The fastest combat aircraft in the world. The fastest aircraft in Russia and the USSR

An ordinary passenger plane flies at a speed of about 900 km/h. A jet fighter jet can reach about three times the speed. However, modern engineers from the Russian Federation and other countries of the world are actively developing even faster machines - hypersonic aircraft. What are the specifics of the respective concepts?

Criteria for a hypersonic aircraft

What is a hypersonic aircraft? By such it is customary to understand an apparatus capable of flying at a speed many times higher than that for sound. Researchers' approaches to determining its specific indicator vary. There is a widespread methodology according to which an aircraft should be considered hypersonic if it is a multiple of the speed indicators of the fastest modern supersonic vehicles. Which are about 3-4 thousand km / h. That is, a hypersonic aircraft, if you follow this methodology, should reach speeds of 6 thousand km / h.

Unmanned and controlled vehicles

The approaches of researchers may also differ in terms of determining the criteria for classifying a particular apparatus as an aircraft. There is a version that only those machines that are controlled by a person can be considered as such. There is a point of view according to which an unmanned vehicle can also be considered an aircraft. Therefore, some analysts classify machines of the type in question into those that are subject to human control and those that function autonomously. Such a division can be justified, since unmanned vehicles can have much more impressive technical characteristics, for example, in terms of overload and speed.

At the same time, many researchers consider hypersonic aircraft as a single concept, for which the key indicator is speed. It does not matter whether a person is sitting at the helm of the apparatus or the machine is controlled by a robot - the main thing is that the aircraft is fast enough.

Takeoff - independent or with outside help?

The classification of hypersonic aircraft is widespread, which is based on classifying them as those that can take off independently, or those that involve placement on a more powerful carrier - a rocket or a cargo plane. There is a point of view according to which it is legitimate to refer to the vehicles of the type under consideration mainly those that are able to take off independently or with minimal involvement of other types of equipment. However, those researchers who believe that the main criterion characterizing a hypersonic aircraft, speed, should be paramount in any classification. Whether it is classifying the device as unmanned, controlled, capable of taking off independently or with the help of other machines - if the corresponding indicator reaches the above values, then it means that we are talking about a hypersonic aircraft.

The main problems of hypersonic solutions

The concepts of hypersonic solutions are many decades old. Throughout the years of development of the corresponding type of vehicles, world engineers have been solving a number of significant problems that objectively prevent the production of "hypersound" from being put on stream - similar to organizing the production of turboprop aircraft.

The main difficulty in the design of hypersonic aircraft is the creation of an engine that can be sufficiently energy efficient. Another problem is the alignment of the necessary apparatus. The fact is that the speed of a hypersonic aircraft in the values ​​that we considered above implies a strong heating of the hull due to friction against the atmosphere.

Today we will consider several samples of successful prototypes of aircraft of the corresponding type, the developers of which were able to make significant progress in terms of successfully solving the problems noted. Let us now study the most famous world developments in terms of creating hypersonic aircraft of the type in question.

from Boeing

The fastest hypersonic aircraft in the world, according to some experts, is the American Boeing X-43A. So, during testing of this device, it was recorded that it reached a speed exceeding 11 thousand km / h. That is about 9.6 times faster

What is special about the X-43A hypersonic aircraft? The characteristics of this aircraft are as follows:

The maximum speed recorded in the tests is 11,230 km / h;

Wingspan - 1.5 m;

Hull length - 3.6 m;

Engine - direct-flow, Supersonic Combustion Ramjet;

Fuel - atmospheric oxygen, hydrogen.

It can be noted that the device in question is one of the most environmentally friendly. The fact is that the fuel used practically does not involve the release of harmful combustion products.

The X-43A hypersonic aircraft was developed by the joint efforts of NASA engineers, as well as Orbical Science Corporation and Minocraft. created for about 10 years. About 250 million dollars were invested in its development. The conceptual novelty of the aircraft under consideration is that it was conceived to test the latest technology for ensuring the operation of motive thrust.

Developed by Orbital Science

Orbital Science, which, as we noted above, took part in the creation of the X-43A, also managed to create its own hypersonic aircraft, the X-34.

Its top speed is over 12,000 km/h. True, in the course of practical tests it was not achieved - moreover, it was not possible to achieve the indicator shown by the X43-A aircraft. The aircraft in question is accelerated by the use of the Pegasus rocket, which operates on solid fuel. The X-34 was first tested in 2001. The aircraft in question is significantly larger than the device from Boeing - its length is 17.78 m, the wingspan is 8.85 m. The maximum flight altitude of the hypersonic vehicle from Orbical Science is 75 kilometers.

