The fastest planes in the world top 10. Which plane is the fastest in the world. Powerful and fast model

3.05.2015 at 19:28 · Johnny · 70 410

Top 10 fastest planes in the world

There are a large number of aircraft in the world that have crossed the speed limit of Mach 2 (2448 km / h). Some of them are research vehicles, but most are combat or reconnaissance vehicles.

Agree, there is something fascinating about flying at supersonic speeds, which all the fastest aircraft in the world can achieve. Just imagine: you are at an altitude of five kilometers, you hear a clear “forward” command in your headphones and squeeze the throttle back all the way. You feel like a powerful engine accelerates you to a speed unthinkable for any other life form on our planet.

But it's not about you at all - you're just a passenger. The plane you are flying on is a true work of art, the work and knowledge of hundreds of designers and engineers was invested in it. Now we will tell you about the ten fastest aircraft in the world.

10. Su-27 | 2876.4 km/h

Su-27 can reach Mach 2.35. This aircraft is the pinnacle of engineering thought of the former Soviet Union. This aircraft has two engines and a fly-by-wire control system, first used on Soviet combat aircraft. This machine was created to gain air superiority, and for this he had to face a new generation of American aircraft, such as the F-15 Eagle. The Su-27 is armed with a 30-mm cannon and has 10 hardpoints for air-to-air missiles that can hit the enemy at medium and short distances. The Su-27 is a really cool aircraft, despite the fact that it took to the skies for the first time over 35 years ago, these fighters are still in service. Numerous modifications of the Su-27 have been created. And the most modern of them are a formidable opponent for any aircraft.

9. General Dynamics F-111 | 3060 km/h

Number nine on our list of the fastest aircraft in the world is not a fighter, it's a tactical bomber that can reach Mach 2.5. This beautiful aircraft has already been decommissioned in 1998. It had nine external hardpoints and two bomb bays inside the fuselage. All this allowed him to lift into the air and deliver to the target 14,300 kg of conventional or nuclear bombs, carry air-to-air missiles, or it was possible to install a multi-barreled rapid-fire cannon on it. F-111 also called Anteater. The F-111 was the first aircraft launched into the series with a variable swept wing, and this gave this aircraft tangible advantages.

8. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle | 3065 km/h

This is an American all-weather fighter, which is considered one of the most successful aircraft, it is still in service with the US Air Force. F-15 Eagle belongs to the fourth generation, has two engines and excellent thrust-to-weight ratio. All this makes it possible to accelerate an aircraft weighing 18,000 kg to a speed 2.5 times higher than the speed of sound. The F-15 Eagle made its first flight back in 1976, but it is still considered an important part of the US Air Force weapons and will remain in service until 2025. The Americans delivered 1,200 copies of these aircraft to their closest allies: Japan, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The current plans of the American command to continue the production of these machines, until 2019.

Initially, this aircraft was conceived as a means of gaining air superiority, but then a modification of the F-15E Strike Eagle was released, which can already be attributed to fighter-bombers. This machine can take on board Sparrow, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, additional fuel tanks or aircraft bombs. To do this, the F-15E Strike Eagle has 11 suspension points. In addition, this aircraft is armed with a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rapid-fire cannon. Not surprisingly, this aircraft has more than 100 confirmed victories in air combat.

7. MiG-31 | 3463.92 km/h

This aircraft can reach Mach 2.83. It has two powerful engines, which allowed the aircraft to develop supersonic speeds both at high and low altitudes. On the MiG-31 passive and active radar systems were installed, four such machines could control a front 900 kilometers long. MiG-31 was armed with:

• automatic 23 mm gun;
• four R-33 heavy air-to-air missiles or six R-37s;
• air-to-air missiles of medium or long range or special missiles for high-speed targets.

The production of this machine was stopped in 1994 and it is not known exactly how many aircraft were made. Presumably, these are 400-500 cars.

6. XB-70 Valkyrie | 3672 km/h

XB-70 Valkyrie is a unique aircraft and another brainchild " cold war". Its six engines were supposed to accelerate an aircraft weighing 240 tons to a speed of Mach 3. As a result of this speed, the aircraft structure in some places heated up to 330 ° C. The aircraft needed such a high speed in order to evade Soviet interceptors and, most importantly, to avoid the consequences of a nuclear explosion. After all, the XB-70 Valkyrie is a strategic bomber designed to deliver nuclear weapons. The huge size of the aircraft allowed it to lift enough fuel to fly into the territory of the USSR at a distance of 6900 kilometers and return back without refueling in the air. The aircraft could carry 14 nuclear bombs. The first flight of the XB-70 was made in 1964, two aircraft were built.

