Fastest Aircraft

FASTEST

AIRCRAFT

Fastest aircraft, fastest jet, fastest fighter, fastest airplane, fastest helicopter, fastest airliner, fastest plane ever, fastest private jet, fastest prop plane, fastest comercial jet, and other fastest airplanes, speed records, and a guide to the fastest radio control airplanes.

The fastest aircraft have been developed by designers primarily through the use of more powerful engines and the reduction of drag through aerodynamic engineering.

When aircraft engineers discovered the "area rule", it was possible to develop the fastest aircraft yet. "Area rule" is the contouring of an aircraft fuselage to have the lowest possible transonic wave drag. It resulted in a narrowing of the fuselage where it was joined with the wings.

Engine technology has continued to improve for the fastest aircraft. The power of jet engines was boosted with the advent of afterburners.

Originally the fastest aircraft primarily used aluminum and magnesium in their construction. Today's fastest aircraft incorporate magnesium alloys and specially formulated steel along with carbon and graphite composite materials.

The fastest aircraft need a better way to control them than the mechanical linkages of older aircraft. Today's fastest aircraft use computers and fly-by-wire controls. Electronics, rather than linkages, control the fastest aircraft.

We have tried to assembled the most comprehensive list of every type of fastest aircraft. If you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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X-15 Fastest Aircraft - 4,520 mph world speed record for a manned aircraft.

The North American X-15, the fastest aircraft, world fastest plane, fastest rocket, was produced to explore the limits of sub-orbital supersonic flight. Three were produced. They flew a total of 199 times.

The X-15 first took to the sky on June 8, 1959. The last flight took place on Oct. 24, 1968. A 200th flight was never made, even after several attempts. They were all canceled due to either technical problems or the weather.

Of the 199 flights a total of thirteen exceeded an altitude of 50 miles. The U.S. designates a pilot who has exceeded that altitude as an astronaut.

The North American X-15 was flown by Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. He was among the twelve pilots who flew the aircraft.

The two surviving North American X-15 aircraft are on exhibit. One is at the National Air &Space Museum in Washington, DC and the other is at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH.

The primary differences between aircraft models are a heat resistant treated fuselage, two fuel tanks beneath the fuselage, and a lengthening of a little over two feet.

Mission preparation could take up to 200 hours. This included a number of various simulations, ground checks and in flight systems checks.

North American X-15 aircraft were launched from under the wing of a B-52 mother ship. Pilots describe the launch as being "fired from a cannon."

After rocket ignition it took approximately a minute and a half for the North American X-15 to achieve maximum altitude. All the time, the pilot, pressed back in his seat at 2 to 4 G's, concentrated on achieving the correct angle of ascent and speed, monitoring climb rate and altitude.

X-15 pilots were kept busy. Controls for on board experiments needed to be actuated while the pilot also worked on regulating engine thrust and final shutdown of the rocket engine. During flight in the upper atmosphere, where the air is so thin that the conventional flight controls do not work, the pilot guided the aircraft using attitude control rockets.

Upon reentry a pilot experienced forces of up to 5 G's. On final approach the X-15 handled somewhat like a conventional airplane. Pilots reported no difficulties in final approach or landing of the aircraft.

SR-71 Blackbird Fastest Jet - 2,193 mph world speed record.

The fastest jet, fastest jet plane, world fastest jet, ever to take flight, the SR-71, known as the Blackbird, built by Lockheed, had an outer skin that heated to temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees F. The effect of this was the strengthening of aircraft components with age.

Interestingly the fuselage shape and radar absorbing paint would make it hard to detect on radar were it not for its exhaust. The aircraft was never hit by missiles due to its speed, not stealth capabilities.

To better withstand high temperatures, the outer skin of the aircraft was made of titanium. Conventional aircraft usually have aluminum skins.

Due to extreme operating temperatures, the airplane lacked sealed fuel cells. It would seep fluids when cold. It would be fueled on the ground just sufficiently to be able to take off, warm up the air frame, and then meet with a refueling air tanker to take on sufficient fuel for its mission.