Aircraft from North American

Another well-known hypersonic aircraft is the X-15, produced by North American. Analysts refer to this apparatus as experimental.

It is equipped, which gives some experts reason not to classify it, in fact, as an aircraft. However, the presence of rocket engines allows the device, in particular, to perform So, during one of the tests in this mode, it was tested by pilots. The purpose of the X-15 apparatus is to study the specifics of hypersonic flights, evaluate certain design solutions, new materials, and control features of such machines in various layers of the atmosphere. It is noteworthy that it was approved back in 1954. X-15 flies at a speed of more than 7 thousand km / h. Its flight range is more than 500 km, its altitude exceeds 100 km.

The fastest production aircraft

The hypersonic vehicles we studied above actually belong to the research category. It will be useful to consider some serial samples of aircraft that are close in characteristics to hypersonic or are (according to one methodology or another) hypersonic.

Among these machines is the American development of the SR-71. Some researchers are not inclined to classify this aircraft as hypersonic, since its maximum speed is about 3.7 thousand km / h. Among its most notable characteristics is its takeoff weight, which exceeds 77 tons. The length of the device is more than 23 m, the wingspan is more than 13 m.

One of the fastest military aircraft is the Russian MiG-25. The device can reach speeds of more than 3.3 thousand km / h. The maximum takeoff weight of the Russian aircraft is 41 tons.

Thus, in the market of serial solutions, close in characteristics to hypersonic ones, the Russian Federation is among the leaders. But what can be said about Russian developments in terms of "classic" hypersonic aircraft? Are engineers from the Russian Federation capable of creating a solution that is competitive with machines from Boeing and Orbital Scence?

Russian hypersonic vehicles

At the moment, the Russian hypersonic aircraft is under development. But she is quite active. We are talking about the Yu-71 aircraft. Its first tests, according to media reports, were carried out in February 2015 near Orenburg.

It is assumed that the aircraft will be used for military purposes. Thus, a hypersonic vehicle will be able, if necessary, to deliver striking weapons over considerable distances, monitor the territory, and also be used as an element of attack aviation. Some researchers believe that in 2020-2025. the Strategic Missile Forces will receive about 20 aircraft of the corresponding type.

There is information in the media that the Russian hypersonic aircraft in question will be placed on the Sarmat ballistic missile, which is also at the design stage. Some analysts believe that the Yu-71 hypersonic vehicle being developed is nothing more than a warhead that will have to separate from the ballistic missile in the final flight segment, so that, thanks to the high maneuverability characteristic of an aircraft, it will overcome missile defense systems.

Project Ajax

Among the most notable projects related to the development of hypersonic aircraft is Ajax. Let's study it in more detail. The Ajax hypersonic aircraft is a conceptual development of Soviet engineers. In the scientific community, talk about it began back in the 80s. Among the most notable features is the presence of a thermal protection system, which is designed to protect the case from overheating. Thus, the developers of the Ajax apparatus proposed a solution to one of the "hypersonic" problems we have identified above.

The traditional scheme of thermal protection of aircraft involves the placement of special materials on the body. The Ajax developers proposed a different concept, according to which it was supposed not to protect the device from external heating, but to let heat into the car, while increasing its energy resource. The main competitor of the Soviet apparatus was the Aurora hypersonic aircraft, created in the United States. However, due to the fact that designers from the USSR significantly expanded the capabilities of the concept, the widest range of tasks, in particular, research, was assigned to the new development. We can say that Ajax is a hypersonic multi-purpose aircraft.

Let us consider in more detail the technological innovations proposed by engineers from the USSR.

So, the Soviet developers of Ajax proposed to use the heat that arises as a result of the friction of the aircraft body against the atmosphere, to convert it into useful energy. Technically, this could be implemented by placing additional shells on the apparatus. As a result, something like a second building was formed. Its cavity was supposed to be filled with some kind of catalyst, for example, a mixture of combustible material and water. The heat-insulating layer made of a solid material in Ajax was supposed to be replaced with a liquid one, which, on the one hand, was supposed to protect the engine, on the other hand, would promote a catalytic reaction, which, meanwhile, could be accompanied by an endothermic effect - the movement of heat from the outside body parts inside. Theoretically, the cooling of the external parts of the apparatus could be anything. Excess heat, in turn, was supposed to be used in order to increase the efficiency of the aircraft engine. At the same time, this technology would make it possible to generate free hydrogen as a result of the reaction of fuel and species.

At the moment, there is no information available to the general public about the continuation of the development of Ajax, but researchers consider it very promising to put Soviet concepts into practice.

Chinese hypersonic vehicles

China is becoming a competitor to Russia and the United States in the hypersonic solutions market. Among the most famous developments of engineers from China is the WU-14 aircraft. It is a hypersonic glider mounted on a ballistic missile.

