If a person is interested in aviation, then sooner or later he wonders which plane is the fastest in the world. All ships are divided into military (fighters, interceptors, attack aircraft) and civilian (passenger, transport, sanitary and postal devices). Military aircrafts develop exorbitant speed. Thanks to the unique design, the maximum speed of military aircraft is more than 3,000 kilometers per hour. Separately, it is worth highlighting the experimental vessels, which are created specifically for setting records.

Top 10 fastest planes in the history of mankind

Among the fastest aircraft in the world are:

1. Drone X-43. The absolute record was set in November 2004. This hypersonic aircraft has a top speed of 11,850 kilometers per hour. NASA was involved in the creation of the vessel and the development of the program.
2. Experimental North American X-15 fitted with rocket engines. The speed of the fastest manned aircraft is 8200 kilometers per hour. Experiments took place in the 60s of the last century. In addition to the incredible speed, during the record flights on the X-15 it was possible to reach an altitude of 107900 m.
   
   
3. Strategic reconnaissance SR-71 Blackbird. The black bird is the fastest scout, whose speed is 4100 kilometers per hour. For all the time, only 32 devices were produced. The SR-71 Blackbird was operated by the US Air Force until 1998.
   
   
4. Fighter-interceptor MiG-25. Soviet supersonic aircraft, developed as a response to American intelligence officers. Able to reach speeds of 3900 kilometers per hour. In some countries, the MiG-25 is still in service.
   
   
5. Experimental Bell X-2. The ship was tested in the 50s. On one of the flights, the X-2 was able to develop a speed of 3300-3900 kilometers per hour. Due to a series of disasters, testing of the Bell X-2 ceased.
   
   
6. XB-70 Valkyrie high-altitude bomber. The device was conceived as a supersonic nuclear bomber. 2 samples were produced. During the test XB-70 Valkyrie set a record. The speed of the device was 3600 kilometers per hour.
   
   
7. Fighter-interceptor MiG-31. A combat ship is designed to intercept and destroy targets at low and high altitudes. MiG-31 develops a speed of 3400 kilometers per hour.
   
   
8. Fighter McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. Fast aircraft of the fourth generation. F-15 Eagle develops 3066 kilometers per hour. The ship is operated by many countries including the USA, Japan and Israel.
   
   
9. Tactical bomber General Dynamics F-111. A decommissioned ship. F-111, if necessary, could develop a speed of 3060 kilometers per hour.
   
   
10. Multipurpose fighter Su-27. The speed of the device is 2870 kilometers per hour. Modifications have improved characteristics. The Su-27 has been discontinued, but is still in service.
    
    

Experimental aircraft reach values ​​exceeding the speed of sound by 3–7 times. It is likely that the established records will be broken in the near future.

Top 5 fastest passenger planes today

The main feature of passenger airliners is safety, so they are inferior in speed to military ships. During the Soviet period, the Tu-144 supersonic liner was operated for a short period of time. Due to difficulties in operation, the use of the Tu-144 was abandoned. Today, the fastest aircraft in the world are:

It is worth noting that choosing the fastest aircraft in the world is not so easy. Passenger liners have approximately the same cruising speed. Pilots rarely go to the maximum, maintaining values ​​​​of 900-950 kilometers per hour.

The fastest military aircraft in service

In addition to advanced characteristics, military equipment must be affordable and easy to operate. The following fast aircraft are in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces:

• MiG-29;
• Su-34;
• Su-35.

Among the supersonic fighters of the US Air Force are:

• F-22 Raptor;
• F-35 Lightning;
• F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The following supersonic fighters are in service with the Chinese Air Force:

• Chengdu J-20;
• Xian JH-7;
• Shenyang J-11.

The F-15 and MiG-31 are considered the fastest military aircraft in the world. It is worth noting that many countries buy American, Chinese or Russian equipment for their own armed forces. The listed fighters are considered popular and bought. When choosing a military aviation technology study the following characteristics: payload, fuel supply, thrust without afterburner. Speed ​​doesn't count the most important parameter, however, attention is also focused on this indicator.

The fastest aircraft in the world are made in the USA, Russia and China. More advanced models are being developed. Today, the United States already has the 5th generation F-22 Raptor fighter, 187 units of equipment have been produced. Russia is pinning its hopes on the Su-57 under development to replace obsolete models.

