What is the fastest fighter plane in the world speed. The world's fastest fighter

With the advent of jet engines, a unique opportunity arose to make the aircraft fast enough, and therefore less vulnerable to enemy weapons. A fast aircraft takes less time to intercept an enemy target. The race for speed continued until about the beginning of the 80s of the last century. It cannot be said that the speed of military aircraft has faded into the background, but at the moment it is not decisive in the effectiveness of the use of combat qualities.

This is explained by the fact that 5th generation fighters are capable of hitting targets with missiles at considerable distances, and the quality and characteristics of the missile come to the fore here. Also coming to the fore is the detection of enemy targets and the preparation of information for destruction - that is, the formulation of the correct command to the missile. The stealth of a fighter to radar is also of decisive importance.

Listed below are the fastest military aircraft of all time. Speed ​​is given in Mach number. Mach number is the speed of sound at a certain altitude. The speed of sound in the earth's atmosphere depends on altitude. So at the surface of the earth - the speed of sound is 340 m/s, but at an altitude of 10,000 meters, the speed of sound is 300 m/s.

10. F-14D Super Tomcat - 2.34 Mach

F-14D Super Tomcat - made its first flight in 1987. It was designed as a night fighter capable of simultaneously detecting and engaging up to 6 targets.

In 2008, the aircraft was discontinued because it was obsolete. A total of 712 of these aircraft were built. Currently, the aircraft are still in service in the United States, but are gradually being disposed of by shredding.

9. MiG - 23 - 2.35 Max

The MiG-23 is the first aircraft in the USSR with a variable sweep wing. He is recognized as one of the best fighters in the world. The fighter made its first flight in 1967, entered service in 1973, and was withdrawn from service in 1994. The aircraft was produced until 1985, at which time 769 twin and 4,278 single-seat fighters were produced. Currently, the MIG-23 is in service in 11 countries in Africa and Asia. The main armament of the aircraft were 4 guided missiles.

8. Su-27 - 2.35 Max

The Su-27 was created in response to the creation of the F-15 and F-16 aircraft in the United States. The first flight took place in 1977. Serial production of the aircraft began in 1981. At one time it was the most modern fighter in the world, it successfully competed with the F-15 and F-16. Currently, according to various sources, Russia has about 450 aircraft in service. Ukraine has about 80 aircraft and Belarus has 20 aircraft.

The fighter has 10 suspensions to accommodate various missiles, and the total mass of ammunition reaches 6000 kg.

7. F-14 Tomcat - Mach 2.37

The aircraft began production in the early 1970s. It was designed as a long-range fighter-bomber. At the beginning of operation, problems with the engine were identified. The engines were modernized, which increased the fuel supply. Serial production of the aircraft ceased in 1996. These aircraft are currently in use in Iran, since a batch of aircraft was delivered to this country in 1976. A distinctive feature of the aircraft was its armament - missiles could suppress targets at a distance of up to 100 km. They were used to protect aircraft carriers.

6. Su-24 - 2.4 Mach

The plane made its first flight in 1967. Adopted into service in 1974. The aircraft is a medium-range bomber, its combat radius is 560 km. The main advantage of the aircraft is its laser-guided missiles. These are precision weapons that make the aircraft very effective at hitting targets.

In total, about 1,400 Su-24 aircraft were produced. Currently, the aircraft are being withdrawn from service and are being replaced by more modern Su-34s (based on the Su-27), which began entering service in 2014.

5. F-111 Aardvark - 2.5 Mach

The F-111 Aardvark is a long-range fighter-bomber that made its first flight in 1964. Initially, it was planned to use the aircraft on aircraft carriers, but due to its large dimensions and significant weight, this idea was not realized. During the Vietnam War, a significant number of aircraft were shot down. In 1998, the aircraft was withdrawn from service.

