The USS Gerald R. Ford sailed on her maiden voyage out of Norfolk on October 4, 2022, representing the most modern aircraft carrier in existence. Although this modern vessel represented a significant upgrade, it also emphasized the longevity of some of America’s military equipment, especially when compared to the typical airplane lifespan estimated at about fifty years.
However, cheaper pieces of military equipment exist, such as simple aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. A list has been prepared by CEOWORLD magazine, which puts together a ranking showing America’s oldest military weapons, their period of manufacture, and continuous usage. Certain weapons, albeit ceased from being used in wars, still remain active in military training and ceremonies.
- M224 LWCMS
Year Introduced: 1978
Type: Mortar
Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
In 1978, M224 Lightweight Company Mortar System substituted the mortars dated back to WWII – M2 and M19. It can fire up to 3,500 metres using 60-millimetre ammunition, which is almost twice the range of its predecessor. It weighs only about 37.5 lbs and has a twenty-round firing rate within an interval of one minute, supported by a three-man crew. - M240
Year Introduced: 1977
Type: General-purpose machine gun
Designer/Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
A standard US Army firearm created by FN was introduced into service back in 1987 – the M240. It employs ordinary 7.62x51mm NATO rounds on further ranged distances of fire. A modernized version of this weapon is lighter but still plays an important role, being a major service weapon of the US Army and Marine Corps. - Emory S. Land Class Submarine Tender
Year Introduced: 1977
Type: Submarine tender
Designer/Manufacturer: Lockheed
Introduced in 1977, the Emory S. Land Class Submarine Tender, designed and manufactured by Lockheed, serves as a vital support vessel for Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarines and other surface ships. These tenders function as floating workshops, capable of conducting maintenance operations at sea or in port while also providing essential supplies. - Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier
Year Introduced: 1975
Type: Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Designer/Manufacturer: Newport News Shipbuilding
The Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier, with its first deployment in 1975, represents a formidable force in the U.S. Navy. These nuclear-powered carriers, measuring 317 meters (1,040 feet) in length, can accommodate about 4,700 personnel and carry up to 60 aircraft. As of 2022, they held the title of the largest warships globally until the introduction of the Gerald R. Ford class in 2022. - M67
Year Introduced: 1968
Type: Hand grenade
Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
Introduced in 1968, the M67 hand grenade, a 2.5-inch diameter sphere-shaped fragmentation grenade, played a crucial role in close combat. It became the most widely used frag grenade among U.S. troops during the later years of the Vietnam War, boasting a lethal blast radius of 5 meters and the ability to cause injuries up to three times that radius. - AAV-7
Year Introduced: 1972
Type: Amphibious armored personnel carrier
Designer/Manufacturer: United Defense
In response to the need for an improved amphibious armored personnel carrier, the AAV-7, also known as the “Battle Bus,” was introduced in 1972. Developed by United Defense, it became a mainstay of the U.S. Marine Corps, proving effective in transporting troops from sea to land under combat conditions. - USS Blue Ridge Class Amphibious Command Ship
Year Introduced: 1971
Type: Amphibious command and control ship
Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
The USS Blue Ridge Class Amphibious Command Ship, designed from the ground up as a command and control center for fleet leaders of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, entered service in 1971. These ships, equipped to keep pace with amphibious assault forces, house a crew of about 560 enlisted personnel and 34 officers, with expected service until 2039. - BGM-71 TOW
Year Introduced: 1970
Type: Anti-tank missile
Designer/Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft Company
The BGM-71 TOW, introduced in 1970, is a wire-guided anti-tank missile developed by the Hughes Aircraft Company. Utilizing thin, unspooling wires for guidance, the TOW system became one of the most widely used anti-tank missiles, demonstrating its effectiveness against mobile targets at considerable distances. - Remington 870
Year Introduced: 1969
Type: Shotgun
Designer/Manufacturer: Remington
The Remington 870, introduced in 1969, is the oldest shotgun still in use by the U.S. military. Originating from the Marine Corps’ quest to replace World War II-era shotguns, the Model 870 Mark 1 features a bayonet adapter, rifle sights, and an extended magazine of eight rounds, including one in the chamber. - Mk 19
Year Introduced: 1968
Type: Grenade launcher
Designer/Manufacturer: Saco Defense
The Mk 19 grenade launcher, introduced in 1968, is a potent weapon with the capability to fire 40mm high explosive grenades at a rapid rate, reaching up to 60 rounds per minute. Typically mounted on heavy vehicles or tripods, it poses a significant threat, capable of penetrating up to 50mm of armor plating with a direct hit. - M197 Vulcan
Year Introduced: 1967