The fastest Russian aircraft

Without a doubt, the fastest Soviet-made aircraft is the MiG-25.

In terms of speed, this device surpasses the MiG-29 and others modern models, which are in service in the Russian Federation. In addition to military vehicles, civil ships are being created in the country. The fastest aircraft in Russia are:

• Tu-22M;
• Su-35;

Allocate military turboprop aircraft Tu-95, which is capable of carrying Kh-101 cruise missiles. The Tu-95 does not reach supersonic levels, but at the same time the device has stealth from satellites and low fuel consumption. Tu-95 is a serial bomber. There are 60 vehicles in service.

Among the operated passenger airliners, the Sukhoi Superjet 100 is distinguished. The Superjet 100 is rightfully called the Russian aircraft, since the vessel was designed and built in the Russian Federation.

There are no civilian operated supersonic liners in Russia and in the world. There are plans to create supersonic passenger airliners (Tu-244, Tu-344), but in the near future the projects will not be implemented due to economic disadvantage and environmental requirements.

If you want to know which Russian aircraft is the fastest, we study information about modifications of Soviet aircraft and ships developed and produced after the collapse of the USSR.

When it comes to speed, it's breathtaking. If we are talking about planes flying at supersonic speeds - this is something fantastic. All of these aircraft are masterpieces of engineering, equipped with the most advanced technologies of their time.

Top 10

He has a truly fantastic speed in 11,230 km/h. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Developed using a technology alternative to turbojet engines in our time.

Although its maximum speed is listed as 12 144 km/h He's not in first place. This is explained by the fact that at the time of testing, the X-43 record was not broken. Both the first and second aircraft were developed by NASA using the latest technology.

It is rightfully considered one of the fastest aircraft with a pilot on board. The maximum speed it can reach is 8200 km/h. This is almost seven times the speed of sound. The aircraft was designed for research into hypersonic flight. X-15 equipped rocket engine. However, it can take to the air only on board a strategic bomber, from where it starts. The maximum altitude reached by the aircraft is 107 kilometers.

1. "Blackbird" or SR-71

The aircraft is reconnaissance in the US Air Force. The machine was produced in limited quantities - 32 aircraft. The first air vehicle equipped with stealth technology. Max speed approx. 4102 km/h. The plane was actively used for espionage.

1. YF-12

Outwardly, it does not differ from the Blackbird, except that it carries air-to-air weapons. It was the predecessor and prototype of the SR-71. Max Speed: 3,661 km/h.

1. Legendary MiG-25

It was designed to intercept the American Blackbird and had a speed of 3916 km/h. The characteristics of this combat aircraft are impressive - at a speed of more than 3 times the speed of sound, it was capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 25 kilometers. It proved itself very well in a number of military conflicts.

What makes it unique is that in 1954 it reached an unimaginable speed for that time. But after an unsuccessful flight, the release program was closed. Max Speed: 3,370 km/h.

1. "Valkyrie" XB-70

A truly super-powerful Cold War aircraft. Designed to deliver nuclear weapons in a short time. High speed ( 3672 km/h) allowed to escape from the consequences of a nuclear explosion, as well as from enemy interceptors.

1. MiG-31

With a speed of 3464 km/h. This aircraft, thanks to its most powerful engines, was able to develop such a speed at any altitude. The technical radar filling made it possible to control several aircraft over a fairly large area.

It's incredible, but this aircraft has been in service for 40 years and will serve the US Air Force for at least another 8 years. His speed is 3065 km/h, as well as technical characteristics and scope make it indispensable for the Air Force.

Top 4 passenger aircraft

1. Tu-144

The legendary Soviet supersonic liner, had a speed of 2430 km/h. A truly fantastic result for that time among passenger aircraft. By the will of fate, it gave way to Concorde, which for a long time (until 2003) carried out passenger transatlantic flights.

If we talk about the projected passenger aircraft, this model deserves a place in the top. Even from the name it becomes clear that the future aircraft will overcome the speed of sound ( 2335 km/h). The aircraft will be designed for any category of passengers.

Reaches speed in 1153 km/h. The fastest civilian vessel with the status of a business aircraft. Used mainly as a private for wealthy businessmen and business people.

And, finally, the fastest scheduled passenger aircraft is an engineering masterpiece by Airbus. The latest aircraft, which, in addition to its speed, is also the world's largest double-deck airliner. Max Speed: 1,020 km/h.

