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Successful aircraft types

Over the history of flight there have been a number of particularly successful aircraft types. Many measures of success are possible, including fitness to task, safety record, outstanding performance in any of several dimensions, longevity in service, or the sheer number produced. Many worthy aircraft designs, through one circumstance or another, have been commercial failures, or merely modest successes. A few of the most heavily produced aircraft in history are commonly dismissed as barely competent types that happened to be ordered in vast numbers simply because of circumstances, but the most-produced types listed below are regarded as examples of outstanding merit.

Civil airliners

General aviation Fighters

Bombers