Modern Classic

The last analog era. Digital fly-by-wire was coming, but these aircraft were still designed with slide rules and built with analog instruments. The F-14, F-15, and Space Shuttle defined the period.

Historical context

After Apollo, NASA pivoted to the Space Shuttle — reusable spacecraft that flew for thirty years. Military aviation produced iconic aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle. The analog era was ending; digital flight controls and computer-aided design were arriving. These aircraft represent the peak of what human hands and analog minds could create.

Defining characteristics

• • Fourth-generation fighters
• • Fly-by-wire transition begins
• • Space Shuttle era
• • Stealth becomes operational
• • Glass cockpits emerge