5. Bell X-2 Starbuster | 3911.9 km/h

BellX-2- This is an experimental American aircraft that was created to study the conditions of flight at high speeds. The first flight of the machine took place in 1954, and two years later the program was terminated. It was on this aircraft that we studied how the aircraft behaves at speeds above Mach 2. It was on this aircraft that an incredible speed of Mach 3.196 was achieved at that time, however, after reaching this speed, the pilot made a sharp maneuver and the aircraft went out of control. After this incident, the program was terminated.

4. MiG-25 | 3916.8 km/h

MiG-25 was created to intercept American reconnaissance aircraft, such as the SR-71, flying at high altitudes at relatively low speeds. To be able to perform such tasks, the MiG-25 had unique characteristics: the aircraft's speed was 3.2 times the speed of sound, it could hit targets at an altitude of up to 25 kilometers. None of the MiG-25s ever shot down the SR-71, but these machines performed well in several conflicts, for example, in the Iran-Iraq war. The MiG-25 was armed with 4 air-to-air missiles. This aircraft is still in operation in several countries. In total, approximately 1100 cars were built.

3. Lockheed YF-12 | 4100.4 km/h

YF-12 was developed as a prototype aircraft that can reach speeds of 3.35 the speed of sound. His appearance it is no different from the SR-71 Blackbird, except that the YF-12 is armed with three air-to-air missiles. It was this aircraft that served as the prototype for the creation of the SR-71 Blackbird. In addition, both of these aircraft were developed by the same designer - the famous Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. The program was soon terminated, but this aircraft remained forever in the history of aviation, as the owner of several titles, which, however, were soon taken away from it by the SR-71 Blackbird.

2.SR-71 Blackbird | 4102.8 km/h

After testing, this aircraft was used by both the US Air Force and NASA. The military used the Blackbird as a strategic reconnaissance aircraft, while NASA used it for research purposes. The first flight SR-71 Blackbird made in 1964. A total of 32 cars were produced. They were actively used for espionage against the USSR, Cuba and other countries. The SR-71 Blackbird was the first aircraft to use stealth technology. But the main defense of the aircraft was its speed: it easily avoided interceptors and missiles. The main problem in its creation was the high temperature to which the aircraft warmed up in flight. The SR-71 requires special fuel and can only be refueled in flight.

1. North American X-15 | 8200.8 km/h

It is the fastest manned aircraft in the world. Its top speed is Mach 6.7. It was built for research work for the study of hypersonic manned flights. X-15 has a rocket engine, it starts from the side of a strategic bomber. This aircraft has already reached an altitude of 107 km, a speed of Mach 6.7 and has completed a suborbital space flight. The plane lands on its own, at the bottom of a dried-up lake.

Planes that break the sound barrier

There are many aircraft known for their incredible speed. Most of the models are strategic military vehicles. Below is a ranking of the top 10 aircraft in terms of speed.

1st place: North American X-15 (8200.8 km/h)

The aircraft has no equal among the fastest manned structures. This is a unique model of a fighter, created specifically for various studies. In particular, the aircraft participated in tests in the field of hypersonic flights. Equipped with a rocket engine, it is able to rise to a height of more than 100 km. The fighter carried out a suborbital flight into space.

2nd place: SR-71 Blackbird (4102.8 km/h)

This model has gone through test work. This machine not only served as a strategic reconnaissance aircraft, but was also used for research purposes. The main advantage of the aircraft is its enormous speed in all respects. A difficult moment in production was fever- the fighter overheated during the flight.

3rd place: Lockheed YF-12 (4100.4 km/h)

This combat vehicle is equipped with three air-to-air missiles. According to a number of characteristics, including external data, it resembles the SR-71 Blackbird, since Lockheed was the prototype of the second fastest fighter in the world. The aircraft received many significant titles, thanks to which it entered the history of world aviation as one of the most successful fighters.

4th place: MiG-25 (3916.8 km/h)

This model was created with the aim of intercepting American reconnaissance fighters. The main military advantage of the MiG was its speed, thanks to which it freely reached the target in the air. The aircraft is equipped with four missiles and is used in service in some states to this day.

