FlightGear includes fighter jets. Learn where to download compatible aircraft, install them correctly, and fix jets missing from the launcher.
Yes. FlightGear supports fighter jets, including community-developed military aircraft such as the F-14B, A-4, A-10 and Alpha Jet. Most are not bundled with every installation; get them through FlightGear's aircraft catalogue in the launcher, or install a compatible aircraft package manually in a folder registered as an additional aircraft path.
Which fighter jets are available in FlightGear?
The available selection depends on the aircraft catalogue associated with your FlightGear release. The F-14B is a notable fighter, while the A-4, A-10 and Alpha Jet represent the wider military-jet category of strike aircraft and armed trainers.
Aircraft depth varies sharply. One package may model radar, carrier operations and detailed cockpit procedures; another may provide little beyond a flyable external model. Our overview of military aircraft and combat features in FlightGear explains what to expect from individual packages.
Where should I download FlightGear fighter jets?
The launcher catalogue is the best first choice because it handles the package and usually presents aircraft intended for the installed simulator generation. Manual packages are useful when a particular jet is absent from that catalogue, but they require more attention to compatibility and folder structure.
| Source | Choose it when | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Bundled aircraft | You want something immediately available offline | The installed selection is limited |
| Launcher aircraft catalogue | You want the simplest installation and aircraft management | The catalogue can differ between FlightGear releases |
| Manual aircraft package | You need a jet not offered through your launcher | You must verify compatibility and install the folder correctly |
For a fuller explanation of catalogue browsing and package locations, see our guide to finding and adding more FlightGear aircraft. If aircraft quality matters more than sheer quantity, our recommended FlightGear aircraft and add-ons highlights stronger packages, including a military option.
How do I install a fighter jet through the launcher?
- Open the aircraft browser. Use the aircraft browsing or download area in the FlightGear launcher; its exact placement can vary with the launcher version.
- Search for the aircraft. Try its designation, manufacturer or a broad term such as
military. - Check compatibility. Prefer the catalogue linked to your installed FlightGear release rather than an old package copied from another installation.
- Install the package. Let the launcher finish downloading and unpacking all files before selecting another screen or closing it.
- Select and launch it. Return to the aircraft selector and choose the newly installed jet.
How do I install a manually downloaded jet?
- Extract the archive once. FlightGear cannot load an aircraft directly from a ZIP or similar archive.
- Inspect the package root. The aircraft's own directory should contain its
-set.xmlfile. A typical layout isFlightGear-Aircraft/MyJet/MyJet-set.xml. - Register the parent folder. Add
FlightGear-Aircraft, not the individualMyJetdirectory, to the launcher's additional aircraft paths. - Restart or rescan. Reopen the aircraft selector so FlightGear detects the package.
Keep manually installed aircraft outside the simulator's core program directory. This avoids permissions trouble and reduces the chance of an update overwriting or obscuring the package.
Why does the fighter jet not appear or work?
A missing jet is usually caused by an unextracted archive, the wrong additional-aircraft path or an extra nested folder. Check that the registered parent directory contains the aircraft folder and that the next level down contains the aircraft's -set.xml file.
- Duplicate copies: Two versions with the same aircraft identifier can cause FlightGear to load the wrong one. Remove or rename the obsolete copy.
- Release mismatch: Older packages may produce XML, model or Nasal script errors on a different FlightGear generation. Use a compatible catalogue version where possible.
- Incomplete download: Missing models, instruments or shared assets can leave the aircraft invisible or partially functional. Reinstall it through the launcher.
- Dead controls after loading: A detailed jet may start cold and dark. Use its included help, checklist or autostart facility, if provided, to establish electrical, fuel and hydraulic power.
Do FlightGear fighter jets have working weapons?
Some do, but weapons are aircraft-specific rather than guaranteed by FlightGear. A package may simulate radar, stores, gun effects or guided weapons, while another models only flight and cockpit systems. FlightGear should therefore be treated primarily as an open flight simulator, not as a standardised combat game with universal damage modelling and campaigns.