How aircraft enrichment works
Aircraft OSINT pivots on three identifiers: the 24-bit Mode-S/ICAO hex address (permanent, transmitted with every ADS-B message), the country tail registration (N628TS, G-VRAY, JA01AN — visible on the airframe), and the callsign (UAL123 — the radio call used for ATC). Any one of these can map to the others.
This page combines two free open-data APIs. ADSBdb returns the registry record — manufacturer, operator, type, country, and a photo from JetPhotos. ADSB.lol returns the current live position if the aircraft is airborne and within volunteer ADS-B receiver range. The combination gives you a one-shot answer to "what is this plane and where is it right now."
For deeper investigations the external-link panel routes you to ADS-B Exchange (the original unfiltered tracker, includes military), FlightAware (extensive history, ATC tags), RadarBox (good worldwide coverage), JetPhotos (photographs from spotters), Planespotters (operator/route history), and the relevant country registry — FAA for N-numbers, CAA for G-, CASA for VH-, etc.
Frequently asked questions
Where does this data come from?
Two free, open APIs.
ADSBdb provides registry data (manufacturer, operator, type, photo) for ~270,000 aircraft, no key.
ADSB.lol provides live position from a volunteer network of ground-based ADS-B receivers, also no key. Both are CC-licensed open-data projects.
What is an ICAO 24-bit hex address?
Every ADS-B-equipped aircraft transmits a unique 24-bit identifier assigned by its country of registration. The hex is permanent for the aircraft's lifetime. The first ~3 hex characters identify the country block — for example, A0xxxx through ADxxxx are US-registered aircraft.
Why is the live position blank?
The aircraft is on the ground (most don't transmit until taxi), out of range of volunteer ADS-B receivers, or has its transmitter switched off. ADS-B coverage is dense over Europe, the US, and Australia; sparse over much of Africa, Russia, and the open ocean.
Can I track military or government aircraft here?
ADSBdb tags aircraft with a military operator flag when published; ADSB.lol shows them when they transmit ADS-B (most do, but some military and head-of-state flights mask their hex or transmit only Mode S without position). The list of
non-civilian hex blocks is publicly maintained.
Is using these tools legal?
Yes. ADS-B is an unencrypted broadcast designed to be received by anyone with a radio in the 1090 MHz band. Aggregating that data is the same as listening to a public radio frequency. Aircraft registries are also public records in most countries (FAA in the US, CAA-UK, EASA in Europe, CASA in Australia, etc.).
How is this different from FlightRadar24 or Flightaware?
FlightRadar24 and FlightAware are commercial flight trackers built on the same volunteer ADS-B feeder network. Max Intel pulls registry + live position from the same source data they use, but doesn't paywall historic playback or registry details. For a deeper investigation, the "External trackers" section below the live position links to FR24, FlightAware, RadarBox, JetPhotos, and country-specific registries (FAA, CASA) for cross-reference.