The first flight of airplane was on Dec. 22, 1964. It became operational in March of 1968 and was retired in 1998. On July 27, 1976 it set the still standing speed record of 2,193.167 mph.

The airplane used a special alloy of titanium that could be worked at lower temperatures to reduce costs. Fuel was used for cooling the leading edge of the wings.

The shock wave from compression coming off of its nose flowed into the engines, making them more efficient. Movable cones, called "spikes" in front of the engine air inlets directed incoming air at maximized angles to achieve the greatest efficiency. A jack screw controlled by a computer actuated the spikes. A spike could move as much as 26 inches in total.

To reduce the pressures to the engines at high speeds, bleed holes and bypass doors were incorporated. Chines, originally intended to lower the radar signature, were found to significantly increase lift. This aided in maneuverability and slowed landing speeds.

The unique engines of the airplane had a two stage design. Turbojet engines, inside of ram jets, enabled the aircraft to fly at slower speeds. The J58 engines could operate continuously on afterburner; the only military engines that were ever designed to do so.

Two 455 cid General Motors engines turning a single shaft were mounted on a cart and used to start the aircraft engines. The noise was deafening. This was eventually changed and the aircraft were later started with a conventional start cart adapted for the J58 engines.

ASARS (Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System) were the high-resolution mapping systems used in all SR-71 aircraft.

A corrugated titanium sheeting was used on the inner portions of the wings. It expands and contracts better than other materials used on conventional aircraft.

A total of 32 of the aircraft were manufactured. Accidents claimed 12 with no lives taken.

MiG-25 Foxbat Fastest fighter - 2,115 mph.

MiG-25 Foxbat, fastest fighter, fastest fighter jet aircraft were developed for both interceptor and reconnaissance missions. On March 6, 1964 a MiG-25 prototype first took to the sky. In 1969 a reconnaissance MiG-25 became operational, with the interceptor following in 1972.

Although capable of high speeds and altitudes, the MiG-25 is limited by its short range with lack of in-air refueling and a lack of maneuverability in close combat. The red-line speed of the MiG-25 Foxbat is limited to less than maximum to prevent engine overheating.

The MiG-25 Foxbat saw combat during the Gulf War where it scored the only Iraqi air combat victory of the war. It shot down a F/A-18 Hornet on the first night of the war and fired missiles at other aircraft. Another MiG-25 Foxbat fired 3 missiles at EF-111 electronics warfare aircraft forcing them to abort their mission. Two other MiG-25 Foxbat aircraft attacked two American F-15 Eagles. F15's, the fastest U.S aircraft, evaded the MiG's missiles and then gave chase. They were joined by two additional Eagles and fired a total of ten missiles at the MiG-25 Foxbat aircraft. All of the missiles fired by the Eagles missed.

Among the most distinguishable features of the MiG-25 Foxbat are large engine exhausts of almost 5' diameter. The fuselage is over 78 feet long, almost 14 feet longer than the F-15. To improve low speed handling, two "fences" run the top of each MiG-25 Foxbat wing surface.

The MiG-25 carries its fuel in a total of 8 tanks that occupy about 3/4 of the interior room of the aircraft. Internal fuel is about 32,000 lbs. with about an additional 9,575 lbs. carried externally.

Various versions of the MiG-25 have advanced, side looking radar and can be equipped with up to four anti-radiation missiles. Latest versions carry look-down shoot down radar, and an infrared search and track system.

Rather than solid-state electronics, vacuum tubes power the MiG-25 Foxbat avionics. In extreme temperatures and nuclear radiation, these vacuum tubes have actually been proven superior to solid state technology.

The vacuum tube driven radar of the MiG-25 has been able to penetrate even modern electronic counter measure systems.

The MiG-25 Foxbat remains in limited service in Russia, India and the air forces of several other nations.

A total of about 1,190 MiG-25 Foxbat aircraft were built until production ended in 1984.

