America’s Greatest Fighters — From the Mustang to the Raptor
There are some things the US doesn’t quite get right — healthcare and diet 🍔🍟 might not top the list of national achievements... But when it comes to their military, they absolutely excel.
Few nations can match the legacy of US military fighter jets shaping aviation history.
I still remember one of my first holidays to San Diego — standing on Coronado Beach, feeling the thunder as F-16 Fighting Falcons and F/A-18 Hornets came in to land, kicking up sand and rupturing eardrums. That moment made me fall in love with modern American fighter jets. When I launched my line of hand-drawn schematic T-shirts, I knew this iconic US fighter range had to be front and centre — and I’m constantly looking for more aircraft and stories to bring to life in my aviation apparel.
P-51 Mustang (WWII) — Long-Range Escort Legend
The P-51 Mustang is the classic World War II escort fighter that helped secure Allied air superiority. Its range, speed, and sleek profile made it the Cadillac of the Sky. A timeless favourite at airshows and a foundation of US aviation history.
Vought F4U Corsair — Carrier Icon with the Gull Wings
The F4U Corsair, with its distinctive inverted gull wings, earned a fearsome reputation across the Pacific and later in Korea. I remember seeing them on the USS Middway and thinking just how cool it looked. It’s a symbol of US Navy grit and innovation — a perfect subject for detailed aviation line-art.
F-16 Fighting Falcon — Agile Modern Classic
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a true icon of modern US military aviation. Agile, versatile, and combat-proven, it has been a staple of the US Air Force since the late 1970s, earning a reputation for unmatched performance in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
This used to be my go to in Ace Combat when I was kid as it just felt nimble, lethal and dangerous.
Grumman F-14 Tomcat — Swing-Wing Superstar
A guilty pleasure of mine is to watch Growling Sidewinder in the background whilst I work, with my favourite videos being him take on 'bandit unknowns' in the F-14 Tomcat, with Jester in the Guy In Back role, shouting out enemy movements.
Despite its age, it’s an absolute powerhouse and has forever been immortalised in pop culture with Top Gun. This US Navy fighter icon is a must-have for any aviation enthusiast’s wardrobe. Check out our F-14 Tomcat T-shirt here →
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle — Air-to-Air Dominance
Few aircraft can touch the F-15 Eagle for air superiority. With a legendary kill ratio and blistering performance, it remains a benchmark for US Air Force air-to-air combat. Pure power, captured in clean, hand-drawn schematics. Explore our F-15 Eagle T-shirt →
McDonnell Douglas / Boeing F/A-18 Hornet & Super Hornet — Carrier Workhorse
One of the most formidable modern 2-circle fighters; reliable, and battle-proven, the F/A-18 family is the versatile backbone of the fleet — and the mount of the Blue Angels. From deck launches to precision strikes, this is carrier-based aviation at its best.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor — Stealth, Supercruise, Superiority
I first noticed the F-22 Raptor after watching Michael Bay’s Transformers and Age of the Fallen (reminds me I need to do a Star Scream variant!).
As an adult, I now see it for what it is — a fifth-generation, stealth-shaping, sensor-fusion, supercruising menace to anything airborne, including Chinese weather balloons. It’s the apex of modern US fighter jets — a perfect finale to this journey from piston greats to stealth dominance.
Why These Fighters Inspire Our Designs
Each of these US fighters marks a step forward in technology and tactics — from the WWII P-51 and F4U to the F-14, F-15, F/A-18, and today’s F-22. That evolution is exactly why they feature in my hand-drawn schematic T-shirts: clean line work, authentic silhouettes, and premium heavyweight fabrics for fans, veterans, and pilots alike.
If you love aviation history, US military fighter jets, and wearable art, explore the collection and find your favourite airframe.
🔗 Explore the US Fighter Collection
FAQs (for fellow aviation enthusiasts)
What makes the US Military Fighter Jets so special?
Cutting-edge (alien levels) engineering and technology, cool names and a lineage of innovation from WWII fighters to 5th-gen stealth jets.
Are these designs accurate?
I bloody hope so... Being based in Somerset, UK, I don’t have access to 5th-generation fighters very easily to draw from life — meaning I scour the internet and Instagram for reference images (such as Andrea Aviation Shots, Ben Smith Photography, Simone Maruilli Aviation, & Melanie Meljo). Each drawing carefully produced for accuracy, but let me know if you spot anything off!
Who are these shirts for?
All aviation fans, veterans, pilots, and anyone who appreciates the look and history of US fighter aircraft. All profits go towards giving my daughter a good life.