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Quizzes > General Knowledge & Mixed

Air Force Trivia: Test Your Knowledge of Aircraft, Ranks, and History

Quick, free USAF quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Crazy WorldUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art jet silhouette emblem and quiz text on coral background inviting test of air force trivia skills

Take this Air Force trivia quiz to check your knowledge of aircraft, ranks, and key moments in history. See your score instantly, learn a few facts as you go, and spot gaps to review. Want more practice? Try the Air Force rank order quiz, challenge yourself with a fighter jet quiz, or explore doctrine in the AFI 10-201 quiz.

When was the United States Air Force established as a separate branch of the U.S. military?
September 18, 1947
July 4, 1946
June 1, 1947
December 7, 1941
The National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the U.S. armed forces and formally established the Air Force as a separate branch on September 18, 1947. Prior to that, air operations were part of the U.S. Army Air Forces. The date is celebrated each year as the Air Force's birthday. .
What is the official motto of the United States Air Force?
Aim High...Fly-Fight-Win
Strike Hard, Strike Fast
Semper Paratus
First to Fight
The official motto of the U.S. Air Force is 'Aim High...Fly-Fight-Win,' reflecting its mission to excel in air and space superiority. This motto was adopted in 2000 to encapsulate Air Force core values. It highlights the service's commitment to excellence and victory. .
Which of the following is NOT one of the three Core Values of the U.S. Air Force?
Excellence in All We Do
Loyalty Without Question
Integrity First
Service Before Self
The three Core Values of the U.S. Air Force are 'Integrity First,' 'Service Before Self,' and 'Excellence in All We Do.' 'Loyalty Without Question' is not part of this official triad. These values guide behavior and decision-making within the service. .
What does the acronym 'USAF' stand for?
United States Armed Force
United States Army Force
United States Armed Federal
United States Air Force
'USAF' is the standard abbreviation for the United States Air Force, the aerial and space warfare service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. This acronym appears on official documents, uniforms, and aircraft. It distinguishes the Air Force from other services. .
Which aircraft is nicknamed the 'Warthog' in U.S. Air Force service?
F-18 Hornet
F-16 Fighting Falcon
A-10 Thunderbolt II
F-15 Eagle
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is commonly called the 'Warthog' for its rugged appearance and powerful GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon. It was designed for close air support of ground forces. Its durability and survivability earned it this unofficial nickname. .
Where do all enlisted airmen in the U.S. Air Force conduct Basic Military Training?
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
Edwards Air Force Base, California
All enlisted recruits in the U.S. Air Force attend Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. This technical and physical training period lasts about 8.5 weeks. It is foundational for developing military discipline and skills. .
Which major command is primarily responsible for airlift and aerial refueling missions?
Air Education and Training Command
Pacific Air Forces
Air Mobility Command
Air Combat Command
Air Mobility Command (AMC) is the USAF major command charged with providing global airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation. AMC's fleet includes C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. It ensures rapid mobility of U.S. forces around the world. .
Which rank is indicated by a silver eagle insignia on the uniform?
Brigadier General
Colonel
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
A silver eagle insignia denotes the rank of Colonel (O-6) in the U.S. Air Force. It is the highest field-grade officer rank, just below Brigadier General. The eagle is worn on the shoulder epaulets or collar. .
Which air-to-air missile, known for its active radar homing capability, is commonly carried by F-15 and F-22 fighters?
AIM-9 Sidewinder
AIM-120 AMRAAM
AIM-54 Phoenix
AIM-7 Sparrow
The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) features active radar homing, allowing pilots to 'fire-and-forget.' It is a primary missile on F-15 and F-22 aircraft. Its range and guidance make it a key component of U.S. air superiority. .
What stealth bomber first entered service in 1997 and is capable of long-range, low-observable penetration missions?
B-2 Spirit
B-52 Stratofortress
F-117 Nighthawk
B-1B Lancer
The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber was introduced in 1997 and is designed for penetrating dense anti-aircraft defenses. Its flying wing design and radar-absorbent materials make it difficult to detect. The B-2 carries both conventional and nuclear payloads. .
The E-4B Nightwatch aircraft is best known by which informal nickname?
Looking Glass
Night Falcon
Sky Guardian
Doomsday Plane
The E-4B Nightwatch is informally called the 'Doomsday Plane' because it serves as a mobile command post in case of nuclear war. It provides survivable communications for the National Command Authority. The name highlights its role in continuity of government. .
What is the primary mission of Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)?
Organize and train combat forces
Manage and develop personnel
Equip, sustain and modernize Air Force weapon systems
Conduct intelligence operations
Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is responsible for research, development, testing, and sustainment of Air Force weapon systems and equipment. It manages acquisition and lifecycle support to ensure readiness. AFMC's role is critical for maintaining technological edge. .
Which aerial refueling tanker has been in U.S. Air Force service since the 1950s?
