Flying ace facts for kids

A flying ace is a military pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft in air combat. The idea of calling such a pilot an "ace" started during World War I (1914–18).

Newspapers in France first used the term l'as (which means "the ace" in French) for Adolphe Pégoud. He was the first pilot to shoot down five German planes. Many other pilots later became famous aces. One of the most well-known is the "Red Baron," Manfred von Richthofen, who shot down 80 enemy aircraft.

The pilot with the most confirmed kills was Erich Hartmann, who shot down 352 planes.

Some countries have also recognized tank commanders as "tank aces" if they destroyed five or more enemy tanks.

What is a Flying Ace?

A flying ace is a special title given to a military pilot. To become an ace, a pilot must shoot down at least five enemy aircraft during air combat. This means they fought against other planes in the sky and won.

How the Term "Ace" Began

The term "ace" in military aviation started during World War I. This war lasted from 1914 to 1918. A French pilot named Adolphe Pégoud was the first to be called an "ace." French newspapers gave him this nickname after he shot down five German planes. This made him a hero, and the term stuck for other pilots who achieved similar success.

Famous Flying Aces in History

Many pilots became famous flying aces throughout history. They were known for their incredible skill and bravery in the air.

The Red Baron

One of the most famous aces is Manfred von Richthofen, known as the "Red Baron." He was a German pilot during World War I. He was credited with 80 confirmed air victories, which is the highest for any pilot in that war. His bright red airplane made him very recognizable and feared by his enemies.

The Top Ace of All Time

The pilot with the highest number of confirmed kills in history is Erich Hartmann. He was a German pilot during World War II. Hartmann achieved an astonishing 352 aerial victories. This makes him the top-scoring fighter pilot ever.

Aces in Other Military Roles

While "flying ace" usually refers to pilots, the idea of an "ace" has been used in other military areas too. For example, some countries have recognized armor commanders as "tank aces." These are commanders who have destroyed five or more enemy tanks in battle.

Images for kids

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  The "first French ace," Frenchman Adolphe Pégoud being awarded the Croix de guerre.

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  Manfred von Richthofen, known as the "Red Baron," scored the most officially accepted kills in World War I and is arguably the most famous flying ace of all time.

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  French Colonel René Fonck, to this day the highest-scoring Allied flying ace with 75 victories.

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  Erich Hartmann, with 352 official kills the highest scoring fighter pilot of all time.

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  Major Richard Bong, the top American flying ace in the war, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft in his P-38 Lightning.

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  Ilmari Juutilainen, a Finnish flying ace with Brewster BW-364 "Orange 4" on 26 June 1942 during the Continuation War.

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  Capt. Richard Stephen Ritchie, 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, pictured beside the aircraft in which he became the first Air Force ace of the Vietnam War.

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  Brig. General Jalil Zandi, an ace fighter pilot in the Iranian Air Force. The most successful F-14 Tomcat pilot ever with eight confirmed kills during the Iran-Iraq war.

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  Charles B. DeBellevue, the first USAF weapon systems officer to become a flying ace.

See also

In Spanish: As de la aviación para niños