4. F-15 Eagle - Mach 2.5

The F-15 began development in 1965. The task was set to develop a long-range fighter. The plane made its first flight in 1979. This aircraft is still in service with the US Air Force. The F-15 is considered one of the most successful aircraft ever created. The F-15 is also in service with the air forces of Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

3. MiG-31 - 2.83 Mach

The MiG-31 replaced the MiG-25, and made its first flight in 1975. The aircraft is designed to intercept high-speed aircraft and cruise missiles. Adopted into service in 1981. The aircraft was the first in the world to use a passive phased array radar. Until 2000, it was the only one in the world with such a radar. Currently in service with the Russian Air Force. The plane is not being produced.

2. MiG-25R 3.2 Mach

The MiG-25R was created not only as a fighter, but also as a reconnaissance aircraft. The MiG-25R prototype made its first flight in 1964. Serial production of reconnaissance aircraft was established between 1982 and 1985. The aircraft is still in use today. Basic reconnaissance is optical reconnaissance.

1. SR-71 Blackbird 3.2 Max

1 SR-71 Blackbird - out of production and service, but its speed record has still not been broken by production aircraft, including the most modern ones. The first flight took place in 1964. The task was to create a reconnaissance aircraft that would be less vulnerable to interception than the U-2. A total of 32 aircraft were produced, 12 of them crashed due to technical failure. In 1998, 1 SR-71 Blackbird was retired from service and has since ceased flying.

Our age of speed and competition sometimes makes you wonder, of all the things that exist?

In this article, we will try to answer this question as fully and impartially as possible. First you need to define the terms.

For an aircraft, we will take a serial product controlled by a pilot and having two wings, stabilizers and other attributes of the aircraft fuselage. NASA in 2004 tested the experimental project X-43A with a jet engine, which reached a speed of 11,230 km/h, according to NASA test results, together with the Guinness book they hastened to name it fastest plane in the world. In fact, this is a drone, produced in several copies, launched from another aircraft and using a rocket launcher as an engine, so it cannot be called an aircraft.

Of the modern military manned aircraft, the fastest is the American strategic supersonic reconnaissance aircraft SR-71 Blackbird, so named because of the dark blue color of the fuselage. This futuristic object was operated until 1998, due to high operating costs and low reliability, a total of 12 out of 32 aircraft were lost, then operation ceased. The maximum recorded speed of the SR-71 Blackbird was 3540 km/h. Which is a record today. Thus, we can say what it is today – 3540 km/h.

SR-71 Blackbird

It should be noted that the Soviet MIG-25 fighter, according to the pilots, could easily reach a speed, albeit short-term, of up to 3600 km/h, which is almost 200 km/h more than the SR-71. But since the speed was not officially recorded according to international rules, the record remained with the SR-71 Blackbird.

Next on the list is the Russian long-range interceptor fighter SU-31. This aircraft was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau back in 1979 and put into service in 1981, and is successfully operated to this day. The maximum speed of the SU-31, in accordance with technical documentation, is 3000 km/h. But according to the assurances of the pilots, he is capable of more.

This bomber was developed back in 1960. Its main purpose was to carry out reconnaissance and conduct electronic warfare. The maximum speed of this device is 2655 km/h.

Fastest passenger plane

In civil aviation, the palm in terms of speed was shared by the Soviet TU-144 and the French-English Concorde project. The design speed of the T-144 was 2500 kph versus 2300 km/h for the Concorde, but due to the fact that the TU-144 practically did not carry out passenger transportation, the nomination most fast passenger plane necessary , to be awarded to Concorde, which operated scheduled air services for many years until it was banned from operation in 2000.

Su-27 – 2500 km/h

Su-27 is a Soviet/Russian multi-role, highly maneuverable, all-weather heavy fighter of the fourth generation, developed by the Sukhoi Company. It was intended as a direct competitor to large fourth-generation fighters built in the United States, such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle. The first flight of the Su-27 prototype took place on May 20, 1977, and in 1985 it entered service with the Soviet Air Force. Today it is one of the main fighters in Russia; its modifications are in service with India, China and many other countries.

General Dynamics F-111 – 2655 km/h

The General Dynamics F-111 is a supersonic American tactical bomber, aerial reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics. It made its first flight on December 21, 1964, and was put into operation on July 18, 1967. He took an extensive part in combat operations in Vietnam. A total of 562 units were produced during production for the US Air Force and the Australian Air Force.

