Can You Name The Function Of These Aircraft?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name The Function Of These Aircraft?
Image: TheGreatFlyer via Youtube

About This Quiz


Since Orville and Wilbur Wright first flew on the beach at Kittyhawk on that December morning in 1903, aircraft have come on in leaps and bounds over the period of a little more than100 years. 

The Wright Flyer was made out of wood, canvass and bicycle parts. Today, aircraft are made of out lightweight metals, have powerful engines and are filled with multitudes of computers - a far cry from Orville and Wilbur's creation.

And of course, aircraft now do many different tasks. From military machines which almost have an infinite number of roles, it seems, to commercial aircraft, each is designed for a specific task - in most cases! But in general, aircraft either have military purposes, carry people or cargo or are used in commercial situations and for entertainment.

In this quiz, we are going to test your general aviation knowledge. We will do this by presenting you with a picture of an aircraft and you must decide what it does on a daily basis, or what type of aircraft it is, duty wise. 

Seem easy? Well, you better have an excellent knowledge of aircraft going right back to the Second World War! So get that aviation-related gray matter together, click start and let's see how much you really know!

Good luck!


North American B -25 Mitchell
voznipark.si via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
This American bomber served during World War II. Although it did not receive the recognition of the more famous B-17, it did perform the first bombing raid against Tokyo in 1942. Led by James Doolittle, a squadron of North American B-25's took off from an aircraft carrier in the Pacific to bomb the Japanese capital.
Cargo aircraft
Passenger aircraft
Fighter

Advertisement

Antonov An-124 Condor
Cargospotter via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
Cargo aircraft
The Antonov An-124 Condor first flew in 1982. This massive cargo plane, operated by Russia, is the second-biggest cargo plane operating in the world today.
Passenger aircraft
Fighter

Advertisement

Hawker Hurricane
Wings via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
Cargo aircraft
Fighter
Together with the Supermarine Spitfire, the Hawker Hurricane saw off the German Luftwaffe during World War II, most notably during the Battle of Britain. Failure to do so would have seen Germany hold air superiority, which would have let Hitler invade the island nation. Although not as famous as the Spitfire, the Hurricane was an excellent fighter in its own right.
Passenger

Advertisement

Boeing 727
United via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
Cargo aircraft
Fighter
Passenger aircraft
This mid-sized three-engine passenger jet was first introduced by Boeing in 1963. The 727 carries up to 189 passengers and is characterized by the third engine which forms part of its tail assembly.

Advertisement

Rockwell B -1 Lancer Long Range Heavy Bomber
Wiki Commons by Senior Airman Sean M. White, U.S. Air Force [Public domain]
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
The Rockwell B-1 Lancer is a swept-wing strategic bomber that entered service in the U.S. Air Force in 1986. It is capable of speeds of around Mach 1.25.
Fighter
Troop transport
Passenger aircraft

Advertisement

Douglas A4 Skyhawk
AirshowStuffVideos via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Passenger aircraft
Cargo aircraft
Business jet
Ground attack aircraft
The Douglas A4 Skyhawk is a carrier-based attack aircraft first introduced to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in 1956. It saw extensive service during the Vietnam War.

Advertisement

Eurofighter Typhoon
Wiki Commons
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Sailplane
Multirole aircraft
Developed by a host of European nations, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engined, delta wing, multirole aircraft. It entered service in 2003.
Cargo aircraft
Passenger aircraft

Advertisement

Beechcraft Bonanza
Flight of Passage via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Light commercial aircraft
The Beechcraft Bonanza is a light aircraft that first flew in 1985. Still in service today, more than 17,000 have been built. It is noted for its V-shaped tail.
Fighter
Bomber
Cargo aircraft

Advertisement

Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Wiki Commons
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Troop transport
Passenger aircraft
Fighter
The first all-metal fighter produced by the United States, the Boeing P-26 Peashooter first flew in 1932. Chinese-built Peashooters saw action against the Japanese before the outbreak of World War II, while the Peashooter also served in the Pacific with the Philippine Army Air Force.
Cargo aircraft

Advertisement

Super Guppy
AIRBOYD via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Fighter
Cargo aircraft
The Aero Spacelines Super Guppy is an interesting-looking aircraft. It is used to transport large cargo pieces. The Super Guppy first flew in 1965. Only five were built.
Light commercial aircraft
Ground attack aircraft

