In terms of speed of movement, airliners differ from each other, because even a simple passenger board accelerates to 900 km / h. This figure is not so great. jet fighter flies at a speed that is three times that of a conventional passenger airliner, and therefore is easily able to overtake such a board. But such models cannot be full confidence name the fastest plane. Let's look into this issue and determine which boards today deserve to be called ultra-high-speed.

Today, thanks to science and technology, there are aircraft that can reach speeds that exceed the propagation of a sound wave. Such models are called hypersonic. Researchers and designers from different countries The world has not yet found uniform criteria by which a high-speed aircraft could be attributed to this category.

Some scientists believe that it is permissible to classify a ship that is directly controlled by a person as a hypersonic aircraft. The second half of the experts are of the opinion that unmanned vehicles are better modernized, and therefore the technical justification for the benefits of such modifications is appropriate. Another controversial opinion is also known - is it possible to consider taking off with the help of a catapult or an airplane - an apparatus that rises into the sky on its own. Differences of such nuances cause heated discussions.

The unanimous opinion, where scientists agree, is the maximum speed of the aircraft, which it develops in the air. It is by this criterion that a barrier is established, according to which experts classify the design as supersonic models. Novice aviation enthusiasts are interested in what is the speed of the fastest aircraft in the world and who are rightfully called the best.

Ultra-high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles occupy a leading position in the world ranking. Manned aircraft used by the military traditionally lag behind the first category of aircraft, but are able to surprise the layman. In addition, there are passenger liners, the speed of which is amazing. Consider the characteristics and indicators of these categories in detail.

Leaders among drones

The first place in the specified parameters is deservedly occupied by a drone X-43A . This model is capable of surpassing the propagation of sound waves by 9.6 times. The speed of the structure is not limited to 11,231 km/h. Such indicators are rightfully recognized as the best today.

The model has been developed over a decade by professionals from MicroCraft Inc, NASA and Orbital Sciences Corporation. In the process of work, studies were carried out on the capabilities of engines operating on jet fuel, and the possible value of the speed index of the model was estimated. Up to $ 250,000,000 was spent on the project, but the result of the development met expectations.

Despite such power, the X-43A is a miniature model. The length of this structure is about three and a half meters, and the distance along the wingspan barely reaches the mark of one and a half meters. As for the engine, here scientists applied the latest experimental development.

The secret of this innovation lies in the elimination of friction between the elements in the core of the motor. The fuel here is also used special, mixing hydrogen with oxygen. There are no tanks for storing O2 on board the X-43A, the device draws it directly from the air, which greatly facilitates the degree of fuel supply, and also significantly affects the mass of the model as a whole. Such an apparatus, which is deservedly called the fastest aircraft in the world, does not pollute environment, because from the engine, due to the reaction of the fuel elements, simple steam is released into the atmosphere.

Another instance is also referred to the category of ultra-high-speed models - this X-34 from Orbital Sciences Corporation. This steel bird can reach speeds of 12,144 km/h. Undoubtedly, its acceleration is higher than the previous device, but it takes the second place for a reason. In testing both drones, the Kh-34 showed a significantly lower result, although the maximum acceleration of the side is much higher than that of the Kh-43A.

The device saw the sky in 2001. Until that time, seven long, painstaking years had been spent on its creation, and a considerable amount, measured in hundreds of millions of dollars. The final success of the development was in two thousand and four. During this time, the model was also equipped with a Pegasus rocket made from solid fuels. The decision of the designers made it possible to give even greater acceleration and maneuverability.

The dimensions of such a device are impressive. The distance at the extreme points of the wings of the model is 8.85 m with a height of three and a half meters and a length of the apparatus of 17.8 m. Such indicators also affect the weight of the structure. The mass of the giant is 1,270 kilograms. But this modification flies fast and is able to gain altitude of 75 kilometers from the runway.

Rating of manned aircraft

There are many other examples that can amaze with the speed of movement. We will find out which manned vehicles are recognized by this criterion in the world. The top 10 most powerful models, whose speed is significantly different from small airliners or other air structures, are presented below. Such designs hit the top ten liners due to their technical specifications, earning universal approval.

world leader

The model is considered to be the first in terms of velocity data North American X-15 . The speed of the device reaches a mark of 8200.8 km / h. The design is equipped with a rocket engine controlled by a pilot and starts the flight from the start on board the bomber. The X-15 was created specifically for research purposes with hypersonic flights and actively participated in them until 1970.

