How to Identify Military Aircraft: A Phone Spotter’s Guide

To identify military aircraft, take or upload a clear photo in FlightCatcherPro on your iPhone. Review the suggested aircraft, then save the catch to your hangar. Start with the app; use the checks below if the result is uncertain.

Identify a military aircraft from your photo

1. 1

   Take or upload a clear photo

   Keep the wings, tail and nose in frame where possible. At an airshow or museum, a side or three-quarter view is a useful starting point. You can also try a photo already on your phone.

2. 2

   Review the suggested aircraft

   Compare the result with what you photographed. Look at the wing shape, number of tails and engine layout. A distant or blurred image may not show enough detail to distinguish similar aircraft.

3. 3

   Save your catch

   Once the identification looks right, save the aircraft to your hangar. Museum exhibits and static displays count too, so you do not need to catch it in flight.

Identify your military aircraft photo with FlightCatcherPro →

If the identification is uncertain

Try the clearest photo from the same sighting before doing more research. Check these details together:

• Shape: compare the wings, tail and visible engines with the suggested type.
• Markings: use a readable serial or national insignia as another clue, not proof on its own.
• Display information: at a museum or airshow, compare the result with the exhibit label or official programme.

For current British service aircraft, the RAF aircraft guide provides reference photos and descriptions. If your photo still cannot separate two similar types, leave the exact identification unconfirmed. A guess does not become more reliable just because it is specific.

See the rarity in your hangar

After saving, open your hangar to see the aircraft’s rarity label: Common, Rare, Epic or Legendary. These labels describe the aircraft type, rather than your personal sighting count or an individual serial.

You do not need to count fleets to check the app’s rating. Our rarity explainer covers the labels in more detail.