Speed Demons of the Sky: The Top 5 Fastest Airplanes Ever Built
The quest for speed has always been a driving force in the aviation industry. From the early days of flight to the present, aircraft manufacturers have continually pushed the boundaries of speed, designing planes that can cut through the skies with incredible velocity. Here, we’ll explore the top 5 fastest airplanes ever built, each one a marvel of engineering and innovation.
5. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance plane developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s. With a top speed of over Mach 3.2 (around 2,190 mph or 3,524 km/h), the MiG-25 was one of the fastest operational aircraft of its time. Its incredible speed was made possible by its powerful turbojet engines and advanced aerodynamic design.
Key Features:
- Length: 70 ft 7 in (21.5 m)
- Wingspan: 46 ft 6 in (14.2 m)
- Height: 17 ft 7 in (5.4 m)
- Empty weight: 34,000 lb (15,422 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 60,000 lb (27,215 kg)
4. Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a supersonic reconnaissance plane developed by Lockheed Skunk Works in the 1950s and 1960s. With a top speed of over Mach 3.5 (around 2,193 mph or 3,529 km/h), the SR-71 remains one of the fastest operational aircraft ever built. Its incredible speed and agility made it a formidable reconnaissance platform during the Cold War era.
Key Features:
- Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.7 m)
- Wingspan: 55 ft 7 in (16.9 m)
- Height: 18 ft 5 in (5.6 m)
- Empty weight: 54,000 lb (24,494 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 172,000 lb (78,000 kg)
3. North American X-15
The North American X-15 is an experimental rocket-powered aircraft developed by North American Aviation in the 1950s and 1960s. With a top speed of over Mach 6.72 (around 4,520 mph or 7,274 km/h), the X-15 is one of the fastest manned aircraft ever built. Its incredible speed was made possible by its powerful rocket engine and advanced aerodynamic design.
Key Features:
- Length: 50 ft 3 in (15.3 m)
- Wingspan: 22 ft 4 in (6.8 m)
- Height: 13 ft 3 in (4 m)
- Empty weight: 14,000 lb (6,350 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 33,000 lb (14,969 kg)
2. Lockheed YF-12
The Lockheed YF-12 is an experimental interceptor aircraft developed by Lockheed Skunk Works in the 1960s. With a top speed of over Mach 3.56 (around 2,070 mph or 3,331 km/h), the YF-12 was one of the fastest operational aircraft of its time. Its incredible speed and agility made it a formidable interceptor platform during the Cold War era.
Key Features:
- Length: 101 ft 5 in (30.9 m)
- Wingspan: 55 ft 7 in (16.9 m)
- Height: 18 ft 5 in (5.6 m)
- Empty weight: 53,000 lb (24,041 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 150,000 lb (68,039 kg)
1. X-51 Waverider
The X-51 Waverider is an experimental scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) aircraft developed by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory in the 2000s. With a top speed of over Mach 5 (around 3,800 mph or 6,116 km/h), the X-51 Waverider is one of the fastest aircraft ever built. Its incredible speed was made possible by its advanced scramjet engine and aerodynamic design.
Key Features:
- Length: 25 ft 1 in (7.6 m)
- Wingspan: 4 ft 6 in (1.4 m)
- Height: 4 ft 1 in (1.2 m)
- Empty weight: 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,000 lb (1,814 kg)
🚀 Note: The X-51 Waverider is still an experimental aircraft and has not been officially recognized as the fastest aircraft ever built by Guinness World Records.
In conclusion, these five aircraft represent the pinnacle of speed and innovation in aviation. From the Soviet Union’s MiG-25 Foxbat to the United States’ X-51 Waverider, each plane has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the skies.
What is the fastest commercial airliner ever built?
+
The fastest commercial airliner ever built is the Concorde, which had a top speed of Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph or 2,180 km/h).
What is the fastest military aircraft ever built?
+
The fastest military aircraft ever built is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which had a top speed of over Mach 3.5 (around 2,193 mph or 3,529 km/h).
What is the fastest experimental aircraft ever built?
+
The fastest experimental aircraft ever built is the X-51 Waverider, which had a top speed of over Mach 5 (around 3,800 mph or 6,116 km/h).
Related Terms:
- the world s fastest airplane
- Messerschmitt Me 209
- hawker sea fury
- SR 71 Blackbird
- Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet
- Messerschmitt Bf 109