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle – 2665 km/h

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter aircraft developed in the early 1970s by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the US Air Force to achieve air superiority. Its first flight took place in July 1972. In 1974 it was put into operation. Exported to Israel, Japan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

MiG-31 – 3000 km/h

MiG-31 is a two-seat supersonic heavy fighter-interceptor. Work on its creation began at PJSC RSK MiG in 1968. The first flight took place on September 16, 1975. The aircraft was built on the basis of the single-seat MiG-25, primarily to cover the territory of the USSR from cruise missile attacks from the Arctic, where there was no continuous radar field. It is the first Soviet fourth generation fighter.

North American XB-70 Valkyrie – 3309 km/h

North American XB-70 Valkyrie is a prototype of an American strategic bomber that was supposed to fly at an altitude of 21 thousand meters at a speed three times the speed of sound. A total of two copies were built. The first experimental aircraft, the XB-70 Valkyrie, first flew on September 21, 1964, the second on July 17, 1965. One of the aircraft is now in the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio. The second, on June 8, 1966, while flying in formation of several aircraft, collided in the air with a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, fell to the ground and was completely destroyed.

Bell X-2 – 3370 km/h

Bell X-2 is an American experimental aircraft designed to study aerodynamic and thermodynamic characteristics during flight at speeds from 2 to 3 Mach (Mach number). Its development began in 1945 by Bell Aircraft Corporation in conjunction with NACA and the US Air Force. The creation of the X-2 aircraft was completed in 1952, and its testing began in 1953. A total of two copies were built. Both met with disaster, after which research was stopped.

MiG-25 – 3470 km/h

MiG-25 is a supersonic Soviet/Russian fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, the world's first production fighter to reach a speed of more than 3 thousand km/h. It was developed by JSC RSK MiG in the early 1960s. It is the last aircraft designed by Mikhail Gurevich before his retirement. The first flight of the prototype took place in 1965, and in 1970 it was put into operation. A total of 1,190 copies were produced.

Lockheed YF-12 – 3661 km/h

Third place in the list of the fastest manned aircraft in the world is occupied by the Lockheed YF-12, an American interceptor prototype developed by the famous aircraft designer Clarence Johnson on the basis of the Lockheed A-12 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. This aircraft is the world's largest manned interceptor. It first flew on August 7, 1963. A total of three YF-12s were produced, each valued at approximately $18 million. After a series of flight tests, the project was closed.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird – 3818 km/h

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is an American strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed in the late 50s by Lockheed based on the Lockheed A-12 aircraft. It is the first aircraft created using stealth technologies. Its first flight took place on December 22, 1964. It was in US service from 1964 to 1998 and was actively used for espionage. A total of 32 aircraft were produced, 12 of which crashed due to accidents (none were shot down).

North American X-15 – 7274 km/h

North American X-15 is a hypersonic experimental rocket plane that set a number of world speed and altitude records (107.96 km). Work on its creation began in 1955 and was entrusted to North American Aviation. A total of three prototypes were produced. On March 10, 1959, the car took off for the first time. Over the course of nine years - from 1959 to 1968, out of a planned 200 test flights, the X-15 carried out 199. The record was the flight of pilot Joe Walker on August 22, 1963.

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Airliners differ from each other in terms of speed of movement, because even a simple passenger plane accelerates to 900 km/h. This figure is not that great. A fighter jet flies at three times the speed of a regular passenger airliner, and therefore can easily overtake such a plane. But even such models cannot be called with complete confidence the fastest aircraft. Let's look into this issue and determine which aircraft today are worthy of being called ultra-high-speed.

Today, thanks to science and technology, there are aircraft capable of reaching speeds exceeding the propagation of a sound wave. Such models are called hypersonic. Researchers and designers from around the world have not yet found common criteria by which a high-speed aircraft could be classified in this category.

Some scientists believe that a vessel that is directly controlled by a person can be classified as a hypersonic aircraft. The second half of experts are of the opinion that unmanned vehicles are better modernized, and therefore the technical justification for the advantages of such modifications is appropriate. There is another controversial opinion - can we consider taking off with the help of a catapult or an airplane - a device that rises into the sky on its own. Differences in such nuances cause heated debate.

