A flying ace is a fighter pilot who shoots down five or more enemy aircraft. Today this number has decreased, since dogfights are rare because of the increase in anti-aircraft weapons technology. A flying ace usually fights enemy planes in what are known as Dogfights. These are between two or more military aircraft and are seen as one of the most difficult and intense forms of combat within warfare. Flying aces like other fighter pilots must have precision, technical knowledge and exceptional reaction in order to fly a fighter plane in air combat. These are some of the most famous fighter pilots and flying aces in military history, we have gone beyond WWII and looked at some of the aces from other conflicts too. Germany – The Red Barron – Manfred Von Richthofen – WWI Von Richthofen, may be the most famous flying ace ever. He was a pilot in the Imperial German Army Air Service and was the most successful pilot of World War One. He flew a red Fokker Dr.1 fighter plane and became famous across Europe and idolised in his native Germany. He was known as the Red Baron. During April 1917 Manfred shot down 22 Allied aircraft. Four of these planes he shot down in one single day. He went on to command the German Air Service’s first fighter wing, but was killed in 1918 when it is believed that he was shot down by a Canadian pilot or hit from the ground. The Red Baron
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