5th place: BellX-2 Starbuster (3911.9 km/h)

Initially, this model was intended to study flight conditions at high altitude. The moment of flight was studied at speeds exceeding Mach 2. The fighter was maneuvered at a stunning speed of Mach 3,196.

6th place: XB-70 Valkyrie (3672 km/h)

This fighter is equipped with six engines - such a large number contributes to the rapid acceleration of a machine weighing more than two hundred tons. However, the high speed turned out to be a problem for the designers - when climbing, the heating of the engines reached 330 degrees. This is not just an aircraft, but a strategic bomber designed to carry nuclear weapons. In addition to outstanding speed, it is also distinguished by its considerable overall dimensions, coupled with a high carrying capacity.

7th place: MiG-31 (3463.92 km/h)

The fighter is equipped with powerful engines, and therefore, is able to fly at different heights. The aircraft is equipped radar systems, automatic weapons, four heavy-weight air-to-air missiles, as well as missiles of various ranges. About 500 of these aircraft were produced.

8th place: McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle (3065 km/h)

The American-made aircraft is equipped with two engines and is famous for its excellent weapons. Today Eagle is one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the military aviation range. different countries. The acceleration speed of the aircraft is several times higher than the speed of sound. The first launch took place in the 70s of the last century.

9th place: General Dynamics F-111 (3060 km/h)

The machine is a tactical bomber. The fighter was capable of lifting bombs weighing up to 14,300 kg, as well as transporting air-to-air missiles. A tangible advantage of this model was its ability to change the sweep of the wing.

10th place: Su-27 (2876.4 km/h)

This fighter is distinguished by the presence of its own electrical remote control system, designed specifically for this aircraft model. The vehicle is equipped with two engines, a cannon and ten hardpoints necessary for missiles. For the first time this aircraft took to the skies more than thirty years ago, but despite the past years, it is still among the active combat models.

Aircraft capable of reaching speeds of over 1,500 km/h are considered to be among the highest-speed air transport vehicles. For military aircraft, speed is of particular importance, as they have to perform more complex and dangerous tasks on which the life of a pilot can depend. Some aircraft are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 2000 km/h, i.e. more than Mach 2.

There is an opinion that the superiority in the field of speed, maneuverability, and in general in everything in the world is held by American-made fighters, however, this information, which comes mainly from American sources, is not reliable.

MiG-31. Speed ​​3 000 km/h

It is known for certain that the fastest fighter in the world is the Soviet MiG. The MiG-31 fighter is specially designed to carry out missions of intercepting and destroying cruise missiles over the entire range of altitudes and flight speeds accessible to aerodynamic aircraft, not excluding cruise missiles during low-altitude flights in the terrain avoidance mode. Low-flying satellites, stealth aircraft and other aircraft of all types at various altitudes, regardless of the time of day, can also be intercepted, as well as weather conditions, regardless of the use by a potential enemy of radar-type interference or false thermal targets. At high altitude, the MiG-31 has a top speed of 3,000 km/h, or Mach 2.82. A total of 519 units of this type of equipment were produced.

From a technical point of view, the MiG-31 is a high-wing aircraft with a trapezoidal wing. The stabilizer is all-moving, the plumage is two-keel. It also has two additional ventral fins to improve stability. When flying at supersonic speeds, the skin of the aircraft can become very hot, so the design of the fighter is made mainly of steels with heat-resistant properties, as well as titanium alloys, half of which is stainless steel, 16% for titanium, 33% for aluminum, and the remaining one percent is other structural materials.

The landing gear of the aircraft is three-post, two pneumatics are on the nose strut, the main struts are designed like two-wheeled carts, and the struts of their niches are used as brake flaps. A container with a drag parachute, located in the rear fuselage, is designed to reduce the fighter's landing range.

The Zaslon radar installed on the MiG-31 allows detecting air targets at a distance of 200 km, the same range of tracking strategic bombers, and fighters - up to 120 km.

The MiG-25 became the first of all serial fighters that managed to reach a speed of 3000 km / h. This aircraft is equally well suited for reconnaissance and fighter missions.

The MiG-25P was made according to the standard scheme. The stabilizer of this fighter is all-moving with differential control, it also has a two-keel vertical tail. High type wing. About 4/5 of the structure is steel, in addition to this, 11% are aluminum alloys, titanium alloys and a small proportion of other materials are also present.