A common opinion where scientists agree is the maximum speed of an aircraft that it develops in the air. It is according to this criterion that a barrier is established, according to which experts classify the design as a supersonic model. Novice aviation enthusiasts are interested in what the speed of the fastest aircraft in the world and who are rightfully called the best.

Ultra-high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles occupy leading positions in the world rankings. Manned aircraft used by the military traditionally lag behind the first category of aircraft, but are capable of surprising the average person. In addition, there are passenger airliners whose flight speed is amazing. Let us consider the characteristics and indicators of these categories in detail.

Leaders among drones

The first place according to the specified parameters is deservedly taken by the drone X-43A . This model is capable of exceeding the propagation of sound waves by 9.6 times. The speed of the structure is not limited to 11,231 km/h. Such indicators are rightfully recognized as the best today.

The model has been developed over ten years by professionals from MicroCraft Inc, NASA and Orbital Sciences Corporation. During the work, studies were carried out on the capabilities of engines running on jet fuel, and the possible value of the model’s speed indicator was assessed. Up to $250,000,000 was spent on the project, but the result of the development met expectations.

Despite such power, the X-43A is a miniature model. The length of this structure is about three and a half meters, and the distance along the wingspan barely reaches the mark of one and a half meters. As for the engine, here scientists have used the latest experimental development.

The secret of this innovation is to eliminate friction between the elements in the core of the motor. Special fuel is also used here, mixing hydrogen with oxygen. There are no containers for storing O2 on board the X-43A; the device draws it directly from the air, which greatly facilitates the rate of fuel supply and also significantly affects the weight of the model as a whole. Such a device, which is deservedly called the fastest aircraft in the world, does not pollute the environment in any way, because simple steam is released from the engine due to the reaction of fuel elements into the atmosphere.

Another example is classified as super-fast models - this X-34 from Orbital Sciences Corporation. This steel bird can reach a speed of 12,144 km/h. Undoubtedly, its acceleration is higher than the previous device, but it takes second place for a reason. When testing both drones, the X-34 showed a significantly lower result, although the maximum acceleration on board is much greater than that of the X-43A.

The device saw the sky in 2001. Until this time, seven long, painstaking years and a considerable amount, measured in hundreds of millions of dollars, had been spent on its creation. The development achieved final success in two thousand and four. During this time, the model was also equipped with a Pegasus rocket made from solid fuels. The designers' solution allowed for even greater acceleration and maneuverability.

The dimensions of such a device are impressive. The distance at the extreme points of the model’s wings is 8.85 m with a height of three and a half meters and a length of the device of 17.8 m. Such indicators also affect the weight of the structure. The giant's mass is 1,270 kilograms. But this modification flies quickly and is capable of gaining an altitude of 75 kilometers from the runway.

Rating of manned aircraft

There are many other examples that can amaze with the speed of movement. Let's find out which manned vehicles are recognized by this criterion in the world. The top 10 most powerful models, whose speed is significantly different from small airliners or other air structures, are presented to your attention below. Such designs made it into the top ten airliners due to their technical characteristics, earning universal approval.

World leader

The model is considered to be the first in terms of speed data North American X-15 . The speed of the device reaches 8200.8 km/h. The design is equipped with a rocket engine controlled by the pilot and begins flight from the launch pad on board the bomber. The X-15 was created specifically for research purposes with hypersonic flights and actively took part in them until 1970.

The speed of the fastest manned aircraft, the North American X-15, reaches 8,200.8 km/h

Second position

In second place in terms of evaluated characteristics, including speed, engineers ranked SR-71 Blackbird or "blackbird". This model was developed for the study of strategic objects, reconnaissance operations and other operational activities. The speed of a blackbird is 4,102.8 km/h. Such an aircraft was in great demand, so there were approximately 32 SR-71 Blackbirds. The only disadvantage of the design is excessive overheating and the inability to stay in the air for a long time.