An ICBM launches an aircraft into space, from where the vehicle dives sharply down, developing hypersonic speed. The Chinese apparatus can be mounted on various ICBMs with a range of 2,000 to 12,000 km. It was found that during the tests, the WU-14 was able to reach speeds in excess of 12 thousand km / h, thus turning into the fastest hypersonic aircraft according to some analysts.

At the same time, many researchers believe that it is not quite right to attribute the Chinese development to the class of aircraft. So, the version is widespread, according to which the device should be classified precisely as a warhead. And very effective. When flying down at a marked speed, even the most modern missile defense systems will not be able to guarantee the interception of the corresponding target.

It can be noted that Russia and the United States are also developing hypersonic vehicles used for military purposes. At the same time, the Russian concept, according to which it is supposed to create machines of the corresponding type, differs significantly, as evidenced by data in some media, from the technological principles implemented by the Americans and the Chinese. So, developers from the Russian Federation are concentrating their efforts in the field of creating aircraft equipped with a ramjet engine capable of being launched from the ground. Russia is planning cooperation in this direction with India. Hypersonic devices created according to the Russian concept, according to some analysts, are characterized by lower cost and a wider scope.

At the same time, the Russian hypersonic aircraft, which we mentioned above (Yu-71), suggests, according to some analysts, just the same placement on ICBMs. If this thesis turns out to be true, then it will be possible to say that engineers from the Russian Federation are working simultaneously in two popular conceptual areas in the construction of hypersonic aircraft.

Summary

So, probably the fastest hypersonic aircraft in the world, if we talk about aircraft, regardless of their classification, this is still the Chinese WU-14. Although you need to understand that real information about him, including those related to tests, can be classified. This is consistent with the principles of Chinese developers, who often strive to keep their military technology secret at all costs. The speed of the fastest hypersonic aircraft is over 12,000 km/h. It is "catching up" with the American development of the X-43A - many experts consider it to be the fastest. Theoretically, the X-43A hypersonic aircraft, as well as the Chinese WU-14, can catch up with the development from Orbical Science, designed for speeds of more than 12 thousand km / h.

The characteristics of the Russian Yu-71 aircraft are not yet known to the general public. It is possible that they will be close to the parameters of the Chinese aircraft. Russian engineers are also developing a hypersonic aircraft capable of taking off not on the basis of ICBMs, but independently.

The current projects of researchers from Russia, China and the United States are somehow connected with the military sphere. Hypersonic aircraft, regardless of their possible classification, are considered primarily as carriers of weapons, most likely nuclear ones. However, in the works of researchers from around the world there are theses that "hypersound", like nuclear technology, may well be peaceful.

The point is the emergence of affordable and reliable solutions that allow organizing the mass production of machines of the appropriate type. The use of such devices is possible in the widest range of branches of economic development. The greatest demand for hypersonic aircraft is likely to be found in the space and research industries.

As the cost of manufacturing technologies for the corresponding machines becomes cheaper, transport businesses may begin to show interest in investing in such projects. Industrial corporations, providers of various services may begin to consider "hypersound" as a tool to increase the competitiveness of business in terms of organizing international communications.

From the point of view of world history, a person has just learned to fly, but significant progress has been made in this direction: aviation has become the safest mode of transport, the cost of flights is becoming more affordable for the population, and the fastest plane in the world can fly around the planet in 5 hours around the equator! The latest achievements of science and technology are embodied in civil and military aviation, the development of the aircraft industry does not stop even for a second. Speed ​​has always excited a person, excited the blood. In the sky, nothing prevents you from accelerating properly, and the human genius has managed to create a lot of high-speed aircraft.

The fastest passenger plane in the world

The fastest aircraft in civil aviation is the Soviet TU-144, with a maximum speed of 2,430 km/h. Its development took place in the 60s, and the first flight was carried out on the eve of the New Year - December 31, 1968. Wikipedia reports that in this way the Soviet designers from the Tupolev bureau were 2 months ahead of the world premiere of the famous French Concorde. Five months later, at the beginning of June 1969, the Tu-144 conquered a new peak - at an altitude of 11 kilometers it developed a speed that exceeded the speed of sound. In total, 16 supersonic "carcasses" were built, in total more than two and a half thousand sorties were completed.

There were tragic moments in the biography of the supersonic TU-144. In June 1973, an aviation exhibition was held in France, which was attended by the brainchild of Tupolev Design Bureau. Performing a demonstration flight, the Russian aircraft performed an excessively sharp maneuver, which caused its fall and the subsequent death of 6 crew members, as well as 8 people on the ground. The exact cause of the tragedy was not established, according to one version, the pilots from the USSR were confused by the appearance of the French Mirage, the purpose of which was to take a few photos. According to another version, while recording a documentary video in the cockpit, the commander of the ship, Major General V.N. Benderov dropped the camera and it jammed the steering column, which led to a fall.