Military aircraft

The fastest military aircraft in the world can be called the Russian MiG-25 and the American SR-71. An interesting fact is that the Soviet fighter was created in fact to neutralize the American intelligence officer. The MiG set a lot of speed records of its time. The pilots who piloted this machine claimed that the aircraft was able to overcome the mark of Mach 3.5 (speed of sound). This value is greater than that of the American Blackbird. However, this is not documented anywhere. In turn, the SR-71 did not have sufficient reliability. In the entire history of its flights, a third of the vehicles produced have been lost.

Combat aircraft

Much has already been said about the champions of military aircraft in various years. The fastest combat aircraft currently in use is the MiG-31. The fighter is designed to destroy targets in the air at any altitude and in any weather conditions. It is not a problem for the machine to use thermal and radio interference by the enemy.

Designed to intercept cruise missiles. Nowadays, they are used in military conflicts to solve a wide range of tasks. For some time they were used as "special forces" in the Russian air defense forces.

The video shows the takeoff of this high-speed car

turboprop aircraft

A truly unique aircraft that has been in service since the distant 1952 (!) Years. The speed for that time was amazing - 924 km/h. Engines, with a capacity of 15,000 forces, set a Guinness record for screw engines. The aircraft is still in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces and performs a wide range of combat missions.

An interesting fact is that the speed of the Tu-95 is slightly less than the speed of the jet American B-52. The armament and technical characteristics of the aircraft make it possible to safely hit targets beyond the range of enemy radar equipment.

The relevance of the machine is also confirmed by its use in the military conflict in Syria, where the bomber regiment successfully completed a number of tasks assigned to it.

In conclusion, it should be noted that aircraft production technologies do not stand still. However, those aircraft that were discussed above will firmly take their place in the history of aircraft construction as advanced aircraft at that time. Who knows what records await humanity in the future, and what goals new hypersonic aircraft will fulfill. All this will show time.

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 in 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 even today it is considered important part 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. IN current plans 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 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- This is a unique aircraft and another brainchild of the 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 on 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. 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 creating it was heat 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

From the very first flight of the Wright brothers, it was obvious that the aircraft in the future should become the most fast transport on the planet, because even in order to just take off, you need to at least quickly accelerate. In the first quarter of the 20th century, aircraft flew at speeds above 200 km/h, new speed records were set almost every year, and by the 1940s the bar was close to 1000 km/h. Then, in the 40s, turboprop aircraft were replaced by new jet fighters capable of accelerating more than the speed of sound, and for the first time the supersonic mark was reached in 1947 on the experimental American aircraft Bell X-1.

Civil aviation, with the exception of a few exceptions, eventually froze at speeds of 800-1000 km / h due to economic feasibility, but the development of the speed characteristics of military aircraft could only be stopped by the laws of physics, and the military was of little interest economic indicators, they needed the best aircraft in the world, because there was an arms race between the two superpowers in the world. The speed indicators of combat vehicles grew very quickly, and perhaps they would have exceeded hypersound long ago, but the cost of one flight hour of such an aircraft would cost too much even for the military, and that is why most aircraft in the world now fly at approximately the same speeds, but even among a large number of aircraft there are unique machines, which will be reviewed.

Tu-160

Tu-160 is a strategic bomber-missile carrier. This unique aircraft began to be developed back in the 70s. At that time, supersonic Tu-22s were already in service, but the radius of action did not allow performing all the necessary tasks, the first of which was the nuclear deterrence of the United States. A more advanced aircraft was needed, capable of flying farther and higher than its predecessor, and at the same time having combat capabilities no lower than the Tu-95. The development of the aircraft took almost 10 years, and in 1981 the Tu-160 took to the air for the first time. Testing and acceptance of the aircraft took another 5 years, and in 1986 serial production of the Tu-160 began at the Kazan Aircraft Building Plant. A total of 35 bombers were manufactured, of which 16 are now in service and on combat duty.

Already the first flights showed that the Tu-160 is a unique aircraft capable of breaking through the air defense of any enemy, and so far no one in the world has created anything like it. All the main combat indicators, such as the practical ceiling and combat load, remained inaccessible to other vehicles of this class. In 2010, thanks to two refuelings, the aircraft covered a distance of 18,000 km and was in the air for 24 hours, which is such an excellent indicator.

