The fastest aircraft tried to create many countries in the world. Some developers managed to achieve and overcome supersonic speed, along with excellent maneuverable machine parameters. The development of aviation does not stand still, moving further in improving the tactical and technical characteristics. Most supersonic models are used for military and reconnaissance purposes, but there are some developments in the civilian industry that amaze with their abilities. Consider the top 10 fastest aircraft with a brief description of their capabilities.
Modification SU-27
We begin the review with one of the most famous Soviet-made models. Multipurpose fighter developed in the Sukhoi Design Bureau (beginning of production - 1981). The aircraft has a speed of up to 2877 km / h.
The machine is equipped with a pair of improved power units, the first tests were held in 1977. The fighter was officially adopted for service in 1985. The SU-27 earned an excellent reputation in the military sphere, and remains in service with many post-Soviet countries.
MiG-31
We continue to study the fastest aircraft among domestic counterparts. Mikoyan's design bureau completed the development of a large twin-engine supersonic interceptor fighter in 1975. The first flight tests were carried out immediately. The equipment entered the arsenal of the USSR air-military forces in 1982.
The speed indicator of the car reaches 3463 km / h. The uniqueness of the technique lies in its ability to achieve supersonic parameters, and the movement can be carried out at low altitude. In fairness - this fighter is one of the best and fastest modifications of its kind.
MiG-25
Another Soviet or Russian fastest aircraft was developed by engineers named Gurevich, Seletsky and Matyuk. Production period - from 1969 to 1985
Brief characteristics of the aircraft:
- Purpose - reconnaissance, breakthrough, interception of various kinds of air targets.
- Speed - 3916 km / h.
- Use - to collect intelligence and intercept enemy vehicles at supersonic speeds.
The equipment is in service in Russia, the CIS countries, Algeria, Syria.
F-111 Aardvark
The top fastest aircraft includes this model, developed by General Dynamics. The strategic fighter-bomber was launched in 1967. Its speed threshold reaches 3060 km / h.
According to the designers, the aircraft was to be serviced by two crew members. It was first adopted by the U.S. Air Force, was used for strategic bombing, as well as intelligence operations. Exceeding the speed of sound at the maximum position was 2.5 times.
F-15 eagle
The basic information about one of the fastest aircraft is given below:
- A kind of machine is an interceptor fighter.
- Manufacturer - McDonnell Douglas, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (United States of America).
- Start of production - 1976
- Speed limit - 3065 km / h.
The construction of the aircraft in question was completed in the sixties of the last century. The device is a twin-engine fighter, which is designed to capture and maintain military superiority during air battles. The unit was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1976, where it remains to this day. In addition, the equipment is used by the armies of Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
The fastest aircraft XB-70 Valkyrie
In this series of strategic bombers, this model is singled out for its high-speed qualities and the possibility of using the device for operational research of airspace.
The aircraft was developed back in the fifties of the 20th century by the American company North American Aviation. The main production lasted from 1964 to 1969. The high-speed threshold of the car was 3, 795 km / h. The main objective of the unit was the ability to transport a stockpile of bombs with a nuclear charge.
In 1965, glider tests were carried out when it was possible to achieve a record speed of Mach 3.1, with a flight altitude of 21.3 kilometers. One of the modifications of the apparatus in question crashed in 1966, and the second copy is in the National Air Force Museum.
Bell x-2 starbuster
The list of 10 fastest aircraft includes this modification. The aircraft was manufactured in the USA as an experimental model (1955-1956). He could reach speeds of up to 3911 km / h.
A whole group of designers from the missions of the Air Force of America and the National Advisory Committee together with Bell Aircraft Corporation worked on the creation of the machine. Work on the creation of a jet aircraft was completed in 1945. The main purpose of the technique is to study the properties of aerodynamics in flight conditions with supersonic conditions. In late autumn 1955, the aircraft made its first flight, as a result of which a speed threshold of Mach 3.19 was reached at an altitude of 19.8 km. Unfortunately, after that the equipment lost control and collapsed to the ground. After that, the program for the development of this machine was suspended.
SR-71 Blackbird
Another jet aircraft was developed by Lockheed Corporation and Scunk Works between 1966 and 1999. The main objective of this technique is to conduct strategic aerial reconnaissance. The speed of the fastest aircraft of this class was 4039 km / h.
In addition to intelligence, the machine is focused on repelling threats from the enemy, the maximum climb is 29 kilometers. It is worth noting that in the translation the name of the fighter sounds like “blackbird”.
YF-12 Lockheed
This aircraft is manufactured in the USA by Lockheed Corporation. The interceptor was produced between 1963 and 1965. The maximum speed of the car was a little over 4100 km / h. At that time, the prototype showed an extraordinary result.
The main purpose of the technique was to intercept similar types of enemy aircraft. The first test of the aircraft was conducted at the US training ground, known as the "Test Area YF-12." Soon, a decision was made to stop the development of this program due to insufficient indicators in the technical and maneuverable plan. Completely production of units ended in the late seventies of the last century.
The fastest aircraft in the world
At a maximum speed of 8225 km / h, the X-15 rocket launcher has virtually no equal. It was produced in the USA by North American Aviation Corporation (1959-1968). The experimental modification has the highest speed indicator for a manned aircraft.
Work on the design of this machine was suspended in the seventies of the 20th century, however, during the test, many famous people were able to participate in the program, including Neil Armstrong. The maximum lift height was more than 100 kilometers, which is closer to space exploration.
Passenger record holders
The leader in civil aviation in terms of speed is definitely a Soviet-made device under the name TU-144. He was able to gain 2430 km / h. It is worth noting that the technique was developed in the sixties of the last century. The first flight of the car was carried out on December 31, 1968. Designers from the USSR managed to get ahead of the competitors of the famous Concord by several months.
The fastest passenger plane in 1969 set another record. The device rose to a height of 11 kilometers, while developing supersonic speed. Similar models were created 16 units, the total number of sorties was more than 2.5 thousand.
Interesting Facts
In the history of the supersonic passenger aircraft TU-144 there are tragic moments. In 1973, the brainchild of the Tupolev Design Bureau performed a demonstration flight. As a result of a sharp maneuver, the car crashed. At the same time, six crew members and 8 observers on the ground were killed.
There are several versions of the tragedy. According to one of them, the TU-144 pilots were disoriented by the French Mirage, from which photography was conducted. Another reason is indicated by the inaccuracy of the pilots of the Soviet apparatus, one of which dropped the video camera, which led to jamming of the control system.
In any case, the transportation of passengers on the specified liner was unprofitable due to the high costs of maintenance and fuels and lubricants. Continuation of work on this model was suspended. After that, for a long time, the fastest aircraft in civil aviation was the French Concord.