Lynx ZB-500 Fastest helicopter - 249.09 mph official world speed record.

A specially modified Lynx ZB-500 produced by Westland set the absolute speed record for helicopters in 1986. The aircraft was piloted by John Egginton and reached a speed of 249.09 mph (400.87 km/h) making it the fastest helicopter.

A Westland Lynx first took to the sky on March 21, 1971. It was a civil aircraft with the designation WG-13. Lynx helicopters have since gained a reputation for their reliability and ruggedness. Today they operate in military and civilian versions throughout the world.

As a military aircraft the Lynx is able to take on a variety of missions. Naval versions are used in ASW (anti submarine warfare), mine sweeping, and ship operations. Air Force and Army versions are used for recon, escort, and transport missions.

The Westland Lynx is no stranger to combat. It has participated in operations in the Falklands, Desert Storm, and now in Iraq.

In 1961 a fast, medium size, multi-role helicopter that would fulfill both civil aviation and military requirements was proposed that would become the Westland Lynx.

In 1964 design began on a replacement for the British Scout, Wasp and U.S. UH-1 Huey helicopters.

In 1968 the British government signed a contract with Westland for the new Lynx helicopter.

On March 21, 1971 the Westland Lynx flew for the first time.

In 1972 Lynx helicopters start setting speed records.

In December of 1977 Westland Lynx helicopters became operational in the military with the Royal Navy.

The variable function helicopter has performed in the mission roles of advanced recon, armed escort, tank buster, attack, ASW, ship attack, and transport.

During the Gulf War in 1991, Lynx helicopters successfully engaged Iraqi vessels using missiles.

On September 10, 2000 they rescued a total of 11 British in Sierra Leone during "Mission Barras."

Starting in 2003, during the invasion of Iraq, Lynx helicopters have been used extensively. A single Lynx was downed by enemy fire over Basra. That was on May 6, 2006.

Boeing 747 Fastest airliner - 614 mph.

X-43A Scramjet Fastest plane ever 7,000 mph speed record.

Cessna Citation X Fastest private jet - 617.1 mph; Mach .935.

Tu-95 Bear Fastest prop plane - 575 mph.

Tupolev Tu-144 Fastest commercial jet - 1,553 mph.

F-8F Bearcat Fastest single engine plane - 528.33 mph world speed record.

Tupolev Tu-114 Fastest Turboprop - 545.07 mph world speed record.

Mikoyan Ye-152 Fastest experimental single engine prototype aircraft - 1,665.9 mph speed record.

F-35 Lightning II JSF Mach 1.6. Fastest U.S. 5th generation multi-role stealthy attack aircraft.

F-18 Super Hornet Mach 1.8+ Fastest U.S. Navy fighter aircraft of today.

Space Shuttle 17,500 mph upon leaving earth orbit.

Sikorsky X2 Holds the unofficial helicopter speed record of + 300 mph.

MC-72 440.68 mph world speed record. Fastest piston engine driven seaplane.

XA2D Skyshark 500 mph. The fastest single engine turboprop.

F-15 Eagle 1,875 mph. Fastest United States jet fighter.

F-111 Aardvark 1,850 mph. World's fastest strategic bomber.

Gulfstream 650 610 mph. Second fastest business jet.

P180 Avanti 460 mph. Fastest FAR 23 certified turboprop.

Airwolf Supersonic Helicopter Mach 2 Had its own tv show.

L188 Electra 445 mph. Fastest initial attack air tanker in service today.

Tupolev Tu-160 1,380 mph. Fastest heavy bomber.

Convair F-106 1,525.95 mph world speed record. Fastest single engine production aircraft.

XB-70 Valkyrie 2,056 mph. Fastest U.S. experimental bomber.

F-14 Tomcat 1,585 mph. Fastest ever U. S. Navy fighter aircraft.

