Fastest Planes in the World Man’s thirst for reaching the unreachable and achieving the impossible has resulted in the design and development of planes that go faster than the speed of sound. Following is the list of 5 fastest aircrafts. All of these aircrafts are able to travel at supersonic speeds. Sound travels at about 1,220 kilometers ( 760 miles ) per hour . Supersonic speed is a super speed that exceeds the speed of sound (Mach 1). No 5. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25
INTERCEPTOR AIRCRAFT
Speed 3500 km per hour - Mach 3.2
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that was among the fastest military aircraft to enter service. Designed by the Soviet Union this high-supersonic fighter jet topped with a speed capacity of 3500 km per hour (Mach 3.2) and was first flown as a prototype in 1964.
No.4 THE BLACKBIRD SR-71
OFFICIAL RECORD FOR FASTEST MANNED JET AIRCRAFT
Speed 3,530 km per hour - Mach 3.5 to 3.7
On July 27, 1976, the SR-71 Blackbird of USA set a still standing world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft with the speed of 3529.5 km per hour. It is designed to reach a max speed of 3,530 kmph or Mach 3.5 to 3.7. Due to its fast flight, its body has been made of titanium, instead of the usual aluminum, for it to withstand heat that can go as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit that impacts the wings and the fuselage. Just imagine that this is the fastest manned jet aircraft conquering the skies.
No.3. NORTH AMERICAN X-15
UNOFFICIAL WORLD RECORD FOR SPEED AND ALTITUDE Speed 7,274 km per hour – Mach 6.7 and 354,200 ft The X-15 is perhaps the most ambitious aircraft ever created. It was built to push the limits of flight and explore the possibilities of space travel. During its research program the aircraft set unofficial world speed and altitude records of 7,274 kmph (Mach 6.7) on Oct. 3, 1967 and 354,200 ft on Aug. 22, 1963. It was perfect for space training as this plane was used by the famous astronaut, Neil Armstrong, before he went on the mission for the moon.
No.2. THE SCRAMJET X-43A
UNMANNED PLANE WITH AMAZING SPEED
Speed of 11,265 km per hour - 9.3 Mach
Over the years since 2004, the X-43A Scramjet created by NASA has reached amazing speed. With a top speed of over 11,525 km per hour, or being 9.3 times faster than the speed of sound, this unmanned plane can reach the top speed in just 11 seconds.
No.1. THE FALCON HTV-2
THE FASTEST PLANE EVER MADE Speed 20,921 km per hour – 20 Mach The Falcon HTV-2 or Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2 can fly at a crazy speed of 20,921 km per hour, being 20 times faster than sound. It can travel from London to Sydney in just 60 minutes. This unmanned plane is created to address terrorist attacks by sending a plane directly from American bases in a matter of minutes. During the first flight, the glider overheated and crashed after just nine minutes. At Mach 20, the HTV-2 needs to be able to withstand temperatures of nearly 3632 Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the melting point of steel. This is just one of the technical problems that must be overcome.