The transportation of passengers using the TU-144 was unprofitable due to the high costs of servicing and refueling the aircraft. The country's leadership had to draw conclusions about the need to suspend the transportation of citizens by supersonic. The fastest passenger aircraft in the world for many years was the French Concorde, which transported more than 2 million people.

Hypersonic aircraft now predominate in military aviation, Russia, as the successor to the USSR, is also represented in the ranking of high-speed aircraft.

Top 10 fastest planes in the world

10th place: Su-27.

Soviet, and later Russian universal fighter, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Wikipedia gives its adapted name used in NATO countries - Russian Flanker-B, which can be roughly translated as "Russian strike from the flank." A supersonic aircraft can exceed Mach speed by 2.5 times, reaching an incredible 2876 km/h.

For the first time in the history of the aircraft industry in Russia, a remote control system was introduced, and two engines create jet thrust. Up to ten air-to-air missiles can be suspended at special points on the fuselage, they are provided with combat support by a stationary 30-mm cannon. At the moment, several modern modifications of the Sukhoi aircraft have been created; it has been in the service of the Russian Air Force for more than 35 years.

9th place: F-111 General Dynamics.

Tactical bomber in the service of the US Air Force until 1998. Able to accelerate in the sky up to 3060 km / h. When the first photos and videos of this aircraft were seen by the military, someone aptly joked, calling this aircraft an "anteater" for the elongated shape of the cockpit and its characteristic slope. This playful nickname stuck. Despite the cute name, the F-111 was a formidable carrier of deadly weapons:

• up to 14.3 tons of portable bombs;
• up to 9 air-to-air missiles, quickly mounted on special points;
• multi-barreled cannon with a high rate of fire.

The main advantage of the Anteater was the ability to change the sweep of the wing for the first time.

8th place: F-15 Eagle McDonnell Douglas.

A real hit of the American air force, it still serves the US military faithfully. It can reach speeds of up to 3065 kilometers per hour and currently has more than a hundred officially confirmed victories in air battles. He began his biography in 1976, when the first flight was made. According to the plan of the military leadership of the United States, it will be in active service with the country until 2025. Initially conceived to intercept enemy aircraft and create an advantage in the airspace. But the Strike modification turned the F-15 Eagle into a bomber as well. Armed with 11 missiles for air combat, a high-speed cannon of 20 mm caliber.

7th place: MiG-31.

Another representative of Soviet supersonic aircraft. It is capable of developing up to 3463 km/h, and its two powerful engines allow it to fly at hypersonic speeds both at low and high altitudes above the ground. In total, about 500 of these machines were produced, production was discontinued in 1994. Rocket equipment was quite serious:

• four R-33 (heavy) class missiles to engage targets in the air;
• or 6 lighter rockets of the R-37 class.

Combat support was provided by an automatic cannon with a caliber of 23 mm and a high rate of fire.

6th place: Valkyrie XB-70.

According to mythology, the Valkyrie delivered the souls of the soldiers who died in battle to Valhalla, and sometimes God alone allowed her to decide the outcome of the battle. This aircraft is also endowed with such functions - it could decide the outcome of the Cold War, if it went into a hot phase. Its wild hypersonic speed of 3672 km / h would allow it to break away from Soviet fighters, and its fuel supply would allow it to fly into the territory of the Soviet Union at a distance of up to 7 thousand km. and return without refueling. The strategic task of this death machine was the delivery of nuclear bombs and the destruction of ground targets. As conceived by the designers, the speed of the XB-70 was supposed to be greater than the speed of propagation of the shock and light waves from a nuclear explosion. This Cold War monster was released in the amount of 2 copies.

5th place: Starbuster Bell X-2.

The maximum acceleration of this car was 3912 km / h. It was built as part of an experimental American program after World War II. At the time of its first flight in 1954, it was the fastest aircraft in the world. The test failed. High speed was achieved, but the pilot performed an excessively sharp maneuver, and the car lost control. After this unsuccessful test, the program was frozen.

4th place: MiG-25.

The second representative of the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the ranking of the fastest jet aircraft. The main task that the military set before the designers was the ability to intercept the American sr-71 blackbird and any other manned and unmanned vehicles that flew relatively slowly. In real conditions, not a single "Blackbird" was shot down by "twenty-fifth", but the car has proven itself in several local conflicts - such as the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, etc.