KC-46 Pegasus
KC-130 Hercules
KC-10 Extender
KC-135 Stratotanker
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service in 1957 as the USAF's first jet-powered aerial refueling tanker. It remains a backbone of the tanker fleet, providing fuel to fighters, bombers, and transports worldwide. Ongoing upgrades extend its service life. .
Which decoration is the U.S. Air Force's second-highest military award for valor?
Air Force Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star
Silver Star
The Air Force Cross is the second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the U.S. Air Force, second only to the Medal of Honor. It recognizes extraordinary heroism in combat not justifying the Medal of Honor. .
Which rank is denoted by a silver eagle shoulder insignia in the U.S. Air Force?
Major
Brigadier General
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
In the USAF, a silver eagle insignia denotes the rank of Colonel (O-6). Brigadier General is signified by one silver star, and Lieutenant Colonel by a silver oak leaf. Understanding insignia is key to recognizing authority. .
Which aircraft largely replaced the F-111 in the air-to-ground role during the 1980s and 1990s?
F-16 Fighting Falcon
A-6 Intruder
F-14 Tomcat
F-15E Strike Eagle
The F-15E Strike Eagle, introduced in 1988, took over many of the F-111's deep-strike and interdiction missions. Its design blends air-to-air combat capabilities with air-to-ground precision attack. The F-15E remains a key USAF strike platform. .
Which unmanned aerial vehicle is nicknamed the 'Beast of Kandahar'?
MQ-1 Predator
RQ-4 Global Hawk
RQ-170 Sentinel
MQ-9 Reaper
The RQ-170 Sentinel has been called the 'Beast of Kandahar' due to its secretive operations out of Kandahar Airfield. It is a stealth reconnaissance UAV developed by Lockheed Martin. Very little is officially published about its capabilities. .
Which engine powers the F-35 Lightning II?
Pratt & Whitney F135
Rolls-Royce Trent 1000
Pratt & Whitney F119
General Electric F110
The Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine is the primary powerplant for all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II. It is the most powerful engine ever developed for a fighter aircraft. The F135 provides stealth-compatible performance and supersonic capability. .
What is the designation of the current intercontinental ballistic missile in USAF service?
UGM-133 Trident II
LGM-118A Peacekeeper
LGM-30G Minuteman III
SGM-118 Peacekeeper
The LGM-30G Minuteman III is the only ICBM currently deployed in the U.S. land-based nuclear arsenal. It entered service in 1970 and has undergone multiple upgrades. Minuteman III provides a prompt, survivable nuclear deterrent. .
In U.S. Air Force aircraft designations, what does the letter 'C' represent?
Combat
Command
Close Air Support
Cargo
In USAF designation nomenclature, 'C' indicates 'Cargo' or transport aircraft (e.g., C-130 Hercules). Other letters include 'F' for fighter and 'B' for bomber. Understanding the designation helps identify an aircraft's mission. .
In the F-35 variant designations, what capability differentiates the F-35B from the F-35A?
Conventional takeoff and landing
Short takeoff and vertical landing
Carrier-based operations
Unmanned operations
The F-35B is the STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) variant, equipped with a lift fan and swivel nozzle. The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version. The F-35C is the carrier-based variant. .
Which radar system is fitted on the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft?
AN/APG-63
AN/APY-2
AN/APG-77
AN/APY-1
The E-3 Sentry AWACS uses the AN/APY-2 radar, which provides long-range detection, tracking, and identification of airborne targets. Its rotating rotodome allows 360-degree coverage. This radar is key to command and control missions. .
What is the maximum unrefueled combat radius of the F-22 Raptor?
800 nautical miles
690 nautical miles
1,200 nautical miles
460 nautical miles
The F-22 Raptor has a combat radius of approximately 460 nautical miles on internal fuel, optimized for stealth. External tanks can extend its range, but stealth is reduced. This range allows it to conduct air superiority missions deep into contested airspace. .
What rank does the Judge Advocate General (TJAG) of the U.S. Air Force hold?
Colonel
Major General
Lieutenant General
Brigadier General
The Judge Advocate General (TJAG) of the U.S. Air Force holds the rank of Major General (two stars). The TJAG leads the Air Force JAG Corps, overseeing legal services, military justice, and operational law. .
Which AESA radar upgrade is fitted to the F-16V (Viper) variant?
AN/APY-2
AN/APG-83 SABR
AN/APG-77
AN/APG-63(V)3
The F-16V variant receives the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) AESA upgrade, improving detection range, tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities. It enhances the aircraft's situational awareness and combat performance. .
At approximately what altitude does the U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft typically operate?
50,000 feet
80,000 feet
70,000 feet
60,000 feet
The U-2 Dragon Lady is designed for very high-altitude reconnaissance, operating above 70,000 feet to avoid most threats. Its flight ceiling gives it exceptional surveillance capability. Pilots wear full pressure suits similar to space suits. .
Which major command is primarily responsible for air operations in the Indo-Pacific region?
Air Combat Command
United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
Pacific Air Forces
Air Mobility Command
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is the USAF major command tasked with air operations across the Indo-Pacific theater. It supports U.S. interests in the region through deterrence, airpower projection, and humanitarian assistance. PACAF's area covers half the globe. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Air Force History -

