The aces are a group of fighter pilots who have achieved five or more aerial victories. They are considered the elite of the fighter pilot community and are often revered as heroes. The term "ace" is derived from the French word "as", meaning "one who excels". The first aces were French pilots who fought in World War I.
Some of the most famous aces include:
- Manfred von Richthofen (Germany) - 80 victories
- Eddie Rickenbacker (United States) - 26 victories
- Billy Bishop (Canada) - 72 victories
- René Fonck (France) - 75 victories
- Ernst Udet (Germany) - 62 victories
- Francesco Baracca (Italy) - 34 victories
- James McCudden (United Kingdom) - 57 victories
- George Guynemer (France) - 53 victories
- Mick Mannock (United Kingdom) - 61 victories
- Robert A. Little (United States) - 40 victories
These pilots were all incredibly skilled and courageous. They were able to outmanoeuvre and outshoot their opponents in combat, even when they were outnumbered. Their victories were often the result of their superior flying skills, their knowledge of the terrain, and their ability to remain calm under pressure.