The MiG-25 is armed with four air-to-air missiles and is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 25 km! In total, about 1000 aircraft of this type were built, many of the models are still in service with various armies of the world.

The three fastest planes on the planet

3rd place: YF-12 Lockheed.

The highest speed of the aircraft was 4100.4 km / h, so he successfully coped with the task conceived for him - to reach Mach 3.35. It was the YF-12 that became the prototype of the famous Blackbird. Clarence Johnson was commissioned to develop both the YF-12 and the SR-71. Outwardly, these machines are very similar, the only difference is that Lockheed is armed with three air-to-air missiles. To date, the Lockheed YF-12 remains the largest manned aircraft designed to intercept targets in the air.

2nd place: SR-71 Blackbird.

This aircraft was used for research purposes by NASA scientists and for reconnaissance by the US military. The aerial reconnaissance aircraft first flew in 1964. The innovative highlight of the machine was the use of Stels technology, which made it inaccessible to numerous interceptors. It is the fastest military aircraft in the world, reaching an incredible 4102.8 km/h. The Blackbird collected intelligence over Cuba, the Soviet Union and other countries using its superior speed. Throughout history, 32 "thrushes" have been designed and produced.

1st place: X-15 North American.

Leading the "top 10" is the fastest supersonic aircraft that can gain fantastic speed - 8201 km / h! This machine does not take off from airfields - its launch is carried out from a bomber in the air. The X-15 is practically a manned spacecraft, as it has already reached an altitude of 107 km and made a suborbital flight. It was designed as part of the program for the study of supersonic flight. This aircraft can land on its own, the landing strip is the flat bottom of a dried-up salt lake.

Having answered the question of what is the fastest aircraft in the world, we must mention another experimental model developed by specialists from the US National Space Agency. In fact, the fastest aircraft is the Kh-43A, which can fly at speeds up to 11,850 km/h! The test of this aircraft was first carried out in 2001 and ended in failure - the plane fell apart in the air. The second time this aircraft was tested 3 years later, in 2004 - this time the flight was successful. The speed of this fastest aircraft in the world would rightfully guarantee it the top spot in the ranking, but the catch is that the X-43A is a high-speed drone, and our top 10 included only manned vehicles.

Fly around the globe in 4-5 hours - is it possible? Perhaps, if we are talking about the pilot of a supersonic aircraft. Aeronautical engineering is developing rapidly, and devices capable of overcoming the speed of sound have long been created. Which of the creations of engineers received the title of the fastest fighter?

1. MiG-25

The MiG-25, informally referred to as the "bat", has held the title of the fastest jet fighter for half a century. The military vehicle was designed in the USSR in 1964. In 1977, the "bat" set a world flight altitude record, rising to 37,650 m. In general, the creation of Russian scientists holds 29 world records.

The speed with full rocket equipment is 3,000 km/h. The absence of missiles increases the capabilities of military equipment by 15%. American observers have confirmed that the MiG-25 is capable of speeds up to 3,400 km/h. The bat is presented in two versions - scout and interceptor (scouts fly faster).

The MiG-25 was used in Syria, Iraq, and repeatedly participated in reconnaissance missions. Subsequent modifications and improvements have allowed him to "surpass" later aircraft designs. The device was interested in the CIS countries, as of 2016 it is used by the air forces of Algeria and Syria.

2. MiG-31

Being the most famous two-seat fighter-interceptor, the MiG-31 became the first 4th generation combat aircraft developed in the USSR. Able to fly at different heights, hit the target at high and low altitudes.

This invulnerable combat vehicle accelerates to 3,000 km/h. The flight duration with four missiles is 3,000 km. The MiG-31 is inferior to competitors in speed, but impresses with combat power. He is not afraid of radar interference, poor visibility and extreme weather conditions. The equipment allows several options for weapons, the combat load is 3,000 kg.

Used during the Russian military operation in Syria. Modifications of the MiG-31 are used by the Russian and Kazakh military.

3. F-15 ("Eagle")

The F-15, or McDonnell Douglas, was designed in 1972 by Air Force and NATO developers. Its main task is to gain air superiority. The speed of the F-15 is 2,650 km/h. Armed with rockets, 20 mm cannon. The fighter as of 2016 is in service with Saudi Arabia and Japan. It was used to bombard targets in Iraq, Yugoslavia, and participated in air battles in the Persian Gulf.

There are 22 variations of the bomber in the world. Among them are single and double aircraft. The US plans to use the F-15 until 2025.

4. Su-27

The Su-27 is a Russian fighter aircraft that entered service in 1985. Today it is one of the main combat vehicles in the service of the Russian Air Force. Equipped with missiles, melee weapons. It is allowed to install a 30-mm automatic gun, issuing 1,500 rounds per minute. The maximum speed of the fighter is 2,500 km/h.