Third stage

The device takes third place in the ranking Lokcheed YF-12 . For the creation of such a model, we should thank the famous aircraft designer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson. Although the assembly of this vessel was carried out initially as the creation of a prototype liner, this device was still awarded several honorary titles and awards. The YF-12 is similar in design to the Blackbird, to some extent they can even be called brothers - after all, the idea of ​​creation, drawings and diagrams belong to the same person. Of course, the flight speed of the two devices is slightly different, because the YF-12 accelerates in the air to 4,100.4 km/h.

Fourth place

The position with the fourth result is occupied by Mig-25 . This Russian aircraft was designed specifically for military operations and intercepting air reconnaissance aircraft. Currently, he is still in the service of some armed forces. Thanks to his unique abilities, he enjoyed great popularity. There are about 1,100 such aircraft in the world. Mig-25 cuts through the air at a speed of 3,916.8 km/h and any target at an altitude of no higher than 25 kilometers.

Fifth position

We placed the experimental board in fifth place Bell X-2 Starbuster . His task was to study flight options at the highest possible speeds. Scientists listened to the information from some air services, and the use of the device had to be stopped. After all, upon reaching a maximum speed of 3,911.9 km/h, it is impossible for a person to control such an aircraft. Although the model is rightfully considered a manned design.

Sixth point

This place is occupied by a military modification XB-70 Valkyrie . The bomber's acceleration reaches 3,672 km/h. The model is designed to deliver nuclear weapons to a designated target. The speed of this air vehicle was calculated by engineers with the condition that the bomber could easily maneuver in the sky and thereby elude the enemy.

North American XB-70A Valkyrie bomber reaches a speed of 3,672 km/h

Seventh place

Mig-31 - another domestic aircraft whose design is unique. The engineers equipped this model with two of the most powerful engines of its kind, which allow the aircraft to safely fly at supersonic speeds and develop acceleration at any altitude. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, production of the Mig-31 was stopped by the mid-90s.

The most powerful Mig-31 is capable of reaching speed even at maximum flight altitude

Eighth position

Eighth place goes to military aircraft McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle , in service with the US Air Force. The creation of this fighter was a great success and pride for America. Today, this is the only aircraft whose production has not been stopped, but on the contrary is planned in the future. The F-15 flies at a speed of 3,065 km/h and performs its mission in all weather conditions.

The speed of the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle military aircraft reaches 3,065 km/h

Ninth line

The penultimate place on the list is given to the tactical bomber F-111 from General Dynamics. Like some other models, it was retired from production in the 90s, although it was the first aircraft that could change the wing sweep. Before the F-111, no other aircraft had this factor; this quality allowed it to have a significant advantage in the air over other flying objects.

The F-111 tactical bomber had supersonic speed and changed the wing sweep

Last place in the ranking

If someone asks you: “What is the fastest passenger aircraft in Russia?”, without a shadow of a doubt you can name the aircraft developed in Russia. This Tu-144 , which became the first passenger airliner on the planet capable of hypersonic acceleration. The air giant first flew at the end of December 1968. A year later, the liner showed the ability to reach a speed of two and a half thousand kilometers per hour at an altitude of 11 km. This event went down in history, because even today there are no analogues of passenger aircraft in the world that are capable of repeating such a maneuver.

The first Russian-made passenger airliner to reach hypersonic speed was the Tu-144

As you can see, when it comes to air travel, the speed of travel here increases significantly compared to land transport. And even experts in this field will find it difficult to name the maximum possible value - constant technical development contributes to the development of new, still secret models, which in the near future will take their rightful place in such a rating.

The speed of the fastest aircraft exceeds the propagation of sound; today unmanned vehicles have become hypersonic leaders
The X-43A drone is the world's fastest aircraft
The X34 aircraft is capable of accelerating up to 12,144 km/h
The speed of the fastest manned aircraft, the North American X-15, reaches 8,200.2 km/h
SR-71 Blackbird ranks second in the top 10 fastest aircraft
Lokcheed YF-12 rounds out the top three
Bell X-2 Starbuster reaches speeds of over 3,911 km/h

Although many of our compatriots are confident that the fastest, most highly maneuverable and generally the best in all areas are American fighters, this information, gleaned from American ratings, is somewhat biased.