Type: Rotary cannon
Designer/Manufacturer: General Dynamics
The M197 Vulcan, a three-barrel rotary cannon, entered service in 1967. Developed by General Dynamics, it was designed to arm U.S. Army gunboat helicopters with a more effective weapon than those used during the Vietnam War. Mounted on modern attack helicopters, the M197 Vulcan utilizes a 700-round, chain-linked magazine of large 20mm rounds, typically fired in bursts of 30 to 50 rounds. - CH-47 Chinook
Year Introduced: 1966
Type: Transport helicopter
Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
The CH-47 Chinook, introduced in 1966, is a distinctive tandem-rotor helicopter that initially served in the Vietnam War, transporting artillery to firebases. Renowned for its ability to navigate mountainous terrains, it proved invaluable during the war in Afghanistan. The CH-47 remains a reliable means to swiftly transport heavy equipment and personnel. - GE M134 Minigun
Year Introduced: 1963
Type: Rotary medium machine gun
Designer/Manufacturer: General Electric
The GE M134 Minigun, introduced in 1963, is a vehicle-mounted version of the M61 Vulcan Gatling-style rotary gun. Capable of spewing between 2,000 and 6,000 rounds per minute, it is known for its formidable suppression capabilities. Unlike its Hollywood depiction, the Minigun requires heavy external power packs and is affixed to air, land, or sea vehicles. - LGM-30 Minuteman
Year Introduced: 1962
Type: Intercontinental ballistic missile
Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
The LGM-30 Minuteman, introduced in 1962, represents the first intercontinental ballistic missile capable of deploying multiple warheads for enhanced destructive power. Integral to the U.S. nuclear triad, the Minuteman III, with a range of about 6,000 miles, is a key component of the U.S. Air Force’s land-based nuclear delivery system. - M109 Howitzer
Year Introduced: 1962
Type: Self-propelled artillery
Designer/Manufacturer: United Defense
The M109 Howitzer, introduced in 1962, is a self-propelled artillery system that revolutionized conventional artillery. Weighing 28 tons and measuring 30 feet in length, it features a 155mm artillery gun in a turret, capable of launching six rounds per minute at targets up to 11 miles away. Defended by a .50 caliber M2 heavy machine gun, it eliminates the need for a tow vehicle. - M88 Hercules
Year Introduced: 1961
Type: Armored recovery vehicle
Designer/Manufacturer: Bowen McLaughlin York
The M88 Hercules, introduced in 1961, stands as one of the world’s most powerful armored recovery vehicles. Functioning essentially as a tank without a turret, its primary role is to recover damaged or stuck armored vehicles, including tanks, even under fire. Equipped with a .50 caliber machine gun and smoke grenade dischargers, the Hercules ensures effective recovery operations. - RC-135S Cobra Ball
Year Introduced: 1961
Type: Reconnaissance aircraft
Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
The RC-135S Cobra Ball, introduced in 1961, serves a critical role under the direct orders of the White House Joint Chiefs of Staff. Operating as a militarized Boeing 707, it conducts reconnaissance missions, collecting visual and electronic data on ballistic targets. With a crew consisting of pilots, navigators, mission specialists, electronic warfare officers, and systems engineers, the Cobra Ball plays a crucial role in verifying treaty compliance. - M72 LAW
Year Introduced: 1961
Type: Anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher
Designer/Manufacturer: FA Spinale, CB Weeks, PV Choate
Developed during the Vietnam War, the M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon), introduced in 1961, represents an effective shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon. This disposable, single-shot rocket launcher is capable of firing various ordnance against tanks and mobile land vehicles. Notably, it features a significant backblast of at least 45 feet from the open back end of the firing tube. - M113 APC
Year Introduced: 1960
Type: Armored personnel carrier
Designer/Manufacturer: FMC Corporation
The M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, introduced in 1960, played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and continues to be relevant today. Weighing 12 tons, it can travel at speeds up to 42 miles per hour, accommodating 11 soldiers and a driver. Protected by a mounted M2 .50 caliber machine gun and a 7.62mm M6 machine gun, the M113 remains in service with around 5,000 units still in use by the United States. - M18A1 Claymore
Year Introduced: 1960
Type: Directional fragmentation anti-personnel mine
Designer/Manufacturer: Norman MacLeod
Named after a medieval Scottish sword, the M18A1 Claymore, introduced in 1960, is an anti-personnel mine armed with hundreds of steel balls. Detonating in a 60-degree arc to about 100 meters, the Claymore’s C4 explosive delivers a lethal spray. Positioned upright, it offers a unique horizontal blast, typically used to prevent ambushes or infiltration attempts by enemy forces. - M14
Year Introduced: 1957
Type: Battle rifle (currently used ceremonially)
Designer/Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Although retired as a standard-issue rifle, the M14, introduced in 1957, remains in ceremonial use. Replacing the M1 Garand, it fired NATO 7.62mm rounds, offering greater power and accuracy. Despite its phase-out in combat, the M14 persists as a ceremonial gun for the U.S. Tomb Guard. - KC-135 Stratotanker
