Top Gun There’s really a lot to answer for. Before this movie was released, generations of kids wanted to be astronauts or sports stars. But when Tom Cruise’s blockbuster hit our screens, suddenly everyone was dreaming of donning aviators and taking to the skies in a technologically advanced million-pound fighter jet.
Our gallery has compiled information about the 10 fastest jet planes in the world and their history.
Strap on and have your sick bags ready as you take to the skies to see which jet is the fastest.
10 – F-22 Raptor
This single-seat stealth fighter is a formidable weapon with a top speed of Mach 2.25 and long-range cruise capability, not to mention a large number of missiles.
Because its stealth capabilities are so advanced, the F-22 is not allowed to be sold outside the United States. But despite its speed and stealth, it has been overshadowed by the slower but more versatile F-35 Lightning II jet.
Production of the F-22 ended after only 187 were built, making it relatively rare to see it in the air.
9 – MiG-29 Fulcrum
The MiG-29 was built by the Soviet Union during the Cold War to compete with aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle. It is a lightweight fighter aircraft that can fly 1,500 km on fuel tanks and can refuel in the air. It has a top speed of Mach 2.3, which is extremely fast.
This jet is extremely well built and durable, able to withstand takeoffs and landings on the roughest runways. It has undergone a continuous upgrade program and is still used in many countries around the world.
8 – F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 is perhaps best known as the star of the original 1986 film Top Gun. Those familiar with the movie will be familiar with its agility and cockpit built for two people. You may also be aware of the fact that it was operated from an aircraft carrier and had impressive takeoff and landing sequences.
The F-14 is equipped with two jet engines to achieve a top speed of Mach 2.34 and has been in service for over 30 years, making it one of the most famous jet fighters in the world.
7 – MiG-23 Frogger
The MiG-23 is one of the most famous jets on our list, thanks to its variable swept wing design. This makes it very light and agile in flight, making it ideal for air combat situations. Top speed is Mach 2.35, which is difficult to exceed.
As such, it proved to be a very popular airplane, with over 5,000 built over 18 years. Even though the design is nearly 60 years old, it is still in use in some countries thanks to its excellent manufacturing quality.
6 – Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker
The versatile Sukhoi Su-27 jet has a top speed of Mach 2.35, which means it barely cracks the top five. But speed is not the only appeal of this jet. It also boasts an excellent range and excellent flight maneuverability.
The plane’s climbing ability is legendary, reaching an amazing altitude of 12 km in less than a minute. Thanks to its versatility and flight characteristics, it remains in production more than 40 years after its introduction.
5 – F-15 Eagle
McDonnell Douglas’ venerable F-15 fighter jet remains one of the fastest jet aircraft, with a top speed of Mach 2.5.
Due to its light weight and large wing area, the F-15 is incredibly agile and capable of making small turns without losing speed.
4 – MiG-31 Foxhound
The MiG-31 is one of the oldest jet aircraft still in service. It features a top speed of Mach 2.83, making it a very impressive jet.
3 – MiG-25 Foxbat
The Mikoyan Gurevich MiG 25 remains the third fastest jet fighter with a top speed of Mach 2.83. Even the latest version is still in use in some countries, despite being outdated.
The plane could theoretically reach speeds of at least Mach 3.2, but its top speed was limited to Mach 2.83 to prevent engine damage from prolonged travel at high speeds.
Over its long lifespan, approximately 1,200 were built, making it one of the most successful fighter aircraft of all time.
2 – Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The SR-71, known as the “Blackbird,” remains the second fastest jet aircraft in history with a top speed of Mach 3.3. It was developed for high-altitude flight during reconnaissance missions throughout the Cold War era.
The last person to fly the SR-71 was NASA, which used the plane to train pilots for high-speed, high-altitude flights.
1 – NASA X-43
The world’s fastest jet aircraft is NASA’s X-43 experimental aircraft, reaching a speed of Mach 9.6 thanks to its scramjet design.
Although the design of these aircraft required them to descend from a Boeing B-52 in order to fly, they are still very impressive aircraft.
| position | plane | airspeed |
| 10 | F-22 | Mach 2.25 |
| 9 | mig-29 | Mach 2.3 |
| 8 | F-14 | Mach 2.34 |
| 7 | mig-23 | Mach 2.35 |
| 6 | Sukhoi Su-27 | Mach 2.35 |
| 5 | F-15 | Mach 2.5 |
| 4 | mig-31 | Mach 2.83 |
| 3 | mig-25 | Mach 2.83 |
| 2 | SR-71 Blackbird | Mach 3.3 |
| 1 | X-43 | Mach 9.6 |
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
