Air force facts for kids

An air force is the branch of a country's military which fights in the air. The air force is made up of aircraft such as fighters, bombers, helicopters and transport aircraft. When a navy has its own air force it is called Naval Aviation.

Air forces began in the early 20th century, usually as part of the army. Most countries separated their air forces in the 1930s and 1940s.

Aircraft in an air force sometimes fly in a formation. Formations are when the aircraft fly in a pattern. Air forces is part of the military.

The biggest air force in the world is the United States Air Force (USAF).

Images for kids

Four fighters and a tanker aircraft of the USAF
USAF B-2 Spirit stealth strategic bomber
Refuelling a Jaguar GR1 of the Royal Air Force (1991)
RAF Supermarine Spitfire played a vital role in British victory during the Battle of Britain.
Finnish Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 aircraft of the Finnish Air Force during the Continuation War
German Heinkel He 111 bombers during the Battle of Britain
USAF B-29 in flight
Members of the Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air, the infantry unit of the French Air Force
An airman of the German Air Force Regiment (right) together with an American Security Forces Specialist during an anti-terrorist exercise at Büchel Air Base, Germany in 2007.
U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Commandos training in Jordan