In the past, the world only dreamed of flying. However, once we have discovered the basics of flying, things have changed since then, Over the years, we’ve seen the evolution of the aviation industry. From what was developed by the Wright brothers has now become a revolutionary practice that made mass transportation to different parts of the world possible. Today, there are many aircrafts that have surpassed the speed of sound. In fact, some even exceeded Mach 2. The fastest aircrafts today prove just how far the aviation and modern engineering evolved.There are very many aircraft that has exceeded the speed of mach 2.0. Some of them are research aircraft, some are military and some are simply flying for reconnaissance purposes. But there is always something special with supersonic aircraft. Just imagine flying at an altitude of 5 kilometers, hearing a “go” from the radio and pushing that throttle backwards while feeling the 100+kN engine accelerating you to speeds higher than any other lifeform has ever been seen doing. But you are not the fast one, you are just the passenger. The aircraft that you are flying in, the machine that gives you powers to rise above the clouds in mere minutes is the true masterpiece. The masterpiece of military engineering. In this article we will look into ten of the fastest military aircraft ever flown and see what they have in the trunk.
10. Sukhoi Su-27
Sukhoi Su-27 is a Russian plane that is comparable to the US F-15. Its top speed is at 2.35 mach. It was intended to become a direct competitor to the F-14, Tomcat as well as the F-15. Since it was first introduced in 1985, over 800 units have already been made.The Su-27 entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1985. The primary role was long range air defence against American SAC B-1B and B-52G/H bombers, protecting the Soviet coast from aircraft carriers and flying long range fighter escort for Soviet heavy bombers such as the Tu-95 "Bear", Tu-22M "Backfire" and Tu-160 "Blackjack".There are several related developments of the Su-27 design. The Su-30 is a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions. The Su-33 'Flanker-D' is a naval fleet defense interceptor for use on aircraft carriers. Further versions include the side-by-side two-seat Su-34 'Fullback' strike/fighter-bomber variant, and the Su-35 'Flanker-E' improved air superiority and multi-role fighter. The Shenyang J-11 is a Chinese licence-built version of the Su-27.The primary role of the Su-27 is for long range air defense. It has also been used as escort to other planes used as bombers. However, aside from being one of the fastest aircrafts today, there are also some developments to its designs. One of which is the Su-30 which is a two seat fighter plane all weather conditions. 9. General Dynamics F-111
In its various versions, it has played different roles. It has been used as an interdictor, a fighter bomber and a strategic bomber in different situations. However, with its ability to reach supersonic speed, the F-111 makes it in our list of fastest aircrafts today.The F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace. The F-111 suffered a variety of problems during initial development. Several of its intended roles, such as an aircraft carrier-based naval interceptor with the F-111B, failed to materialize.USAF F-111 variants were retired in the 1990s, with the F-111Fs in 1996 and EF-111s in 1998. The F-111 was replaced in USAF service by the F-15E Strike Eagle for medium-range precision strike missions, while the supersonic bomber role has been assumed by the B-1B Lancer. The RAAF was the last operator of the F-111, with its aircraft serving until December 2010.The F-111 first entered the US in the 1960s. By Early 70s, the Royal Australian Air Force also ordered this type of aircraft. Over the years, the F-111 is considered a pioneer for several technologies including afterburning turbofan engines and sweep swings. It also included an automated terrain following radar that comes in handy during low level high speed flights. The top speed of F-111 is at 2.5 mach.In 1990s, this aircraft has been retired. Since its stint, there have been 563 units of F-111 made for both US Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force.8. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
This Twin Engine combat aircraft is an all-weather fighter plane designed by McDonnell Douglas, which is now Boeing. The F-15 Eagle first made its flight in July 27, 1972. It was introduced in service 4 years after. What made the F-15 Eagle a favorite among many countries is its ability to maneuver especially in aerial combat. It has been considered as the most successful fighter plane.The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) to gain and maintain air supremacy in aerial combat. Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas' design in 1967 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. The Eagle first flew in July 1972, and entered service in 1976. It is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat, with the majority of the kills scored by the Israel Air Force.Because of its popularity, many countries have been using this fighter plane. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan and the US are countries that have used this aircraft for their defense. The F-15 Eagle is expected to remain in service in the US even after 2025. This particular aircraft can fly 2.5 times faster than the speed of sound.