Advertisement

Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Fight to Fly Photography via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Fighter
Bomber
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator played an important role in bombing campaigns throughout World War II. This heavy bomber saw action in Europe, Africa and the Pacific.
Taildragger
Biplane

Advertisement

Airbus A400M Atlas
EdoStuff Aviation via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Light commercial aircraft
Military transport aircraft
Introduced in 2013, the Airbus A400M Atlas is a military transport aircraft used by a number of airforces around the world. It is set to replace the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Biplane
Seaplane

Advertisement

Honda HA-420 HondaJet
GVA Spotter via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Ground attack aircraft
Bomber
Fighter
Business jet
They don't just build motorcycles and cars but jets too! The Honda HA-420 HondaJet was first flown in 2003 but officially entered service in 2015. It is designed as a light business jet or executive transport.

Advertisement

Bell P-39 Airacobra
youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Light commercial aircraft
Fighter
First introduced in 1941, the Bell P39 Airacobra was an American fighter aircraft that saw extensive service with the Soviet air force during World War II. The engine was placed behind the pilot with a long shaft driving the propeller.
Biplane
Seaplane

Advertisement

Ilyushin Il-76
Cargospotter via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Cargo aircraft
This strategic airlifter and cargo plane first entered service with Soviet forces in 1974. The Ilyushin Il-76 still serves with the Russian, Ukraine and Indian airforces.
Fighter
Light commercial aircraft
Biplane

Advertisement

Boeing B47 Stratojet
DOCUMENTARY TUBE via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Fighter
Bomber
The Boeing B47 Stratojet, a long-range strategic bomber, first entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1947. Its design, with engines mounted on stems from the wings, was a forerunner to modern airliners. It remained in service for 20 years.
Seaplane
Passenger aircraft

Advertisement

Boeing 777
Wiki Commons
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Fighter
Bomber
Passenger aircraft
The two-engined Boeing 777 first entered service in 1995. It can carry up to 396 passengers over 15,000 kilometers.
Seaplane

Advertisement

C-130J Super Hercules
Logic Earth Via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
Cargo aircraft
An updated version of the C130 Hercules, the Super Hercules includes new engines, flight deck and various other systems. It first entered service in 1999.
Fighter
Biplane

Advertisement

North American F-86 Sabre
spencerhughes2255 via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Biplane
Fighter
One of the world's most successful jet fighters, the North American F-86 Sabre saw extensive action during the Korean War where it proved more than a match for Russian Mig 15's.
Seaplane
Cargo aircraft

Advertisement

Vickers Valiant
АудиоОбзорыСМИ via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
Part of the famed 'V' bomber force of the Britsh Airforce, the Vickers Valiant was a nuclear-capable bomber that served from 1951 to 1965.
Fighter
Cargo aircraft
Seaplane

Advertisement

Grumman F8F Bearcat
youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Biplane
Seaplane
Light commercial aircraft
Fighter
This single-seat carrier-based fighter entered service in 1944 although never saw action during World War II. After the war, Bearcats were used in air racing. A modified Bearcat holds the record for the fastest piston engine aircraft (528 mph).

Advertisement

McDonnell Douglas DC-10
Frankie HM Channel via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Airliner
Introduced in 1971, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 is a three-engined airliner first introduced in 1971.
Fighter
Ground attack aircraft
Bomber

Advertisement

Handley Page Victor
PlanesTV via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Business jet
Fighter
Bomber
Part of the famed 'V' bomber force of the British Air Force, the Handley Page Victor served with the Royal Air Force from 1958 to 1993.
Transport aircraft

Advertisement

Douglas DC-4
RyanBomar via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Biplane
Passenger aircraft
Produced between 1942 and 1947, the Douglas DC-4 is a four-engine passenger transport aircraft. It was also used in the military. It could carry up to 80 passengers.
Light commercial aircraft
Glider

Advertisement

Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
Mach1Airspace via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Fighter
One of the first jets in the U.S. military, the P-80 Shooting Star entered service in 1945. It started life as a pure fighter but went on to perform a ground attack role as well.
Passenger aircraft
Cargo aircraft
Bomber