The body of the fighter is a reinforced monocoque, made using welding. Three-spar wing, with flaps and ailerons mounted on the trailing edge. Aerodynamic ridges are installed on each console. Tricycle type chassis. Due to the large diameter of the wheel, this fighter can also be used on unpaved airfields. The absolute world record for flight altitude, namely 37650 m, was set in 1977 by test pilot A. Fedotov, and a total of 29 records were set on fighters of this type. Fighters of this series found their use in 1982, during the conflict between Syria and Israel, the war between Iran and Iraq in 1980-88, in addition, it was used during the conflict in the Persian Gulf in 1991.

The radio sight RP-25 "Smerch-A" is part of the standard equipment of the MiG-25P fighters. In the horizontal plane, the viewing angle varies from +60' to -60', in the vertical plane it is 6'. In turn, the Sapphire-25 radar has already been installed on the MiG-25PD and PDS, with which you can track up to six targets, indicators: + 56 ', -56 'in the horizontal plane, 6 'in the vertical plane. A heat direction finder, a sight of the K-10T type, a system for detecting exposure to ground and airborne radars SRO-2M / SR30-2, a radio altimeter of the RV-UM type, or RV-4, the Lazur system, which allows you to reach the target automatically, or or in director mode, and automated system control SAU-155. It is possible to eject from a fighter at any altitude at a speed of 130 to 1200 km/h using the KM-1 ejection seat.

In total, until 1985, 1186 MiG-25 fighters of various types and modifications were produced. On aircraft of this series, 29 world records were set. The record for a military vessel is 2700 km/h, or Mach 3.2. The MiG-25 is in service with many CIS countries, as well as non-CIS countries.

The American-made all-weather tactical fighter is one of the three fastest aircraft in its class. McDonnellDouglas F-15 Eagle entered service in 1976. Until 2025, it will be actively used by the United States Army. This modification of the fighter was created by an American company specifically to obtain an air advantage. The maximum speed at the maximum altitude is 2650 km / h, or Mach 2.5. In total, about 1,500 pieces of equipment were produced. Actively operated by the armies of the United States, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Another representative of American technology. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is one of the fastest aircraft in the world. Developed in the 70s of the XX century by the US company Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. The US Navy discontinued its use in 2006. At the moment it is in service with the Iranian army. It is a fourth-generation interceptor fighter, and is equipped with a system that allows tracking up to 24 targets, and capturing and launching 6 of them simultaneously at different altitudes and distances. 712 units produced. The cruising speed of the fighter is 2485 km / h, or Mach 2.34.

In fifth place is the legendary Soviet fighter Su-27. In 1977, it was designed as a fourth-generation versatile all-weather fighter at the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Designed specifically for air superiority. It was put into service with the USSR Air Force in 1985. Currently, this type of fighter is in service with the Russian Air Force, and is the main fighter. Its various modifications are in service with India, Ukraine and China, as well as a number of other countries. The maximum flight speed is 2876.4 km / h, or Mach 2.35. A total of 809 units were produced.

Is it possible to present stage highlight the fastest aircraft in the world? After all, they were designed simply great amount. Five aircraft should be singled out that are capable of developing the highest speed.

Which model can be considered the fastest?

The first position is rightfully occupied by the Falcon HTV-2 model. This is the fastest plane in the world. The speed it reaches in flight is 13,000 miles per hour. The model was designed and released in 2010. The second flight on the plane took place already in 2011. Purpose of this aircraft is quite closely associated with prompt response to any threats of a terrorist nature. Using this model, you can fly from Sydney to London in just 1 hour. True, it is still unknown how this will affect the pilot's well-being. But it is not possible to find out either, since the largest number of launches took place using an unmanned mode.

Maximum speed achieved in a few seconds

Let's continue talking about the rating "The fastest aircraft in the world." 11,230 km / h is capable of developing the X-43A model. This aircraft was developed by professional NASA designers. As distinguishing feature stands out the fact that he is able to develop maximum speed in just 10 seconds. This model has an engine newest generation. It enables the aircraft to move without the use of oxygen on board. Due to this, maneuverability and lightness are increased. This is another of the fastest aircraft in the world. 11,230 km / h is a vivid confirmation of this.

Powerful and fast model

In the third position is one of the most powerful models. We are talking about the X-15. In a short period of time, the aircraft reaches its maximum speed, which is equal to 4520 miles per hour. This representative of the rating "The fastest aircraft in the world" has a rather original purpose. It contributes to the transformation of ordinary pilots into astronauts. This model is capable of flying to altitudes in excess of 50 miles quite easily. Before flying, astronauts must undergo special training. This aircraft can be quite actively used for space flights. A variant for space walks should be designed soon. In this regard, thrill-seekers can get an excellent opportunity to soon be on board this aircraft.