7. Mikoyan MiG-31
The Mikoyan MiG-31 is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed for use by the Soviet Air Forces. The aircraft was designed by the Mikoyan design bureau as a replacement for the earlier MiG-25 "Foxbat"; the MiG-31 is based on, and shares design elements with the MiG-25. The MiG-31 has the distinction of being one of the fastest combat jets in the world.[4] It continues to be operated by the Russian Air Force and the Kazakhstan Air Force following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991. The Russian Defence Ministry expects the MiG-31 to remain in service until at least 2030 Also known as Foxhound, the Mikoyan MiG-31 is an interceptor aircraft that has been developed by the Soviet Union. It was made to replace the MiG-25. After the collapse of the USSR, the Mikoyan MiG-31 was still used by the Russian Air Force and Kazakhstan Air Force. The Russian Defense Ministry is expected to continue using the MiG-31 until 2030.What made the MiG-31 unique was the fact that it could fly both high and low altitude in supersonic speed, mainly due to its powerful twin engine. Production of this aircraft ran from 1975 until 1994. The total number of units made is estimated at more than 500. At high altitude, its speed is at 2.83 mach. When flying in low altitude, it can run up to 1.23 mach.6. XB-70 Valkyrie
The XB-70 Valkyrie is powered by six engines. It can accelerate the aircraft weighing 240,000 kilograms into three times the speed of sound. Because of this, the surrounding areas of the aircraft get hot. Some areas could even reach up to 330°C.The introduction of the first Soviet surface-to-air missiles in the late 1950s put the near-invulnerability of the B-70 in doubt. In response, the United States Air Force (USAF) began flying its missions at low level, where the missile radar's line of sight was limited by local terrain. In this low-level penetration role, the B-70 offered little additional performance over the B-52 it was meant to replace. It was far more expensive and had shorter range. Other alternate missions were proposed, but these were of limited scope. As the strategic role passed from bombers to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) during the late 1950s, manned bombers were increasingly seen as obsolete.The USAF eventually gave up fighting for its production and the B-70 program was canceled in 1961. Development was then turned over to a research program to study the effects of long-duration high-speed flight. As such, two prototype aircraft, designated XB-70A, were built; these aircraft were used for supersonic test-flights during 1964–69. In 1966, one prototype crashed after colliding in mid-air with a smaller jet aircraft; the remaining Valkyrie bomber is in the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio.Its speed has two particular functions. One, it has been designed to reach three times the speed of sound because it is used to escape Soviet aircrafts. Secondly, it has been designed in order to escape a nuclear blast. Unlike other aircrafts in our list, only two were made. Also, this model has already been retired.5. Bell X-2 Starbuster
The Bell X-2 (nicknamed "Starbuster"[1]) was an X-plane research aircraft built to investigate flight characteristics in the Mach 2–3 range. (The term "Starbuster" is seldom, if ever, found in contemporary accounts.) The X-2 was a rocket-powered, swept-wing research aircraft developed jointly in 1945 by Bell Aircraft Corporation, the U.S. Air Force and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) to explore aerodynamic problems of supersonic flight and to expand the speed and altitude regimes obtained with the earlier X-1 series of research aircraft.Developed in 1945, it was ahead of its time. It made use of rocket engine. Its purpose is to research the common aerodynamic heating problems that could occur during high velocity flights. This aircraft wasn’t developed over a short period of time. Instead, it took some time because of the need for temperature resistant materials and technology that could suit the needs of this particular aircraft.It is considered that the X-2 is a pioneer in so many levels. It has pushed the possibilities of manned flight especially during those years. Also, it is the first US made aircraft that made use of rocket engine.There were only two Bell X-2 built in history. However, during the years that it was used, it provided researchers with the data needed to develop aircrafts that we enjoy today. In fact, the only problem that they faced as they approached Mach 3 was the stability and control of the aircraft.4. Mikoyan MiG-25
Otherwise known as the Foxbat, it is among the fastest military aircrafts made. It is an example of Soviet’s superior aircraft technology. It is a rare aircraft that made use of stainless steel design. The very first prototype made it in the air by 1964. After a few years, it entered the service in 1970. The operational top speed of the MiG-25 is at Mach 2.85.The first prototype flew in 1964, and the aircraft entered service in 1970. It has an operational top speed of Mach 2.83 (Mach 3.2 is possible but at risk of significant damage to the engines), and features a powerful radar and four air-to-air missiles. When first seen in reconnaissance photography, the large wing suggested an enormous and highly maneuverable fighter, at a time when U.S. design theories were also evolving towards higher maneuverability due to combat performance in the Vietnam War. The appearance of the MiG-25 sparked serious concern in the West and prompted dramatic increases in performance for the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle then under development in the late 1960s. The capabilities of the MiG-25 were better understood in 1976 when Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected in a MiG-25 to the United States via Japan. It turned out that the aircraft's weight necessitated its large wings.Aside from being considered among the fastest aircrafts in the world, it also has a good amount of firepower. From a powerful radar to missiles, these are things that you can expect from the MiG-25 aircraft.
