Technical analysis of the range of fighter planes without refueling: concepts, advantages, USA-Russia-Europe comparisons, precise figures.

The range of fighter planes determines their ability to operate far from their base without airborne logistical support. This technical criterion, too often summarized in theoretical terms, nevertheless determines the real autonomy in offensive or defensive missions. In contemporary warfare, the operational range of a fighter plane has a direct influence on the doctrines of engagement, the infrastructure requirements, and the vulnerabilities of the air force. Understanding this parameter means being able to better identify the industrial and tactical choices of military powers. This text analyzes the very notion of range, its concrete implications, and then compares the performance of American, Russian and European aircraft. The figures are derived from industrial data, technical documents and strategic estimates used by the armed forces.

The range of fighter planes: definition and issues

The range of a fighter jet refers to the distance it can travel from its base, carry out a mission (patrol, attack or interception) and then return, without having to refuel in flight. This data depends on the volume of fuel on board, the flight profile, the engine speed, the payload (weapons and external pods), the cruising altitude, and the safety reserves (diversion, minimum reserve, etc.).

The radius of action should not be confused with the total range, which refers to the maximum flight time or distance without an operational mission. For example, a fighter plane may have a range of 3,500 km but a tactical radius of action of only 1,300 km.

This technical parameter is decisive in three situations:

• Strategic strike depth: the greater the radius of a fighter, the deeper it can strike without depending on a tanker.
• Deployment flexibility: an aircraft with a long range limits the need for forward airfields.
• Ability to operate in a contested theater: the shorter the radius, the greater the dependence on refueling, and therefore the logistical vulnerability.

Manufacturers rarely publish precise figures on the range in real conditions. The available data varies according to the profile: fast interception, low altitude strike, high altitude strike or air-to-air patrol. As an indication:

• A light air-to-air profile can give a range of 1,200 to 1,500 km.
• A heavily armed air-to-ground profile reduces this radius to 700-1,000 km.
• With external tanks, some aircraft can reach 1,800-2,200 km.

Choosing a fighter with an average radius of 1,300 km or more allows for operation without refueling in no-fly zones, but often involves a compromise on maximum takeoff weight.

The range of American fighter jets

The United States has historically favored multirole fighters with a large average radius, particularly because of their long-range projection strategy. The recent trend, however, is toward stealth aircraft with a shorter radius but designed to operate in A2/AD bubbles with logistical support.

F-15E Strike Eagle

The F-15E remains one of the aircraft with the longest range:

• Range in air-to-ground missions: 1,270 km.
• Total range without refueling: 3,900 km.
• Capacity of three external tanks of 1,900 liters each.
• 11 tons of payload.
  This fighter allows long-distance strikes without a tanker, and is still in use despite its age.

F/A-18E Super Hornet

Aircraft with a smaller range:

• Air-to-ground range: 720 km.
• With external tanks: 1,200 km.
• Total range: 2,350 km.
  Designed for the US Navy, it is highly dependent on refueling.

F-22 Raptor

The range of the F-22 is limited by the stealth design:

• Air-to-air range: 750-870 km, without canister.
• No external tanks in stealth configuration.
• Total range: 3,000 km.

F-35A Lightning II

Air-to-ground range in stealth configuration:

• 1,080 km.
• With two GBU-31 bombs and air-to-air missiles.
• No tanks in stealth configuration.
• Total range: 2,200 to 2,400 km.

Note: the F-35 is designed to operate with tanker support from the first hours of a conflict. It is not intended to carry out deep raids without refueling.

The range of Russian fighter planes

Russian fighters historically have a greater range, because their doctrine is based on operations from remote bases, with few tankers available and the need to prohibit large air zones.

Su-30SM / Su-35S

• Air-to-air range: 1,500-1,800 km.
• Range: 3,600 to 4,000 km.
• High internal fuel capacity: 9,400 kg.
• Capacity for 3 additional tanks.
  The Su-35S has a greater radius than the F-15E. It remains the main Russian multirole heavy fighter.

MiG-29SMT

• Reduced range: 700 to 850 km.
• Autonomy: 2,100 km.
• Designed for theater air defense, with limited range.
  The MiG-29 is not well suited to deep strikes without refueling.

Su-57

• Estimated range: 1,500 km.
• Larger internal fuel tank than F-22.
• Enhanced air-to-ground combat capability.
  The Su-57 improves tactical range, but its full operational profile remains uncertain.

The range of European fighter planes

European manufacturers have sought to combine performance and modularity. Aircraft such as the Rafale and the Eurofighter offer a good compromise between range and flexibility.

Dassault Rafale

• Air-to-ground range (3 tanks, 2 SCALP): 1,850 km.
• Standard range without tanks: 1,000-1,200 km.
  Range: 3,700 km.
  Excellent autonomous penetration capability.
  The Rafale is distinguished by its logistical independence in theaters with little permissiveness.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Air-to-air range: 1,390 km.
Air-to-ground range: 1,400 km with drop tanks.
Range: 3,790 km.
Less suited than the Rafale to certain deep strike missions, but effective in long-range air superiority.

Saab JAS-39 Gripen E

• Range: 1,500 km.
• Designed for interoperability and dispersal.
• Low operating cost: approx. €5,400/h.
• Greater range than the F-16, but limited payload.

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