• Maximum Speed, km/h — 2200
• Practical ceiling, m - 21900
• Practical range, km - 13 800
• Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 275,000

Tu-22M3 is a long-range supersonic bomber with a variable sweep wing. Despite the excellent performance of the Tu-160, due to the high cost and complexity of production, it was not the main bomber in the USSR. The most massive was the Tu-22M, which has been produced since 1969. Its design turned out to be so successful that the modifications created on its basis fully meet even modern requirements. The modernization of the Tu-22M2 in 1976 almost completely changed the appearance of this aircraft. supersonic bomber, leaving intact only general principle designs. A year later, the Tu-22M3 took to the skies; it went into serial production in 1978. At the same time, in its final form, the aircraft was put into service only in 1989, since many manufacturers of various components of the Tu-22M3 could not develop and supply for it in time latest equipment according to requirements. The aircraft was produced until 1993 and a total of 268 such flying machines were built. In service with Russia this moment there are 69 such machines.

• Maximum Speed, km/h — 2300
• Practical ceiling, m - 13300
• Practical range, km - 6800
• Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 126,000

Tu-144

Tu-144 is the only Soviet supersonic passenger airliner. Despite its unique characteristics, this passenger aircraft had a short life, becoming another expensive toy in the ideological war between the USSR and the West. The reason for the development was the joint Anglo-French project "Concord". The Soviet leadership wanted by all means to be the first to launch such an ambitious project. As a result, the Tu-144 made its first flight two months earlier than the Concorde, which took place on December 31, 1968, but it broke the supersonic barrier only 6 months later. The refinement of all Tu-144 systems was carried out until 1977, and again, the launch of flights was made not for technical, but for ideological reasons. Concorde had been making flights for a year now, and the Soviet Union could not finalize its program in any way. Flights began in November 1977, and were quite successful. The country's leadership has already made plans for flights to the most distant corners of our vast country, as well as access to international shipping. However, seven months later, all commercial flights were terminated on Tu-144 aircraft. The reason for this was two reasons: the high cost of transportation and the catastrophe with the upgraded Tu-144D, which was an improved version of the T-144, was supposed to consume one and a half times less fuel and become the main supersonic aircraft of the USSR. The Tu-144 was produced until the mid-80s, but they could not finalize it to acceptable performance and it did not go back to Passenger Transportation limited to special flights. A total of 16 copies were released, currently all of them are either disposed of or are in museums.

• Maximum Speed, km/h — 2500
• Practical range, km - 3080
• Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 195,000

Su-57

The Su-57 is the latest Russian fifth-generation fighter that has not yet gone into production, but 11 copies have already been produced. The project for the development of the PAK FA (Advanced Frontal Aviation Complex) was adopted in 2002, but funding began to come in only 3 years later. In 2010, the Su-57 took to the air for the first time. Serial launch and start of operation is planned for 2018.

At the moment, the Su-57 is one of the best fighters world, and perhaps even the best. Despite the fact that the Russian armed forces have one of the best sets of combat aircraft, the new Su-57 surpasses them in all respects, including speed. If previously the fastest fighter was the Su-27, capable of accelerating to 2,500 km/h, now the fastest fighter will be the Su-57. At the moment, most of the information on the project is still classified, but approximate characteristics already known.

• Maximum Speed, km/h — 2600
• Practical ceiling, m - 20000
• Practical range, km - 4800
• Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 37,000

MiG - 31 long-range supersonic interceptor fighters. Its main combat mission is to intercept cruise missiles, as well as low-flying satellites. The airframe of the aircraft was developed on the basis of the already proven MiG-25, and the most significant difference in the design was a double cabin. The Mig-31 also installed the latest electronic equipment for those times and used the most modern materials: the proportion of titanium and aluminum alloys was 50%.

It flew its first test flight in September 1975, and went into series production in 1979. A total of 519 MiG-31 aircraft were built. Currently, the Russian Aerospace Forces are armed with 247 vehicles, as well as 25 are part of the air forces of Kazakhstan. Some of them will be upgraded to the MiG-31BM version, the rest will be decommissioned, as they are not subject to further operation. IN Lately it is the aircraft of this model that most often get into accidents and need to be replaced more than others. However, despite its age, it is the MiG-31 that still has unsurpassed performance, and is a kind of "special forces" in the air defense of the Russian Federation.