A model that can withstand high temperatures

In fourth position in the ranking of "The fastest aircraft in the world" is a model called "Blackbird". The speed of such an aircraft reaches 220 miles / hour. The basis for the design of the SR-71 aircraft was a titanium alloy manufactured by Lockheed Corporation. Due to this alloy, the aircraft is able to withstand heating up to 2 thousand degrees Fahrenheit. For about 40 years, this model performed quite complex tasks. And only in 1998 the car was decommissioned. Unfortunately, the flight of this model will no longer be possible to see.

Several variants of one aircraft

The fifth position is occupied by the fastest Russian-made aircraft in the world. We are talking about the MIG-25. The maximum speed that a pilot can achieve while driving this model is 2 thousand miles / hour. Such an aircraft can be seen in several versions. One of the first interpretations took off in the 60s of the 20th century. This model became famous for being able to shoot down a US B-70 bomber. The second option should include a model that first flew into the air in the 70s. Despite the fact that such aircraft had some difficulties in terms of maneuvering, they still managed to get away from the 10 Gulf War F-15 missiles.

Old models that have not lost their power

As you know, for the first time in military operations, aviation began to be used in 1794. This happened during the Battle of Fleurus between Austria and France. It was during those distant events that the French used air means. Their main task was reconnaissance. At present, the development of technology is proceeding at a fairly rapid pace. Therefore, primitive aircraft were replaced by high-class aircraft with helicopters. What is the fastest military aircraft in the world? It should be noted those models that have been produced for a long time.

The F-15 Eagle fighter, regardless of its rather large size, has higher maneuverability characteristics. It was developed by American aircraft designers. It was necessary in order to achieve superiority in airspace. This is what the fastest aircraft was needed for. It is considered stronger than Soviet military aircraft. This was achieved through the use of special materials in the design of the vessel. Among the advantages of the fighter, one should single out the large capacity that characterized the fuel tanks. In addition, there were autonomous power supply systems for engines, which were equipped with supply tanks, as well as a ringing system.

Another fastest aircraft is the F-111 Aardvark bomber. It was designed in America. It is characterized by the presence of variable wing geometry. Among the advantages, one should also highlight the ability to detect enemy objects with subsequent strikes against them, regardless of weather conditions and time of day. In addition, with the help of this bomber, you can break through air defenses, regardless of its density. This aircraft was used quite actively during the Vietnam War.

Designed by Soviet specialists, the Su-24 Fenser can also act as the fastest aircraft in the world. Photos that are available in enough in large numbers, show some similarity with the American F-111 model. The Soviet bomber is capable of attacking ground targets at relatively low altitudes. Compared to its American counterpart, it is characterized by the highest speed, high power, small size, and the ability to take off from insufficiently well-equipped airfields.

American-made fighter and interceptor

The 4th generation REO F-14 Tomkat jet fighter was designed in America back in 1970. It is characterized by a variable geometry of the wing, a significant capacity of the fuel tank. In addition, it uses a weapon control system. It was due to her that this fighter got the opportunity to repel missile attacks on ship groups.

The next model is the REO "Super Tomkat" F-14D. This is the latest model of a jet interceptor. They thought about its development at a time when it became necessary to detect and destroy enemy aircraft at night. On top of that, on an airplane of this model it was possible to fly regardless of weather conditions.

Conclusion

What is the fastest plane in the world? We hope that the answer to this question can be found in this review. An attempt was made in the article to consider the fastest models that have been produced before and are still being produced.

It would seem that relatively recently man created an airplane. Since that time, its design has undergone numerous changes. The first air machines could develop a small speed. What can not be said about modern.

Introduction

Models of passenger aircraft develop significant speed. For some of them, it reaches 900 km / h. Only a jet fighter can overtake them in airspace.

Interesting fact! The fastest plane in the world can circle the entire globe in 5 hours.

New aircraft modifications fly at supersonic speeds. With their help, the duration of the trip is significantly reduced. Constantly traveling tourists try to minimize the time spent on flights. Therefore, in choosing an aircraft, they prefer high-speed aircraft. Let's try to figure out which are the fastest planes in the world, and what speed they develop.

