U.S. Military Aircraft Nicknames Quiz

Answer: Hustler

Capable of flying at Mach 2, the B-58 originally carried a single nuclear bomb, but was eventually upgraded to carry up to five weapons. The Hustler remained in service until 1970.

Answer: Nightingale

Although the C-9A was primarily used in the United States, Asia and Europe for medical evacuations, it was also used as a passenger transport and to undertake special missions as needed. The C-9A's Navy twin, the C-9B, was known as the Skytrain II.

Answer: Vigilante

Originally designated as the Navy's long-range, carrier-based nuclear bomber, the Vigilante's mission changed with the introduction of ballistic-missile submarines. It became a highly effective reconnaisance aircraft, seeing extensive service during the Vietnam War. The A-5 was retired from service in 1979.

Answer: Mercury

One of numerous aircraft based on Boeing's prolific 707 airframe, the E-6 replaced the turboprop-driven EC-130, a variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo plane, as the Navy's TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) communications platform. The E-6's relatives include the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft and the KC-135 Jet Stratotanker.

Answer: Flying Boxcar

The C-119's twin tail design is reminiscent of Lockheed's World War II fighter, the P-38 Lightning. It proved to be a very popular aircraft, serving with military forces in many countries outside the United States, including Brazil, Canada, Italy and Taiwan.

Answer: Talon

The T-38 has proven to be a versatile aircraft for both the U.S. military and the U.S. space program. In addition to its role as a supersonic training aircraft, it has also served as a chase aircraft during space shuttle landings. It also served for a number of years with the Air Force's precision flying team, the Thunderbirds.

The F-5 Freedom Fighter, a lightweight, single-seat fighter, is the closest relative to the Talon.

Answer: Voodoo

The Voodoo was flown extensively by both the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force (as the CF-101). Many of the aircraft's most notable features evolved when applied to its sibling, the F-4 Phantom, which itself saw extensive duty with the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.

Answer: Super Hornet

In addition to its fleet defense and tactical attack duties, the Super Hornet will also have a variant designated to replace the aging EA-6D Prowler electronic warfare aircraft and the KA-6D tactical tanker. Both of these aircraft are variants of the long-serving Grumman A-6 Intruder.

Answer: Osprey

Despite a design that allows it to take off and hover like a helicopter and fly like a conventional fixed-wing aircraft, the Osprey has its share of problems. At least three fatal crashes and multiple groundings caused by mechanical problems have plagued what has promised to be a high-speed alternative to troop-carrying helicopters.

Answer: Super Sabre

A direct descendant of North American's Korean War champion, the F-86 Sabre, the F-100 Super Sabre saw extensive action in Vietnam as a tactical bomber, a fighter aircraft, and an air-defense suppression aircraft (in the Wild Weasel role). Super Sabres were also used by the Thunderbirds in their aerial demonstrations. The last F-100s were retired in 1979.