The History of Planes: The Jet Age (1946 - 1970s)

This plane was a legendary Soviet fighter in the Cold War. It was one of the first fighters to incorporate swept wings. It had a 37mm cannon and two 22mm cannons that were capable of taking down heavy aircraft in a single hit. Its top speed was around 670 miles per hour. It remained a training plane for the Eastern Bloc nations for decades.

by slezo at Wikepedia Commons

The Sikorsky S-55 was a pioneering multi-purpose helicopter that first took off on November 10, 1949. It created early vertical life. It was used from search and rescue to troop transport in the Korean War. It could carry 10-12 passengers or six stretchers for medical reasons. It had a range of 405 miles and it was used in the first transatlantic crossing by helicopter.

by U.S. Army at Wikepedia Commons

This is the most produced aircraft in history, with over 44,000 units made since its release in 1956. Known for its stability, it is a testing platform for more than half of the world's pilots. One model, the Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, is still in active production. THe similar Cessna 172M/N/P in the 1970s and 80s were known for their reliability and mechanical simplicity.

by Peter Bakema at Wikepedia Commons

The Boeing 707 was a legendary four-engline jetline that revolutionized commercial aviation forever. Many sites say that this plane officially started the Jet Age. It was Boeing's first successful commercial jet, setting the standard aircraft design. Pan American World Airlines introduced commercial jet service when they flew the 707 from New York to Paris.

by Altair78 at Wikepedia Commons