Its wings suggest that it has tremendous maneuverability. During this time, it was first seen in photographs during the time when US was also trying to develop an aircraft that can be used during the Vietnam war.
3. Lockheed YF-12
Lockheed YF-12 is an interceptor designed for the US Air Force. Its overall design was based on the top secret Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft. What made this an amazing aircraft was its ability to go over 2,000 miles per hour. It was only later that it was surpassed by the Lockheed SR-71.The Lockheed YF-12 was an American prototype interceptor aircraft evaluated by the United States Air Force. The YF-12 was a twin-seat version of the secret single-seat Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft, which led to the U.S. Air Force's Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird twin-seat reconnaissance variant. The YF-12 set and held speed and altitude world records of over 2,000 mph (3,200 km/h) and over 80,000 ft (later surpassed by the SR-71), and is the world's largest manned interceptor to date.This prototype never underwent formal mass production. Only three YF-12 models were made. Each costs around $15 to $18 million. However, we can’t deny the importance of this aircraft in the military. It paved way for better aircrafts such as the SR-71. This aircraft can reach 3.2 mach at 74,000 feet.2. Lockheed SR-71 Black Bird
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is considered as a reconnaissance aircraft operating under the US. It was developed mainly from the Lockheed A-12 of the 1960s. Its goal is to out run threats during missions. Another thing about the Lockheed SR-71 was its design to reduce radar cross section.a highly classified military or defense project, unacknowledged publicly by the government, military personnel, or defense contractors. Examples of U.S. military aircraft developed as black projects include the F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, both of which were highly classified and denied as existing until ready to be announced to the publicThis aircraft only ran in small batch. In fact, only 32 aircrafts of this model were used. Unfortunately, 12 were lost because of an accident, but none in combat with the enemy. This aircraft has been retired in 1966. Running in Mach 3+ speed, it is worthy of being mentioned as one of the fastest aircrafts.
1. North American X-15
There are aircrafts that are borderline spacecraft. With top speed of Mach 6.72 or around 4,520 miles per hour, it is no surprise that this hypersonic aircraft is considered the fastest in the world. It is an experimental high speed rocket powered aircraft that was introduced in 1959. The flights of the North American X-15 were made exceeding 80 kilometer altitude, thus they are already classified as astronauts. Two flights however can be considered space flights as these exceeded 100 kilometers in altitude.During the X-15 program, 13 flights by eight pilots met the Air Force spaceflight criterion by exceeding the altitude of 50 miles (80 km), thus qualifying these pilots as being astronauts. The Air Force pilots qualified for astronaut wings immediately, while the civilian pilots were eventually awarded NASA astronaut wings in 2005, 35 years after the last X-15 flight. The only Navy pilot in the X-15 program never took the aircraft above the requisite 50 mile altitude and so as a result, never earned himself astronaut wings.The X-15 underwent evolution. For instance, the first flights of the aircraft, it made use of two rocket engines. For the later flights, it evolved to using a single XLR99 rocket engine using ethyl alcohol and liquid nitrogen. By (Nazrul Islam Liton)
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