In fact, the fastest fighter in the world is still the Soviet single-seat MiG-25, which has held the palm in speed among production combat vehicles for half a century. Although its officially stated speed is only 3,000 kilometers per hour, there is considerable evidence that this aircraft exceeded the threshold of Mach 3.5, i.e. over 3700 kilometers per hour.

History of the MiG-25

The 50-60s of the twentieth century were truly the golden period of world aviation. During these years, conceptual developments were created that predetermined the direction of design thought for decades to come. One of these developments was the MiG-25, the brainchild of the famous design bureau of Mikoyan and Gurevich.

The official birthday of the MiG-25 can be considered March 10, 1961, when A. Mikoyan issued an order to begin work on a new type of fighter. This machine was supposed to successfully fight the American XB-70 Valkyrie bombers (which, by the way, never went into serial production due to many design insurmountable flaws) and the B-58 Hustler, which reached speeds of up to 2100 kilometers per hour.

Soon, the designers developed a prototype fighter, which was called the “E-155 project.” During the design, we had to face many difficulties, but all of them were eventually successfully overcome, and in 1969, serial production of the MiG-25P interceptor began, which became the first of a large series of combat vehicles.

Wikimedia Commons / Alexander Beltyukov ()
An atmosphere of increased secrecy reigned around this plane from the very beginning. Disclosure of even the basic performance characteristics of the vehicle was prohibited. Therefore, for many years, American fighters reigned supreme in world rankings, having still not surpassed the MiG-25 in a number of parameters.

MiG-25 modifications

The single-seat jet aircraft turned out to be such a successful model that for many years it was produced in numerous modifications. These were fighter-interceptors:

— MiG-25P;

— MiG-25MP (MiG-31 prototype);

— MiG-25PD (a number of modified aircraft equipped with more powerful weapons and electronics than the base model, as well as R15BD engines).

In addition, reconnaissance aircraft were created on the basis of the MiG-25:

— MiG-25R (high-speed reconnaissance aircraft);

— MiG25BM (anti-radar aircraft for breaking through enemy air defenses);

— MiG-25RBT (for radio reconnaissance);

— MiG-25MR (for meteorological research).

MiG-25 records

— This is the first fighter produced in series that has overcome the speed threshold of 3,000 kilometers per hour.

Wikimedia Commons / Pavel Adzhigildyaev ()
— In 1967, the MiG-25 rose to a height of 30,010 meters, which was a record for that time.

— In 1977, an absolute record for aircraft lift height was set, amounting to 37,650 meters, which has not yet been overcome.

In fact, the maximum speed of the MiG-25 has never been established. The fact is that when accelerating to Mach 2.83, the thrust of the aircraft's engines sharply increases, and then acceleration occurs very quickly, which can lead to loss of control over the aircraft and destruction of the wing structure.

Of course, some highly qualified pilots flew at ultra-high speed, but this was officially strictly prohibited.

Stories related to the MiG-25

A. Belyakov, the general designer of the MiG-25, has repeatedly said that when the speed of Mach 3 was exceeded, the airframe of the fighter wore out too quickly, while the engine could withstand such a load perfectly. Therefore, pilots never officially exceeded 3,000 kilometers per hour for safety reasons. At the same time, in 1972, during the Arab-Israeli conflict, both parties involved in it recorded MiG-25 flights at speeds of over 3,600 kilometers per hour.

They say that when the MiG-25 first appeared in the skies over Israel, observers could not believe their eyes, mistaking the Soviet plane for a UFO.

Intelligence agencies around the world sought to obtain the blueprints of our fighter. In 1976, one of the pilots, V. Belenko, decided to take advantage of the opportunity to enrich himself and hijacked a plane to Japan, asking for asylum in the United States.

Wikimedia Commons/Alan Wilson ()
In a matter of days, Japanese designers dismantled the Mig-25 that fell into their hands down to the last screw and copied all the parts. The plane was subsequently returned to the Soviet Union.

This incident forced all MiGs to be re-equipped with new electronic devices, which, by the way, benefited the aircraft, as it increased their visibility and controllability.