Airplanes have come a long way since 1903. The technology present in today’s aircraft has pushed the limits of what we ever thought we could achieve. One of those developments is raw power. Today “I feel the need, the need for speed”. Experimental aircraft are pushing the limits to what we thought would ever be possible day by day. Modern airplanes are becoming more maneuverable, versatile, and most importantly, faster every single day. Here are the current top 8 fastest jets in the entire world!
1. North American X-15: The North American X-15 holds the record for the fastest manned aircraft to date. It was a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft that flew at a top speed of 4,520 mph (Mach 6.7) in October 1967. The X-15 was a part of the X-series of experimental aircraft developed by the United States Air Force and NASA during the 1950s and 60s.
2. SR-71 Blackbird: The SR-71 Blackbird is a reconnaissance aircraft that was developed by the US Air Force in the 1960s. It is considered one of the fastest and most advanced aircraft of its time, capable of flying at speeds of up to 2,193 mph (Mach 3.3). The SR-71 was used extensively during the Cold War for reconnaissance missions and has been retired since the 1990s.
SR-71 Blackbird
3. F-15 Eagle: The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, air superiority fighter developed by the US Air Force. It has a top speed of 1,875 mph (Mach 2.5) and is considered one of the most successful air superiority fighters in the world. The F-15 is still in active service and has been used in several conflicts around the world.
F-15 Eagle
4. MiG-25 Foxbat: The MiG-25 Foxbat is a Soviet-era interceptor aircraft that was developed in the 1960s. It is capable of reaching speeds of up to 1,875 mph (Mach 2.83) and was used primarily for high-altitude reconnaissance and air defense missions. The MiG-25 was widely exported and saw service in several countries, including India, Iraq, and Syria.
5. F-16 Fighting Falcon: The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter aircraft that was developed by the US Air Force in the 1970s. It has a top speed of 1,500 mph (Mach 2.0) and is widely used by several countries around the world for air-to-air combat and ground attack missions. The F-16 is considered one of the most versatile fighter aircraft in the world.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
6. Su-27 Flanker: The Su-27 Flanker is a Soviet-era air superiority fighter that was developed in the 1970s. It has a top speed of 1,500 mph (Mach 2.35) and is widely used by several countries around the world for air defense and air-to-air combat missions. The Su-27 is considered one of the most capable air superiority fighters in the world.
7. Eurofighter Typhoon: The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole fighter aircraft that was developed by a consortium of European countries in the 1980s and 90s. It has a top speed of 1,550 mph (Mach 2.0) and is used by several countries for air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. The Eurofighter Typhoon is considered one of the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft in the world.
8. F/A-18 Hornet: The F/A-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter aircraft that was developed by the US Navy in the 1970s. It has a top speed of 1,190 mph (Mach 1.8) and is used by several countries for air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. The F/A-18 is considered one of the most versatile and capable multirole fighter aircraft in the world.
F/A-18 Hornet
The top 8 fastest airplanes in the world are a combination of experimental aircraft, air superiority fighters, and multirole fighter aircraft. These aircraft represent the pinnacle of aeronautical engineering and have been instrumental in shaping the course of future aeronautical technology. There is no doubt that these birds will only get faster and faster as time goes on. Keep an eye out here at Flex Air Charters for more fixed wing related news!