Year Introduced: 1957
Type: Aerial refueling and transport aircraft
Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
The KC-135 Stratotanker, introduced in 1957, holds a crucial role as an aerial refueler for various branches of the U.S. military. It has been a stalwart in major U.S. conflicts involving air support since the Vietnam War. Beyond refueling, the aircraft is employed in aeromedical evacuations, transporting wounded personnel. With a capacity of up to 83,000 pounds of cargo, its versatility extends to cargo transport. - M60
Year Introduced: 1957
Type: Medium machine gun
Designer/Manufacturer: Saco Defense
M60, introduced in 1957, stands out as a fearsome general-purpose machine gun, earning the nickname “The Pig.” Weighing 23 pounds, it could sustain a rate of fire of 100 rounds per minute. Despite its phased-out status, it continues to be used on the Sikorsky Seahawk helicopter. - Caterpillar D9
Year Introduced: 1955
Type: Bulldozer
Designer/Manufacturer: Caterpillar
The Caterpillar D9, introduced in 1955, plays a pivotal role in military engagements by eliminating obstructions and creating defensive structures. Armored for protection against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments, it also serves as a recovery vehicle. Whether in its trademark yellow for civilian use or camouflaged for military applications, the D9 is a reliable asset in combat engineering. - B-52 Stratofortress
Year Introduced: 1954
Type: Strategic bomber
Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
The B-52 Stratofortress, introduced in 1954, is the first long-range heavy bomber of the U.S. armed forces. Originally designed for nuclear bomb deployment, its role has evolved to include conventional bombing and missile transport. Equipped with advanced communication systems and real-time intelligence feeds, the modern B-52 variant is expected to serve beyond 2040. - C-130 Hercules
Year Introduced: 1954
Type: Transport Aircraft
Designer/Manufacturer: Lockheed
The C-130, a stalwart in the U.S. military’s airlift capabilities, boasts the longest continuous production run among military aircraft. This versatile aircraft, designed by Lockheed, can be adapted for special operations, serving as a gunship or facilitating the insertion and extraction of special ops units. The latest iteration, the C130J Super Hercules, features enhanced avionics, reduced crew requirements, and increased speed. - M15 Mine
Year Introduced: 1950
Type: Anti-tank Blast Mine
Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
First deployed during the Korean War, the M15 represents a larger and more potent evolution of anti-tank mines, succeeding the M6 from post-WWII and the M1 used in WWII. While modern and lighter mines like the M19 have since been introduced, the M15 remains in stock due to its proven effectiveness against battle tanks and armored vehicles. - M61 Vulcan
Year Introduced: 1946
Type: Rotary Cannon
Designer/Manufacturer: General Electric
General Electric’s M61 Vulcan, a hydraulically or pneumatically operated 20mm six-barrel rotary cannon, has maintained its effectiveness for over 75 years. The modern variant can fire approximately 6,000 rounds per minute, with each barrel engaging one of every six rounds. Mounted on fighter aircraft like the F-16 and F-22 Raptor, the M61 remains a formidable force. Notably, its size is surpassed by the massive 30mm GAU-9/A rotary cannon on the A-10 “Warthog” Thunderbolt II. - M18 Smoke Grenade
Year Introduced: 1942
Type: Smoke Grenade
Designer/Manufacturer:** US Military
The M18 Smoke Grenade, in service for over 80 years, exemplifies the principle: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” A smokier iteration of the M16 used in WWII, the M18 produces smoke in four colors (green, yellow, red, or white), as opposed to the seven of its predecessor. This enduring and reliable smoke grenade continues to serve essential roles in military operations. - M2 Browning
Year Introduced: 1919
Type: Heavy Machine Gun
Designer/Manufacturer: John Browning
John Browning’s M2 Browning, a recoil-operated, air-cooled heavy machine gun, has surpassed a century of service. This rapid-fire weapon played a pivotal role in shifting military tactics during WWI. The modern M2 can fire up to 800 rounds per minute, with a maximum range of 6,800 meters and an effective range of about 2,000 meters. - M1911
Year Introduced: 1911
Type: Semi-automatic Pistol
Designer/Manufacturer: John Browning
John Browning’s legacy extends to the M1911 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which has been in service since 1911. A testament to Browning’s ingenuity, this powerful handgun served as the primary sidearm until the 1980s, when it was succeeded by the Beretta M9. However, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations units continue to use the M1911 under the modern M45 designation. - M1903 Springfield
Year Introduced: 1903
Type: Bolt-action Rifle
Designer/Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
The M1903 Springfield, a bolt-action rifle, is employed ceremonially, notably by the Tomb Guard. Its historical significance stems from its role as the standard military infantry rifle in WWI. While its service extended into WWII, its use diminished in subsequent conflicts such as Korea and Vietnam.
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