10.Su-27
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The Su-27 was modernized and improved, which made it possible to get closer to the line of Mach 2.35
A fighter with a maximum speed of 2876.4 km / h. The aircraft was developed during the Soviet period. In subsequent years, the Su-27 was repeatedly modernized and improved, which made it possible to approach the line of Mach 2.35. Has two jet engines. For the first time, a fly-by-wire control system was used on a Soviet-made military aircraft. The combat vehicle was created to confront the new American F-15 fighter that appeared at that time. It must be said that Soviet aircraft designers managed to create an aircraft not only corresponding to its American counterpart in its characteristics, but also surpassing it in many respects. The Su-27 has powerful firearms, 10 missiles for air combat at medium and short distances.
The aircraft turned out to be really cool and high quality, which allows it to remain in the combat formation of the Russian Air Force. The modifications made the aircraft a dangerous contender for any combat aircraft of other countries.
9. General Dynamics F-111
The speed of the F-111 can reach 3060 km / h. The ninth number in the list of the fastest aircraft was not a fighter, but a bomber designed to perform tactical missions. Mach 2.5 – these are the speed indicators of the car. The bomber was in operation until the end of the 90s. To carry out its combat missions, the aircraft is capable of carrying 14.3 tons of bombs, including nuclear ammunition. The main armament also includes a cannon, 9 missiles. This model is classified as a pioneer in aircraft construction, since the F-111 was first mass-produced with variable sweep wings, which gave it many advantages, including high-speed ones.
8. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
The maximum speed of the F-15 aircraft can reach 3065 km / h. An all-weather American fighter that made its first take-off in the mid-seventies of the last century. Despite its venerable age, the combat vehicle is considered one of the most successful, which is confirmed by its presence in the state of the US armed forces to this day and will stay there for at least another 5 years. Their production continues to this day. Thanks to the modernization of the F-15, the fighter belongs to the 4th generation. The car is equipped with two powerful engines that can accelerate the 18-ton colossus to a speed of Mach 2.5. This aircraft is very popular with America’s allies – 1,200 aircraft have been delivered to these countries. The fighter has powerful standard armament, typical for aircraft of this class, there is the possibility of suspension of additional tanks and bombs. Standard powerful weapons allowed the aircraft to win more than a hundred victorious battles in flight.
7. MiG-31
MiG-31 can fly at supersonic speeds at various altitudes
The device picks up a speed of 3463.92 km / h thanks to two powerful engines. The MiG-31 can fly at supersonic speeds at various altitudes. During development, the machine was equipped with innovative, at that time, radar systems. Four fighters can successfully cover the 900 km section.
The armament of the MiG-31:
23 mm automatic cannon;
Heavy missiles for hitting air targets – 4-6 pcs;
Special missile weapons for the destruction of high-speed objects.
These aircraft were produced until the mid-90s. There is no exact data on the number of cars produced. Presumably, over the entire production period, about 500 cars were produced.
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6.XB-70 Valkyrie
The high speed of the XB-70 Valkyrie bomber was necessary to break away from Soviet interceptor aircraft.
In an hour, this unit is capable of covering 3672 kilometers. The Cold War served as a good stimulator for the development of technical progress and the birth of unique design ideas. One of its incarnations was the XB-70 aircraft. The mass of the vehicle was 240 tons. Acceleration to record speeds was possible thanks to six powerful engines. Some structural elements of the aircraft, upon reaching a high flight speed, heated up to temperatures exceeding 300 degrees. The high speed of the XB-70 Valkyrie bomber was necessary to break away from the Soviet interceptor aircraft. Also, the main task of high speed was the lightning-fast escape from the blast wave after the rupture of a nuclear bomb. The aircraft’s fuel supply allowed it to penetrate deep into the territory of the Soviet Union and return without additional refueling. Carrying 14 nuclear bombs, the plane posed a very serious danger. The high cost of building the aircraft and the significant operating costs for its maintenance made it possible to launch only two bombers into series, one of which first took to the skies in 1964.
5. Bell X-2 Starbuster
Bell X-2 Starbuster tested and studied operating conditions at peak speeds
Airplane with a speed of 3911.9 km / h. Without experimental research and development, it would have been impossible to increase speed. For these purposes, the Americans created this aircraft. The Bell X-2 Starbuster was used to test and study the operating conditions of the machine at peak speeds. Research began in 1954, but was phased out after a couple of years. During the tests, breaking the barrier at Mach 3.196, the pilot of the aircraft made a mistake, which led to the loss of the car. Nevertheless, the speed achieved during that period remains one of the highest to date.
4. MiG-25
The uniqueness of the MiG-25 lies in the fact that it can hit air targets at an altitude of 25 kilometers at high speed.
The aircraft is capable of flying at a speed of 3916.8 km / h. Any military aircraft is created to solve specific problems and counter enemy aircraft. This is how the MiG-25 appeared, created to combat American reconnaissance aircraft, specifically with the SR-71. The uniqueness of the MiG-25 lies in the fact that it can hit air targets at an altitude of 25 kilometers at high speed. The aircraft took part in several armed conflicts and was distinguished by high combat performance. Over the years of production, 1100 aircraft were produced, some of which are still in service in a number of countries.
3. Lockheed YF-12
The YF-12 has a top speed of 4100.4 km / h. This aircraft is one of the three leaders in the aviation industry, the speed of which exceeds 4000 km / h. The model became the prototype of the more famous American high-speed aircraft, which will be discussed below. The aircraft test program was short-lived, which did not prevent the aircraft from receiving several titles.
2. SR-71 Blackbird
Initially, the SR-71 Blackbird was actively used by the military for reconnaissance flights over the territory of the Soviet Union and its allies.
Its speed is 4102.8 km / h. This is exactly the aircraft of which the owner of the 3rd place in the ranking of the most aircraft became the prototype. Initially, the SR-71 Blackbird was actively used by the military for reconnaissance flights over the territory of the Soviet Union and its allies. Due to its speed, the car easily broke away from pursuers and missiles. In fact, the Stealth technology was first applied on it. Later space explorers became interested in the plane. The plane used a special type of fuel, which could only be refueled in the air. A total of 32 aircraft were produced.
1. North American X-15
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The top speed defies human imagination and is Mach 6.7 or 8200.8 km / h. The aircraft was used for research purposes, where the behavior of mechanisms at hypersonic speeds was studied. The flight altitude reaches 107 km, which is equivalent to suborbital space flights.