Summary F-117 "Stink Bug" - Stealthy design led to playful nickname; unconventional aircraft, ironic humor in aviation community. F/A-18 Super Hornet "Rhino" - Larger, more advanced variant; distinct from baseline, carrier ops unique requirements. F-15 Eagle - "Flying Tennis Court" and "Mudhen" - Unrivaled air superiority; Mudhen reflects dual capability.
Most military aviation enthusiasts know aircraft names such as the Stratofortress, Tomcat, and Eagle. However, some may be surprised to learn that military aircraft are also given nicknames by the pilots who fly them and the crews on the ground who maintain them. Born from great respect and admiration, these monikers, ranging from fearsome to funny, endow the aircraft with a personality of sorts and foster camaraderie among the military community.
From the revered "Rhino" to the mysterious "Dragon Lady," each nickname tells a story, one reflecting the aircraft's defining characteristics and quirks. This article will explore the origins of ten cool nicknames for military aircraft. 1 F-117 Nighthawk Nickname: "Stink Bug" Date deployed 1982 Length 63 ft 9 in (19.
4 m) Wingspan 43 ft 4 in (13.2 m) Range Unlimited with air refueling Known for its groundbreaking capabilities, the F-117 Nighthawk was the first operational aircraft designed around stealth technology. Developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, the goal was to create a plane that could penetrate heavily defended airspace without detection.
This ambition led t.