Me-163 Komet 596 mph. One of the fastest WW II aircraft.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 379.38 mph - 1937 speed record

F-101 Voodoo 1,207.6 mph record

Hawker Hunter 727.6 mph record

Gloster Meteor 615.78 mph record.

Hughes H-1 Racer 352 mph unofficial record.

Su-35 Super Flanker 1,550 mph

Sukhoi T-50 1,600+ MPH

F-15 SMTD 1,650 mph

F-16XL 1,500 mph

F-104 Starfighter 1,450 mph

F-105 Thunderchief 1,390 mph

MiG-35 Super Fulcrum 1,521 mph

F-4 Phantom 1,600 mph

B-58 Hustler 1,325 mph

F-16 Fighting Falcon 1,350 mph

Avro CF-105 Arrow 1,300 mph

A3J Vigilante 1,320 mph

Sukhoi Su-30 1,320 mph

MiG-21 Fishbed 1,385 mph

Concorde SST 1,350 mph

Mirage 2000 1,450 mph

SAAB JAS-39 Gripen 1,320+ mph

F-8 Crusader 1,325 mph

Grumman X-29 FSW 1,200 mph

F-107 Ultra Sabre 1,295 mph

Dassault Rafale 1,320 mph

EFA 2000 Typhoon 1,480 mph

F-22 Raptor 1,500 mph +

Northrop F5 1,080 mph

Bell X-1 957 mph

F-100 Super Sabre 865 mph

MiG-19 Farmer 900 mph

Boeing B-1 825 mph

Northrop T-38 Talon 812 mph

A-4 Skyhawk 700 mph

Agusta Westland AW109 193 mph. Set around the world helicopter speed record.

Mi-24 Hind 210 mph. World's fastest attack helicopter.

Hawker Sea Fury 460 mph. The world's fastest production single piston engine aircraft.

XB-47D 598 mph. Fastest combined prop and jet driven aircraft.

Messerschmitt Me-262 624 mph. Unofficially the fastest WWII aircraft ever.

Do-335 Pfeil 474 mph. Fastest twin prop and fastest WW II prop driven airplane.

Heinkel He-162 562 mph. Fastest WW II jet fighter.

MXY7 Ohka 535 mph Fastest ever WW II Japanese aircraft.

B-29 Superfortress 357 mph. Fastest WW Two heavy bomber.

Beech Staggerwing 197.7 mph. Set light aircraft pre-World War II speed record.

Lancair IV 345 mph. World's fastest home built civil aviation, piston powered, single engine aircraft. The turboprop version can reach 370 mph.

Gloster Gauntlet 230 mph. When introduced in 1935, the fastest British aircraft of its type.

CR.42 Falco 323 mph. The world's fastest biplane.

Nimbus 4 190 mph. World's fastest motor glider.

Seawind 300C 200 mph. World's fastest four seat seaplane.

Lockheed AH-56 rotorcraft 252 mph

Antonov A-13 121.79 mph class glider speed record

P-51 Mustang 437 mph

MiG-23 Flogger 1,551 mph

F-106 Delta Dart 1,525 mph

English Electric Lightning 1,500 mph

MiG-29 Fulcrum 1,520 mph

Tornado ADV 1,480 mph

Sukhoi Su-22 1,379 mph

Saab 35 Draken 1,317 mph

D558 Skystreak 1,323 mph

F-20 Tigershark 1,320 mph

Saab 37 Viggen 1,320 mph

Avro CF-105 Arrow 1,300 mph

SEPECAT Jaguar 1,050 mph

Convair F2Y Sea Dart 825 mph

F-102 Delta Dagger 811 mph

Ryan FR-1 Fireball 426 mph

F-117 Stealth 684 mph

Harrier Jump Jet 660 mph

F-86D Sabre 693 mph

MiG-15 670 mph

F4D Skyray 722 mph

F-94 Starfire 640 mph

Grumman F9F Panther 575 mph

Me262 Schwalbe 540 mph

DH 103 Hornet 472 mph

A-10 Warthog 440 mph

SE5A 138 mph