• Maximum Speed, km/h — 3000
• Practical ceiling, m - 20800 (dynamic - 30000)
• Practical range, km - 2400
• Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 46 750

T-4

IN Soviet time was conducted great amount the most unusual developments. Progress in creating various military equipment was so great, and the tasks for the designers were so complex that sometimes such unique machines were developed that it would be very difficult to repeat this today. One of these unique machines was the T-4 bomber bomber, nicknamed "weave".

In the 60s, a competition was held to create a supersonic missile carrier, a "hunter" for aircraft carriers. Design Bureau "Sukhoi" presented its project T-4, which was ahead of the projects of Yakovlev and Tupolev. One of the main difficulties in the implementation of the project was a strong frontal resistance at high speeds, and an unusual solution was invented: when accelerating, the cockpit was closed with a nose cone and the aircraft turned into a kind of rocket. The pilots completely lacked any visibility and they moved exclusively on instruments. On the other hand, at high altitude and high speed and nothing is visible. The first and only aircraft took to the air in 1972. The aircraft conducted 10 test flights, the military was already ready to order a batch of 250 aircraft, but in the end the project was canceled. There are many reasons for this, but the main ones are the high cost and lack of production capacity for mass production. But for its time, the aircraft had fantastic performance, it could easily break through any enemy air defense and launch a missile attack on a target. But the project was not destined to go into production, and the only copy of the T-4 is now in the museum.

• Maximum Speed, km/h — 3200
• Practical ceiling, m - 25000
• Practical range, km - 6000
• Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 135,000

MiG-25

At the end of 1961, a project was launched in the USSR to create a high-speed fighter-interceptor capable of intercepting absolutely any targets, including high-speed US reconnaissance aircraft. At the same time, the interceptor was supposed to hit high-altitude targets at an altitude of 25 km. Despite all the difficulties, it took 3 years to create the first machine, and in 1964 the first MiG-25 took to the air. It was put into operation in 1970. Currently, it is in service with the air forces of Algeria and Syria, and it is also planned to upgrade for further operation in Azerbaijan.

Already during the creation of the aircraft, it became clear that its characteristics would be simply unattainable for its time. It flew higher and faster than any fighter in the world, and when used correctly, it was completely invulnerable. The case in 1997, when the MiG-25 of the Indian Air Force flew over the capital of Pakistan, causing panic among the population, is very indicative. The planes of Pakistan that had risen to intercept simply could not catch up with him, let alone intercept him. The aircraft was also very successfully used in the Middle East conflicts. Even during the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91, Iraqi pilots opposed the Americans on MiGs on equal terms, and this despite their huge numerical superiority. Iraqi pilots had to engage in battle with a seriously superior enemy, the gap in the electronic warfare systems was especially strong. The most famous incident occurred on January 19, 1991, when the MiG-25PD was able to dodge a group of 8 F-15s and attack their EF-111A EW cover aircraft. As a result, the EF-111A turned to the base, after which one of the F15s was shot down by ground-based air defenses, left without cover. Most of Iraq's 25s were destroyed on the ground, not in the air.

The MiG-25 holds two combat aircraft records. The first is the maximum flight altitude, which was set at 37,650 in 1977. And the second record, this is just not an official speed record, and oddly enough, the record was recorded in 1973 by the Israeli radar, which detected an aircraft moving at a speed of Mach 3 (about 3400 km / h). At that time, it could only be a Soviet MiG-25 sent to conduct reconnaissance against Israel in Syria. This fact looks even more surprising in light of the fact that the maximum speed should not exceed 3000 km / h and at speeds higher, the engines could quickly fail. This record for combat aircraft has not been broken to this day, and only reconnaissance aircraft and missiles fly faster than our MiG.

• Maximum Speed, km/h — 3400
• Practical ceiling, m - 23,000 (dynamic 37,650)
• Practical range, km - 1865
• Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 41 200

In terms of speed of movement, airliners differ from each other, because even a simple passenger board accelerates to 900 km / h. This figure is not so great. A jet fighter flies at three times the speed of an ordinary passenger airliner, and therefore can easily overtake such a plane. But even such models cannot be called the fastest aircraft with full confidence. Let's look into this issue and determine which boards today deserve to be called ultra-high-speed.

