Fastest Military Jets in History

There are many aircraft in the world that have exceeded the speed of Mach 2.0. Some of these aircraft were research aircraft while some were flying basically for reconnaissance missions. However, there is always something particular about the supersonic aircraft.

Just imagine the feeling when you hear the word ‘Go’ from the radio and pushing that throttle backward and feeling the aircraft’s 100+ knots acceleration to tear through the very barrier of sound and soaring high into the clouds. This is the masterpiece of military engineering.

Today for our readers we have compiled a list of fastest military jets in the history of the planet down below.

F-100 Super Sabre

F-100 Super Sabre was the answer from American military engineers for the future of Air-to-Air superiority during the mid-1950s. The aircraft is equipped with a single Pratt Whitney J-57-P-21 turbojet as it was facing the Soviet MiGs over the Korean Peninsula, the latest generation of fighter jets at that time and prevailed over them.

This aircraft was an example of American jet fighter ingenuity that was built solely for the massive increase in speed during the Dog Fights. It was the first US Air Force fighter jet to engage against the aerial jets of enemy in Vietnam.

These F-100s were nicknamed as “Huns” which is actually a short form of their full designation. These aircraft served the USAF for 25 years. The top speed of this aircraft was 864mph and was able to cover a maximum distance of 2235 miles at 610mph with the internal fuel.

F-35 Lightning II

F-35 Lightning II is the next generation stealth fighter jet that borrowed its name from the older generation of fighter jets used during World War II.

The first fleet of these aircraft went straight to serve the US Marine Corps where they are always ready for extremely short take-offs and landings. This was one of the very first aircraft to all the pilot to have a 720 degrees vision. This function is provided straight to the pilot’s helmet by collecting data through a system of various sensors. The aircraft with its top speed of Mach 1.6 still provided high maneuverability. The aircraft is capable of making a maximum flight distance of 1381 miles on its internal fuel.

Farey Delta II

Farey Delta II is the first British Aircraft to be hailed as the transonic jet developed back in 1954, which moved faster than 1000mph for the very first time in the recorded history of the planet.

However, this aircraft was not meant to be a fighter jet used in the dogfights as it was purely designed to test the limit of the supersonic flight. Farey Delta II accomplished its mission and set the world record for the fastest flight. The record did not last long and only two of these aircraft ever flew. However, they still hold a coveted place in the British Aerospace History.

The supersonic technology incorporated in developing this aircraft was later used to create Concorde supersonic transport jet.

The top speed of this aircraft was 1300mph and could cover a distance of 830 miles with internal fuel.

F-104 Starfighter

This, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, came in the times where faster was better. When this aircraft was first brought into the skies back in 1956, it could not be beaten in terms of speed. It broke the records in 1958 by its speed of Mach 2+, which is nearly 1404mph.

The last F-104 Starfighter aircraft left the service from the Italian Air Force and its service ushered the world in the production for F-4 Phantom.

The top speed of this aircraft was 1328 mph and was able to cover a flight distance of 1630 miles with internal fuel.

Eurofighter Typhoon

In Europe, there was a need for a fighter jet, which could be deployed in response to an escalating emergency as quickly as possible. This role was fulfilled by Eurofighter Typhoon. This aircraft entered in service back in 1994 and did its first combat debut back in 2011and is still being used by many NATO European allies.

This aircraft is capable of crossing the speed barrier with its speed of Mach 2 and above. The aircraft can cover a maximum flight distance of 1800 miles with internal fuel.

The Lockheed YF-12

The Lockheed YF-12 was the experimental fighter jet from Lockheed Martin which would later influence the design or the highly successful and versatile fighter jet; SR-71 Blackbird.

This aircraft was designed back in 1961 that crushed all the previous records for top speed in the world of aviation. This aircraft was able to perform high altitude mission at a speed of Mach 3.5. Although the program was defunded, it offered many intriguing ideas for the SR-71 Blackbird.

The aircraft was capable of a top speed of 2275mph and could cover a flight distance of 3000 miles with internal fuel.

SR-71 Blackbird

SR-71 Blackbird was originally designed under the YF-12 interceptor program. After its development that aircraft broke all the records for airspeed repeatedly.

This aircraft has no communication uplink and has very little role in the strategic surveillance missions. However, this reconnaissance aircraft with its top speed of 2500mph was able to make its place in the hearts of aerospace enthusiast.

This aircraft was awarded many prestigious distinctions for the achievements in aeronautic design, performance, versatility, and stealth.

This aircraft at its top speed of 2500mph could cover a maximum flight distance of 3337 miles on internal fuel.

The X-43

For pursuing the goal of space travels, NASA has breached the limits of the fastest air travel record with the X-43 aircraft. The X-43 was able to breach the speed of Mach 9.3 during an unmanned flight. For getting the right speed and altitude during this flight, a booster rocket was also used.