The aircraft was repeatedly compared with the F-15, focusing on the maneuverability of the Russian machine. Experts, comparing the two rivals, often awarded the victory to SU-27. The technique holds three world records.

The Su-27 is a veteran of the war in Abkhazia, South Ossetia (where the Su-27 and MiG-29 jointly monitored the airspace). Modifications of the device are at the military bases of China, India and the CIS countries.

5. MiG-29

The MiG-29 multirole fighter was designed as an aerial rival to the F-15 Eagle. The American machine in the late 60s was superior to the USSR fighters that were in service, and demanded a worthy competitor. The first combat prototype was created in 1977, but mass production started 5 years later.

The fighter accelerates to 2,450 km/h. The combat load is 2,180 kg. Equipped with a 30 mm cannon, air-to-air missiles.

MiG-29 demonstrated its power in battles in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Yugoslavia. The device was in service in the Czech Republic and Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary and Yugoslavia. As of 2016, it is used by the military aviation of the CIS countries, Iran, Cuba, Poland, Serbia and Syria.

6. F-22 "Raptor"

The MiG-29 breathes down the back of the F-22 Raptor, a fighter aircraft designed for the US Air Force. The device was supposed to be a replacement for the F-15. The first successful flight dates back to 1997, after 4 years serial production was launched. The car overcame the speed barrier of 2,400 km / h, accelerating to 2,410 km / h.

The F-22's arsenal includes a 20mm cannon, 480 rounds, and air-to-air missiles. The main drawback of the fighter is a critical supply of fuel (8.2 tons), which is a prerequisite for refueling in the air. For the first time, a combat vehicle showed itself in Syria. The use of the fighter is limited due to frequent flight accidents and failures of the oxygen supply system.

7. F-4 Phantom II

The F-4 Phantom II fighter was originally designed to replace obsolete aircraft, but agility and speed have opened up new prospects for use. The machine is capable of attacking a target at a speed of 2,370 km/h.

Operation of the F-4 began in 1961. The device has been tested for durability in Vietnam. It was in operation with the Israeli, Iranian and Lebanese air forces. In 1970, the car collided with a Soviet Tu-16 jet aircraft, causing it to fail. Despite physical wear and tear (production ceased in 1979), the combat vehicle, as of 2016, is used by the Air Forces of Japan, Turkey, and Egypt.

Ultra-fast fighters are another achievement of the aviation industry. The article considered fighters launched into mass production and participating in hostilities.

The rapid development of scientific progress and the emergence of new fighters will soon correct the rating. A striking example is the MiG-35, capable of accelerating to 2560 km/h. The device will be delivered to the Russian military in 2018. American scientists, according to experts, have already begun to develop 6th generation combat vehicles.

1 Boeing X-43

X-43- an unmanned experimental hypersonic aircraft built under the NASA "Hyper-X" program - the development of an aircraft with a ramjet engine. For acceleration (bringing to the required speed and altitude), the upper stage of the Pegasus rocket was used. The goal of developing the world's fastest aircraft is to test the latest technology, which is a hypersonic alternative to today's turbojet engines. According to scientists, in the future, hypersonic aircraft will be able to reach anywhere in the world in just three to four hours.
The X-43A aircraft is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest aircraft in the world.

Brief description of the fastest aircraft in the world:
- The length of the aircraft, m - 3.6
- Wingspan, m - 1.5
- Height, m ​​- 0.6
- Weight, kg - approximately 1270
- Powered by a ramjet engine
- Maximum Mach number - 10.6
- Maximum speed, km / h - 11230

2. Orbital Sciences Corporation X-34

X-34- the fastest aircraft in the world, capable of speeds up to 12,144 km / h. However, in the top he is in second place, since at the moment, during the experiments, a speed of less than 11230 km / h has been achieved. The aircraft is accelerated using a Pegasus solid-propellant rocket attached to it. The first tests of the fastest aircraft in the world took place in the spring of 2001. 7 years and 250 million dollars were spent on the creation and testing of the device's engine (Hyper-X). The tests of the Kh-34, carried out only in the spring of 2004, became successful, when during the launch in the Pacific Ocean near St. Nicholas Island, the device was able to reach a speed of 11,000 km / h.