Today, thanks to science and technology, there are aircraft that can reach speeds that exceed the propagation of a sound wave. Such models are called hypersonic. Researchers and designers from different countries The world has not yet found uniform criteria by which a high-speed aircraft could be attributed to this category.

Some scientists believe that it is permissible to classify a ship that is directly controlled by a person as a hypersonic aircraft. The second half of the experts are of the opinion that unmanned vehicles are better modernized, and therefore the technical justification for the benefits of such modifications is appropriate. Another controversial opinion is also known - is it possible to consider taking off with the help of a catapult or an airplane - an apparatus that rises into the sky on its own. Differences of such nuances cause heated discussions.

The unanimous opinion, where scientists agree, is the maximum speed of the aircraft, which it develops in the air. It is by this criterion that a barrier is established, according to which experts classify the design as supersonic models. Novice aviation enthusiasts are interested in what is the speed of fast plane in the world and who are rightfully called the best.

Ultra-high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles occupy a leading position in the world ranking. Manned aircraft used by the military traditionally lag behind the first category of aircraft, but are able to surprise the layman. In addition, there are passenger liners, the speed of which is amazing. Consider the characteristics and indicators of these categories in detail.

Leaders among drones

The first place in the specified parameters is deservedly occupied by a drone X-43A . This model is capable of surpassing the propagation of sound waves by 9.6 times. The speed of the structure is not limited to 11,231 km/h. Such indicators are rightfully recognized as the best today.

The model has been developed over a decade by professionals from MicroCraft Inc, NASA and Orbital Sciences Corporation. In the course of the work, studies were carried out on the capabilities of engines operating on jet fuel, and the possible value of the speed index of the model was estimated. Up to $ 250,000,000 was spent on the project, but the result of the development met expectations.

Despite such power, the X-43A is a miniature model. The length of this structure is about three and a half meters, and the distance along the wingspan barely reaches the mark of one and a half meters. As for the engine, here scientists applied the latest experimental development.

The secret of this innovation lies in the elimination of friction between the elements in the core of the motor. The fuel here is also used special, mixing hydrogen with oxygen. There are no tanks for storing O2 on board the X-43A, the device draws it directly from the air, which greatly facilitates the degree of fuel supply, and also significantly affects the mass of the model as a whole. Such an apparatus, which is deservedly called the fastest aircraft in the world, does not pollute environment, because from the engine, due to the reaction of the fuel elements, simple steam is released into the atmosphere.

Another instance is also referred to the category of ultra-high-speed models - this Kh-34 from Orbital Sciences Corporation. This steel bird can reach speeds of 12,144 km/h. Undoubtedly, its acceleration is higher than the previous device, but it takes the second place for a reason. In testing both drones, the Kh-34 showed a significantly lower result, although the maximum acceleration of the side is much higher than that of the Kh-43A.

The device saw the sky in 2001. Until that time, seven long, painstaking years had been spent on its creation, and a considerable amount, measured in hundreds of millions of dollars. The final success of the development was in two thousand and four. During this time, the model was also equipped with a Pegasus rocket made from solid fuels. The decision of the designers made it possible to give even greater acceleration and maneuverability.

The dimensions of such a device are impressive. The distance at the extreme points of the wings of the model is 8.85 m with a height of three and a half meters and a length of the apparatus of 17.8 m. Such indicators also affect the weight of the structure. The mass of the giant is 1,270 kilograms. But this modification flies fast and is able to gain altitude of 75 kilometers from the runway.

Rating of manned aircraft

There are many other examples that can amaze with the speed of movement. We will find out which manned vehicles are recognized by this criterion in the world. The top 10 most powerful models, whose speed is significantly different from small airliners or other air structures, are presented below. Such designs hit the top ten liners due to their technical specifications, earning universal approval.

world leader

The model is considered to be the first in terms of velocity data North American X-15 . The speed of the device reaches a mark of 8200.8 km / h. The design is equipped with a rocket engine controlled by a pilot and starts the flight from the start on board the bomber. The X-15 was created specifically for research purposes with hypersonic flights and actively participated in them until 1970.

The fastest manned aircraft North American X-15 reaches 8,200.8 km/h

Second position

In second place in terms of evaluated characteristics, including speed, engineers attributed SR-71 Blackbird or "blackbird". This model was developed for the study of strategic objects, reconnaissance operations and other operational activities. The speed of the blackbird is 4,102.8 km/h. Such an air vehicle was in great demand, so there were approximately 32 SR-71 Blackbirds. The only disadvantage of the design is excessive overheating and the inability to stay in the air for a long time.

