft 3 in (9.8 m)

Wingspan: 37 ft 0 in (11.3 m)

Max Speed: 437 mph (703 km/h)

Range: 1,650 mi (2, 655 km)
P-51 Mustang in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most advanced plane in War Thunder
- Position 10 of 10 in Most difficult plane to fly
7

22
votes
Julian Herzog (Website) · CC BY 4.0

Airbus A380

Airbus SE

The largest passenger airliner in the world has an impressive size and unique design that make it a beautiful sight. Its double-decker cabin and curved wings are especially striking.
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
8

10
votes
United States Air Force · Public domain

B-2 Spirit

Northrop Grumman

This stealth bomber has a unique, bat-like shape that is both beautiful and ominous. Its ability to evade radar detection adds to its mystique.
The B-2 Spirit is a stealth strategic bomber used by the United States Air Force.

First flight: July 17, 1989

Length: 69 ft

Wingspan: 172 ft

Height: 17 ft

Crew: 2
B-2 Spirit in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most advanced planes
- Position 4 of 10 in Most difficult plane to fly
9

15
votes
Service Depicted: NavyOperation / Series: SOUTHERN WATCHCamera Operator: CDR DAVID BARANEK · Public domain

F-14 Tomcat

Grumman Aerospace Corporation

The iconic fighter jet of the movie Top Gun has a sleek and powerful design that is instantly recognizable. Its variable sweep wings and twin tails make it a standout.
The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft that was primarily used by the United States Navy. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built, known for its sleek and powerful appearance. The F-14 Tomcat gained fame for its role in the movie 'Top Gun' and its distinctive twin tails and variable geometry wings.

First Flight: December 21, 1970

Wingspan: 64 ft

Length: 62 ft 8 in

Height: 16 ft

Max Speed: Mach 2.34 (1,544 mph)
10

7
votes
Spitfire Mk IX

Supermarine Aviation Works

This variant of the Spitfire has a beautiful paint job and the iconic elliptical wing that makes it a beautiful plane to watch.
The Spitfire Mk IX is a legendary British single-seat fighter aircraft that was primarily used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built, showcasing elegant curves and a distinctive elliptical wing design.

First Flight: 26th April 1942

Wingspan: 36 feet 10 inches

Length: 31 feet 3 inches

Height: 11 feet 5 inches

Empty Weight: 5,090 lbs

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Ranking factors for beautiful aircraft

Aesthetics

The overall visual appeal of the aircraft, including its lines, curves, and proportions. This includes the shape of the nose, wings, tail, and fuselage.
Innovation

The level of technological advancement and innovation in the aircraft design. This could include unique features, materials, or engineering solutions that make the aircraft stand out.
Performance

The aircraft's capabilities in terms of speed, range, altitude, and maneuverability. An aircraft that performs exceptionally well can be considered more beautiful because of its capabilities.
Functionality

The purpose and utility of the aircraft. An aircraft that serves its intended function well, whether it's for passengers, cargo, or military purposes, can be considered more beautiful because of its efficiency and effectiveness.
Impact on aviation history

An aircraft's influence on the development of aviation, whether through setting new records, advancing technology, or inspiring other designs, can contribute to its beauty.
Craftsmanship

The quality of the construction and materials used in the aircraft. High-quality craftsmanship can contribute to the aircraft's overall beauty through attention to detail and durability.
Paint Scheme and Artwork

The colors, patterns, and artwork on the exterior of the aircraft can enhance its visual appeal and contribute to its perceived beauty.
Interior Design

The design and layout of the aircraft's interior, including the cockpit and passenger cabin, can contribute to its overall beauty by providing a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment for its users.
Environmental Impact

An aircraft that is designed with a focus on reducing its environmental impact, such as through fuel efficiency or reduced noise pollution, can be considered more beautiful due to its commitment to sustainability.
Iconic status

The aircraft's importance or popularity within the world of aviation, whether due to its distinctive design or historical significance. An aircraft that has become an icon within the industry can be considered more beautiful because of its impact on aviation culture.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

4859 views
168 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

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More information on most beautiful aircraft ever built

Background Information: The Beauty of Aircrafts Since the dawn of aviation, airplanes have fascinated people with their impressive designs and capabilities. Over the years, aircrafts have evolved from simple and primitive machines to sleek and sophisticated models that can travel at supersonic speeds and fly thousands of miles without refueling. However, beyond their technical prowess, aircrafts have also captivated us with their aesthetic beauty. The most beautiful aircraft ever built can be a subjective topic, as different people have different tastes and preferences. Some may favor the classic designs of yesteryear, such as the Spitfire or the Mustang, while others may find more modern planes like the F-22 Raptor or the Eurofighter Typhoon to be the epitome of beauty. One thing is for sure – the beauty of aircrafts goes beyond their exterior appearance. It's a combination of form and function, with each element serving a specific purpose. From the curves of the fuselage to the angle of the wings, every aspect of an aircraft's design is carefully considered to optimize performance and efficiency. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or simply appreciate the artistry of engineering, the beauty of aircrafts is undeniable. So, what is the most beautiful aircraft ever built? That is a question that is sure to spark lively debate and discussion among aviation enthusiasts around the world.