Top 10

10th place: Tu-144

It is considered the fastest passenger aircraft in the post-Soviet space. Its design was developed in the 60s. The aircraft first flew in 1968. A year later, its designers have upgraded some of the technical characteristics. And since 1969, the aircraft could overcome the bar of supersonic speed - 2500 km / h.

It should be noted that the Tu-144 has practically no competitors in certain operational and technical specifications. Despite this, its use in passenger airlines has become unprofitable. Therefore, the aircraft began to be operated for government purposes.

9th place: Su-27

The aircraft is a development of OKB im. Sukhoi. It is a versatile fighter. Its maximum flight speed reaches 2876 km/h. Jet thrust is created by two engines.

Interesting! The aircraft has been in service with the Russian Federation for 35 years.

8th place: McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

American made fighter. Its design was developed in the 70s. It can reach speeds up to 2650 km/h. This aircraft has quite interesting story. It was used in military operations in Yugoslavia and other states. According to statistics, the F-15 will not leave its position in the ranking until 2025. It is effectively exploited not only by the Americans, but also by the Arabs and the Japanese.

7th place: MiG-31

This is a combat aircraft of domestic production. Its design was developed in 1975. It is a two-seat fighter-interceptor. Its maximum speed reaches 3500 km/h. Compared to the previous model, this figure is increased by almost 400 km/h.

MiG-31 features:

• the ability to develop supersonic speeds both at low and high altitudes;
• the ability to transport missiles of the R-33 or R-37 class;
• combat gun caliber 23 mm.

The production of these aircraft has already ceased. They were released about 500 units. They were designed to operate in any conditions. Therefore, after the release, the model was put into service with the USSR, and after the Russian Federation.

6th place: F-111 General Dynamics

This is a tactical bomber. It has been in service with the United States Air Force since 1998. It's relative new model, which develops speed up to 3060 km / h.

F111 can transport the following types of weapons:

• 9 air-to-air missiles;
• 14.3 tons of bombs;
• multi-barrel guns.

A feature of the aircraft is the ability to change the sweep of the wing.

5th place: Valkyrie XB-70

This is a North American bomber. It can fly at an altitude of 21 km. The maximum speed of the aircraft of this model reaches 3187 km/h. The design was developed in the 60s. Everything was assembled by two units of XB-70. On tests, they developed a speed of 3250 km / h.

Such speed was needed in order to get away from Soviet interceptors. During the Cold War, with the help of such a machine they planned to transport nuclear weapons.

4th place: BellX-2

This is an experimental model that was created specifically to study the conditions of flying at high speeds. The aircraft first flew in 1954. But after a few years, the research program was closed, and the production of models as well.

This happened due to the fact that during the tests the plane got out of control. The reason for this was a sharp maneuver that the pilot made. At the same time, the speed of the jet aircraft reached 3196 km / h.

3rd place: MiG-25

This domestically produced aircraft was created specifically for the interception of American reconnaissance models of the SR-71 model. The latter fly at fairly high altitudes.

Characteristics of the MiG-25:

• speed - 3.2 speeds of sound;
• flight altitude - 25 km;
• ability to transport military weapons.

These air vehicles were effectively used in military operations during the Iran-Iraq war.

Note! MiG-25 is the fastest fighter in the world.

Analogues of such an aircraft have not yet been created.

2nd place: SR-71

The model was designed by American scientists. The first flight was made in 1964. For all time, 32 SR-71 aircraft have been produced. Its maximum speed reaches 4102.8 km/h.

The aircraft was used by the United States Air Force for research purposes. It has also been effectively operated by NASA. The main advantage of the machine is its ability to quickly move away from missiles and interceptors.

1st place: X-43A and X15

X-43A set a speed record - up to 11850 km / h. In fact, this is the fastest aircraft. But it was originally developed as a drone. It was released in several copies.

Its advantage is the ability to launch from the wing of another aircraft. He can also develop high speed in seconds. The record for maximum speed was recorded by the Guinness book.

Due to the fact that the previous model is a drone, the first place can be given to the X-15. It is the fastest supersonic aircraft. It develops speed up to 8201 km/h. It is worth considering that such a device can rightfully be considered a space ship. It can fly at an altitude of 107 km.

X-43
X-15

A bit of history

There were two passenger aircraft in the world that could reach supersonic speed. The first of them is in 10th place in our rating - Tu-144. The second is Concorde. This is a French aircraft. It was effectively operated by British Airways and Air France. In the fleet of each of them there were 7 units of this model.