Advertisement

Mikoyan MiG-29K
Wiki Commons
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Light commercial aircraft
Fighter
A fourth-generation fighter, the Mig 29 first entered service in 1982. It has been a popular export for Russia and operates in more than 30 countries around the world.
Biplane
Tail dragger

Advertisement

Douglas DC-8
Classic Airliners & Vintage Pop Culture via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Airliner
The Douglas DC-8 was an airliner produced between 1958 and 1972. More than 500 were produced and some still fly today but mainly hauling cargo.
Fighter
Bomber
Ground attack aircraft

Advertisement

Messerschmitt Bf110
mmmodelworkshop via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Airliner
Taildragger
Seaplane
Fighter
This two-seat, two-engine fighter performed poorly for the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain where it was no match for the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. in fact, the Messerschmitt BF110 often needed its own fighter escort, despite the fact that it was a fighter.

Advertisement

Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire
RS via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Bomber
The Tupolev Tu-22M is a variable swept wing long-range strategic bomber that has served in the Russian Air Force since 1972. It is capable of supersonic flight.
Cargo aircraft
Airliner
Business jet

Advertisement

Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig 3
PlanesTV via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Airliner
Fighter
One of the main Soviet fighters of World War II, the Mig 3 served in a variety of roles but most noticeably as an interceptor. More than 3,400 were built.
Cargo aircraft
Biplane

Advertisement

Hawker Typhoon
Wings via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Seaplane
Cargo aircraft
Ground attack aircraft
Introduced in 1941, the Hawker Typhoon was initially designed as an interceptor but went on to become one of the most successful ground attack aircraft of World War II.
Passenger aircraft

Advertisement

Fokker 100
youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Passenger aircraft
A medium, twin-engine jet airliner, the Fokker 100 first entered service in 1988. Originally, the aircraft only carried about 31 passengers., although this has increased as the aircraft has been upgraded.
Fighter
Bomber
Seaplane

Advertisement

Learjet 60
EdoStuff Aviation via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Cargo aircraft
Executive jet
A medium range business jet, the Learjet 60 first entered service in 1993. At a cost of around $14 million, 400 units of this aircraft have been sold.
Bomber
Glider

Advertisement

Gloster Meteor
Historical Aviation Film Unit via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Fighter
The first British fighter jet, the Gloster Meteor entered service in 1944. Close to 4,000 were built before new swept wing designs made them obsolete.
Light commercial aircraft
Taildragger
Passenger aircraft

Advertisement

Messerchmitt 262
FLUGMUSEUM MESSERSCHMITT via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Passenger aircraft
Fighter
One of a number of German jets to see active service during World War II, the Messerschmitt 262 was a formidable adversary and if it had been available in larger numbers, would have caused havoc to Allied bombers. It was extremely vunerable taking off and landing and thanks to its command of the air, Allied pilots would often wait over German airfields for them.
Cargo aircraft
Sailplane

Advertisement

North American Sabreliner
Berne Aviation HD via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Glider
Bomber
Fighter
Business jet
The Sabreline is a business jet first introduced in 1962. It serves in both civil and military aviation.

Advertisement

Messerschmitt 163
Wings via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Fighter
One of a number of German jets to see active service during World War II, the Messerschmitt 163 Komet was a small a small, rocket-powered fighter. It was the first plane to reach 1,000 km/h in level flight. Only 370 were built.
Bomber
Cargo aircraft
Executive jet

Advertisement

Beechcratft 1900
235FireFly via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Passenger aircraft
This turboprop fixed-wing aircraft is used mainly as a regional airliner. The Beechcraft 1900 can carry up to 19 passengers up to distances of 600 miles.
Sailplane
Taildragger
Biplane

Advertisement

Panavia Tornado
Wiki Commons
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Cargo aircraft
Glider
Multirole aircraft
The Panavia Tornado saw service in a number of European air forces from 1979. A multirole aircraft, it was developed by Italy, Great Britain and West Germany.
Seaplane

Advertisement

Boeing 377 Stratocruiser
Classic Airliners & Vintage Pop Culture via Youtube
What type of aircraft is this or what function does it fulfill?
Passenger aircraft
This long-range piston-engined airliner first entered service in 1947 and could transport up to 114 passengers. It remained in service until the early 1960s. During this period, 56 were built.
Amphibious aircraft
Fighter
Light commercial aircraft

Advertisement

You Got:
/40
TheGreatFlyer via Youtube