Plane Rank increases when you obtain a plane that you already have.
When the rank of a plane increases so does the ability of the plane.
■ Ability increase amount by rank
Second Lieutenant -> First Lieutenant : ATK 5%
First Lieutenant -> Captain : DEF 40%
Captain -> Major : HP 40%
Major -> Lieutenant Colonel : ATK 15%
Lieutenant Colonel -> Colonel : ATK range 40%
Colonel -> Brigadier General : Piercing 40%
Brigadier General -> Major General : Turn Rate 10%
Major General -> Lieutenant General : Max Speed 10%
Lieutenant General -> General : ATK 20%
※ Once you reach General, the same planes are turned to materials automatically.