A brief description of:
- The length of the aircraft, m - 17.78
- Wingspan, m - 8.45
- Height, m ​​- 3.5
- Weight, kg - approximately 1270
- Powerplant - LRE Fastrac
- The maximum height reached, km - 75
- Maximum Mach - 11.5
- Maximum speed, km / h - 12 144

3. North American X-15

X-15- an experimental US rocket-plane equipped with rocket engines. The first and for 40 years the only manned hypersonic aircraft in history that performed suborbital manned space flights. The main task of the X-15 is to study the conditions of flight at hypersonic speeds and re-entry into the atmosphere of winged vehicles, the evaluation of new design solutions, heat-shielding coatings, psycho-physiological aspects of control in the upper atmosphere. The general concept of the project was approved in 1954. An unofficial altitude record was achieved in flight, which lasted from 1963 to 2004. The maximum speed is 7274 km / h.

A brief description of:
- The total weight of the refueled aircraft, kg - 15195
- Weight of consumed fuel, kg - 6577
- Weight after landing, kg - 6260
- The maximum height reached, km - 107.96
- Flight range, km - 543.4
- Duration of the active flight segment: 85.8 sec
- Mach number: 5.58
- Maximum speed, km / h - 7274
- Carrier: NB-52A bomber

4. SR-71 ("Blackbird")

SR-71- strategic supersonic reconnaissance aircraft of the US Air Force. Currently the fastest and highest flying production aircraft in the world and has been for 25 years.

Aircraft dimensions:
- Length, m - 32.76
- Height, m ​​- 5.64
- Wingspan, m - 16.95
- Wing area, m² - 167.22
- Sweep angle - 60°

Aircraft weight
- Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 77111
- Empty weight, kg - 27216
- Power plant - 2 J-11D-20B turbojet engines, kg - 14750

flight data
- Maximum Mach - 3.5
- Maximum speed, km / h - 3715
- Cruising speed, km / h - 3187
- Practical ceiling, m - 30480
- Ferry flight range, km - 4818

5. MiG-25 ("Bat")

The world's fastest jet military aircraft. It set 29 world records. There are two main types of this aircraft: reconnaissance and interceptor.

Aircraft dimensions
- Length, m - 23.82
- Height, m ​​- 5.64
- Wingspan, m - 13.95 (14.015 m - interceptor)
- Wing area, m² - 61.4
- Sweep angle - 41° 02'(42° 30'-interceptor)

Aircraft weight
- Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 41200
- Empty weight, kg - 18800
- Power plant - 2 × turbofan R15BD-300, kg - 14750

flight data
- Maximum Mach number - 3.2
- Maximum speed, km / h - 3 395
- Cruising speed, km / h - 3000
- Practical ceiling, m - 23000
- Ferry flight range, km - 2400 (maximum for the MiG-25RB)

6. MiG-31

MiG-31- two-seat supersonic all-weather long-range fighter-interceptor. The first Soviet combat aircraft of the fourth generation. The MiG-31 is designed to intercept and destroy air targets at extremely low, low, medium and high altitudes, day and night, in simple and difficult weather conditions, when the enemy uses active and passive radar interference, as well as false thermal targets. A group of four MiG-31 aircraft is capable of controlling airspace with a frontal length of 800-900 km.

Aircraft dimensions
- Length, m - 21.62
- Height, m ​​- 6.5
- Wingspan, m - 13.45
- Wing area, m² - 61.6
- Sweep angle - 41°

Aircraft weight
- Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 46 750
- Empty weight, kg - 21 820
- Power plant - TRDDF D-30F6

flight data
- Maximum Mach - 2.8
- Maximum speed, km / h - 3000
- Cruising speed, km / h - 2500
- Practical ceiling, m - 20 600
- Ferry flight range, km - 3000

7. McDonnell-Douglas F-15 ("Eagle")

McDonnell-Douglas F-15 "Eagle"- American all-weather tactical fighter of the fourth generation. Designed to gain air superiority. Adopted in 1976. There are 22 modifications of this aircraft. F-15 fighters were used in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf and Yugoslavia.

Aircraft dimensions
- Length, m - 19.44
- Height, m ​​- 5.63
- Wingspan, m - 13
- Wing area, m² - 56.6
- Sweep angle - 45°

Aircraft weight

- Empty weight, kg - 12700
- Powerplant - Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 turbofan

flight data

- Maximum speed, km / h - 2650
- Cruising speed, km / h - 917

- Ferry flight range, km - 5750

8. General Dynamics F-111 ("Aardvark" or "Pig")

General Dynamics F-111- two-seat long-range tactical bomber, tactical support aircraft, with a variable sweep wing. July 27, 1996 were withdrawn from the US Air Force

Aircraft dimensions
- Length, m - 22.4
- Height, m ​​- 5.22
- Wingspan, m - 9.47 (19.2 in the deployed position)
- Wing area, m² - 48.77 (61.07 in the deployed position)
- Sweep angle - 16 ° with deployed wing

Aircraft weight
- Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 30845
- Empty weight, kg - 12700
- Power plant - 2 double-circuit turbojet Pratt & Whitney TF-30-P-100,2416 kg

flight data
- Maximum Mach number - 2.5
- Maximum speed, km / h - 2645
- Cruising speed, km / h - 940
- Practical ceiling, m - 17985
- Ferry flight range, km - 5190

9. Su-24

Su-24- Soviet front-line bomber with a variable sweep wing, designed to deliver missile and bomb strikes in simple and difficult weather conditions, day and night, including at low altitudes with targeted destruction of ground and surface targets.