    Trace key events from the service's origins in World War I through modern developments to grasp the evolution of air force operations.

  2. Identify Air Force Ranks -

    Recognize and differentiate between enlisted, officer, and general ranks along with their corresponding insignia.

  3. Distinguish Major Aircraft -

    Learn to name and classify primary fighter, transport, and reconnaissance aircraft used by the air force.

  4. Analyze Operational Concepts -

    Examine strategic air force missions, tactics, and technical details that commonly appear in trivia questions.

  5. Recall Key Trivia Facts -

    Memorize important dates, milestones, and figures related to air force history and missions.

  6. Apply Quiz Strategies -

    Use critical thinking and test-taking approaches to answer airforce test questions and improve your quiz score.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Origins and Evolution of the USAF -

    The United States Air Force became an independent branch in 1947 under the National Security Act, but its roots trace back to the Wright brothers' first flight and the Army Air Service of World War I. Key milestones like the formation of Strategic Air Command in 1946 help illustrate its strategic growth (source: USAF Historical Research Agency). Use a simple timeline mnemonic - "1914 - 1947: Wings of Change" - to lock in these dates.

  2. Rank Structure and Insignia -

    The Air Force rank hierarchy spans enlisted airmen (E-1 to E-9), commissioned officers (O-1 to O-10), and special positions like Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Insignia combine chevrons, bars, and stars - flashcards can help you distinguish an E-5 Staff Sergeant's chevrons from an O-3 Captain's bars (source: Air Force Doctrine Publication 1). Try the "Eagle Bars & Chevron Stars" mnemonic to recall officer versus enlisted symbols.

  3. Aircraft Categories and Roles -

    The USAF employs fighters (F-22, F-35), bombers (B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress), transports (C-17 Globemaster III), and special mission aircraft like the RC-135. Classify them with the mnemonic "F-B-T-R" (Fighter-Bomber-Transport-Recon). Reviewing performance specs - top speed, payload, range - sharpens your aircraft ID skills (source: Air Force Materiel Command).

  4. Core Mission Areas -

    Air Force missions include Air Superiority, Global Strike, Rapid Global Mobility, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and Command & Control. The acronym "ASGMRIC" can help you recall these six pillars in order. Understanding how each mission integrates in joint operations is crucial for trivia on force capabilities (source: Department of the Air Force Doctrine).

  5. Core Values and Mottos -

    The foundational USAF core values - Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do - drive every operation and decision. Memorize them with the phrase "I See Excellence" to reinforce the order and meaning. Familiarity with these values also aids in questions about Air Force culture and leadership standards (source: Air Force Instruction 1-1).

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