Third step

The third place in the ranking is occupied by the device Lokcheed YF-12 . For the creation of such a model, one should thank the famous aircraft designer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. Although the assembly of this vessel was carried out at first as the creation of a prototype of the liner, all the same, this device was awarded several honorary titles and awards. The YF-12 is similar in design to the Blackbird, to some extent you can even call them brothers - after all, the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bcreation, drawings and diagrams belong to the same person. Of course, the flight speed of the two devices is slightly different, because the YF-12 accelerates in the air to 4,100.4 km / h.

Fourth place

The position with the fourth result is occupied by MiG-25 . This Russian aircraft was designed specifically for military operations and the interception of reconnaissance aircraft. Currently, he is still in the service of some armed forces. Due to his unique abilities, he was very popular. In total, there are about 1100 such aircraft in the world. MiG-25 cuts through the air at a speed of 3,916.8 km / h and any target at an altitude of no higher than 25 kilometers.

Fifth position

In fifth place we put the experimental board Bell X-2 Starbuster . His task was considered to be the study of flight options for the maximum possible speeds. Scientists listened to the information of some aviation services, and the use of the device had to be stopped. After all, upon reaching top speed at 3,911.9 km / h, it is impossible for a person to control such an aircraft. Although the model is rightfully considered a manned structure.

Sixth paragraph

This place is occupied by military modification XB-70 Valkyrie . The bomber's acceleration reaches 3,672 km/h. The model is designed to deliver nuclear weapons to a designated facility. The speed of this air vehicle was calculated by engineers with the condition that the bomber could easily maneuver in the sky and thereby elude the enemy.

The North American XB-70A Valkyrie bomber has a speed of 3,672 km/h

Seventh place

MiG-31 - Another domestic aircraft, whose design is unique. Engineers equipped this model with two of the most powerful engines of their kind, which allow the aircraft to safely fly at supersonic speeds and develop acceleration at any altitude. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the production of the MiG-31 was stopped by the mid-90s.

The most powerful MiG-31 is capable of accelerating speed even at the maximum flight altitude

Eighth position

Eighth place is occupied by a military aircraft McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle , in service with the US Air Force. The creation of this fighter was a great success and pride for America. To date, this is the only aircraft whose production has not been stopped, but rather is planned in the future. F-15 flies at a speed of 3,065 km/h and performs its tasks in all weather conditions.

The speed of the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle military aircraft reaches 3,065 km/h

Ninth line

The penultimate place in the list is given to the tactical bomber F-111 from General Dynamics. Like some other models, it was retired from production in the 90s, although it was the first aircraft that could change the swept wing. No other aircraft had such a factor before the F-111, this quality allowed it to have a significant advantage in the air over other aircraft.

The tactical bomber F-111 had supersonic speed and changed the sweep of the wing

Last place ranking

If someone asks you: “What is the fastest passenger aircraft in Russia?”, you can name the aircraft developed in Russia without a shadow of a doubt. This Tu-144 , which became the first passenger airliner on the planet capable of gaining hypersonic acceleration. For the first time, the air giant took off at the end of December 1968. A year later, the liner showed the ability to gain speed of two and a half thousand kilometers per hour at an altitude of 11 km. This event went down in history, because even today there are no analogues of passenger boards in the world that are able to repeat such a maneuver.

The first passenger liner Russian production, which reached hypersonic speed, became the Tu-144

As you can see, when it comes to air traffic, the speed of movement here is significantly increased compared to land transport. And even specialists in this field will find it difficult to name the maximum possible value - constant technical development contributes to the development of new, so far secret models, which in the near future will take their rightful place in such a rating.

The speed of the fastest aircraft exceeds the propagation of sound, today unmanned vehicles have become hypersonic leaders
Drone X-43A - the fastest aircraft in the world
Aircraft X34 is capable of accelerating up to 12,144 km/h
The fastest manned aircraft North American X-15 reaches 8,200.2 km/h
SR-71 Blackbird takes the second position in the top 10 fastest aircraft
Lokcheed YF-12 closes the top three
Bell X-2 Starbuster aircraft reaches speeds in excess of 3,911 km/h