Aircraft dimensions
- Length, m - 24.594
- Height, m ​​- 6.192
- Wingspan, m - 10.366 (17.638 in the deployed position)
- Wing area, m² - 51 (55.16 in the deployed position)
- Sweep angle - 16°- 69°

Aircraft weight
- Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 39 700
- Empty weight, kg - 22 300
- Power plant - 2 TRDDF AL-21F-Z, 2416 kg

flight data
- Maximum Mach number - 2.4
- Maximum speed, km / h - 2540
- Cruising speed, km / h - 1400
- Practical ceiling, m - 11 500
- Ferry flight range, km - 2850

10. TU-144 ("Charger")

TU-144- Soviet supersonic passenger aircraft, developed by Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1960s. Tu-144 is the world's first supersonic airliner ever used by airlines for commercial transportation. The fastest supersonic airliner built for commercial purposes.

Aircraft dimensions
- Length, m - 65.7
- Height, m ​​- 12.5
- Wingspan, m - 28.8
- Wing area, m² - 507
- Sweep angle - 57 °

Aircraft weight
- Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 207,000
- Empty weight, kg - 98000
- Power plant - 4 DTRDF NK-144A

flight data
- Maximum Mach - 2.36
- Maximum speed, km / h - 2500
- Cruising speed, km / h - 2200
- Practical ceiling, m - 20000
- Ferry flight range, km - 4300

The Americans have released another of the fastest aircraft in the world. But Saker S-1 is not just another development of NASA scientists. This is an aircraft that can work wonders.

Saker S-1 speeds up to 1207 kilometers per hour. Although relatively slow for a military vehicle, this vehicle does not require long runways, climbs almost 14 kilometers, and costs only $5 million. Such money is a huge amount, but for an air liner with such characteristics, it is quite sane.

This is felt when compared with the prices of other aircraft, for example: the F / A-18 Hornet carrier-based attack fighter, which costs 50 million. Also, the US government has publicly stated that any American citizen can buy the Saker S-1.

The men's online magazine MPORT has selected 10 aircraft that have entered the history of mankind due to their incredible speed.

Tupolev Tu-144

Tupolev Tu-144 is not a plane, but solid records. This is the world's first supersonic aircraft that was used for commercial purposes. In 1969, the Tu-144 overtook the molecular propagation of sound waves at an altitude of 11,000 meters. The maximum speed of such an air liner is 2500 km/h. There is no doubt that the Tupolev Tu-144 is the pride of the nation.

Source: hiconsumption.com

F-15 Eagle

The F-15 Eagle is an American tactical fighter that has gone through more than one baptism of fire. This military aircraft participated in the battles in the Middle East, Yugoslavia and the Persian Gulf. And most importantly: no one ever knocked him out. Maximum speed: 2650 km/h.

Source: www.theawesomer.com

Aardvark F111

Although the Aardvark F111 has already been taken out of production today, this strategic fighter could reach speeds of up to 1475 km / h near the ground, which is important for conducting tactical shelling and destroying ground opponents. Maximum acceleration: 2655 km / h.

Source: 1oflimited.com

MiG-31

MiG-31 is one of the fastest aircraft. The maximum speed of such a fighter reaches 3000 km / h. And most importantly: this air warrior can fight and accelerate to the maximum in any weather conditions.

Source: www.gizmag.com

MiG-25

MiG-25 is not a fighter, but a masterpiece. Although it was discontinued in 1985, this aircraft is still in service with the Russian Air Force.

Source: www.gizmag.com

XB-70 Valkyrie

The XB-70 Valkyrie is the pride of the US Air Force. This bomber with full ammunition is capable of accelerating to 3187 km / h. The only funny thing is that there are only 2 units of such Valkyries in the world.

Source: wordlesstech.com

Bell X-2 Starbuster

Why spaceships? The Americans decided to fly into open space by plane. Therefore, they came up with the Bell X-2 Starbuster. This test liner is capable of climbing 38 kilometers, accelerating to 3380 km/h. Therefore, scientists made it from special alloys of nickel, copper and steel, thus trying to reduce friction against air. It is a pity that the number of such space planes also did not exceed 2 units, like the XB-70 Valkyries.