The fastest manned aircraft North American X-15 reaches 8,200.8 km/h

Second position

In second place in terms of evaluated characteristics, including speed, engineers attributed SR-71 Blackbird or "blackbird". This model was developed for the study of strategic objects, reconnaissance operations and other operational activities. The speed of the blackbird is 4,102.8 km/h. Such an air vehicle was in great demand, so there were approximately 32 SR-71 Blackbirds. The only disadvantage of the design is excessive overheating and the inability to stay in the air for a long time.

Third step

The third place in the ranking is occupied by the device Lokcheed YF-12 . For the creation of such a model, one should thank the famous aircraft designer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. Although the assembly of this vessel was carried out at first as the creation of a prototype of the liner, all the same, this device was awarded several honorary titles and awards. The YF-12 is similar in design to the Blackbird, to some extent you can even call them brothers - after all, the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bcreation, drawings and diagrams belong to the same person. Of course, the flight speed of the two devices is slightly different, because the YF-12 accelerates in the air to 4,100.4 km / h.

Fourth place

The position with the fourth result is occupied by MiG-25 . This Russian aircraft was designed specifically for military operations and the interception of reconnaissance aircraft. Currently, he is still in the service of some armed forces. Due to his unique abilities, he was very popular. In total, there are about 1100 such aircraft in the world. MiG-25 cuts through the air at a speed of 3,916.8 km / h and any target at an altitude of no higher than 25 kilometers.

Fifth position

In fifth place we put the experimental board Bell X-2 Starbuster . His task was considered to be the study of flight options for the maximum possible speeds. Scientists listened to the information of some aviation services, and the use of the device had to be stopped. Indeed, upon reaching a maximum speed of 3,911.9 km / h, a person can control such aircraft impossible. Although the model is rightfully considered a manned structure.

Sixth point

This place is occupied by military modification XB-70 Valkyrie . The bomber's acceleration reaches 3,672 km/h. The model is designed to deliver nuclear weapons to a designated facility. The speed of this air vehicle was calculated by engineers with the condition that the bomber could easily maneuver in the sky and thereby elude the enemy.

The North American XB-70A Valkyrie bomber has a speed of 3,672 km/h

Seventh place

MiG-31 - Another domestic aircraft, whose design is unique. Engineers equipped this model with two of the most powerful engines of their kind, which allow the aircraft to safely fly at supersonic speeds and develop acceleration at any altitude. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the production of the MiG-31 was stopped by the mid-90s.

The most powerful MiG-31 is capable of accelerating speed even at the maximum flight altitude

Eighth position

Eighth place is occupied by a military aircraft McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle , in service with the US Air Force. The creation of this fighter was a great success and pride for America. To date, this is the only aircraft whose production has not been stopped, but rather is planned in the future. F-15 flies at a speed of 3,065 km/h and performs its tasks in all weather conditions.

The speed of the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle military aircraft reaches 3,065 km/h

Ninth line

The penultimate place in the list is given to the tactical bomber F-111 from General Dynamics. Like some other models, it was retired from production in the 90s, although it was the first aircraft that could change the swept wing. No other aircraft had such a factor before the F-111, this quality allowed it to have a significant advantage in the air over other aircraft.

The tactical bomber F-111 had supersonic speed and changed the sweep of the wing

Last place ranking

If someone asks you: “What is the fastest passenger aircraft in Russia?”, you can name the aircraft developed in Russia without a shadow of a doubt. This Tu-144 , which became the first passenger airliner on the planet capable of gaining hypersonic acceleration. For the first time, the air giant took off at the end of December 1968. A year later, the liner showed the ability to gain speed of two and a half thousand kilometers per hour at an altitude of 11 km. This event went down in history, because even today there are no analogues of passenger boards in the world that are able to repeat such a maneuver.

The first passenger liner Russian production, which reached hypersonic speed, became the Tu-144

As you can see, when it comes to air traffic, the speed of movement here is significantly increased compared to land transport. And even specialists in this field will find it difficult to name the maximum possible value - constant technical development contributes to the development of new, so far secret models, which in the near future will take their rightful place in such a rating.

The speed of the fastest aircraft exceeds the propagation of sound, today unmanned vehicles have become hypersonic leaders
Drone X-43A - the fastest aircraft in the world
The X34 aircraft is capable of accelerating up to 12,144 km/h
The fastest manned aircraft North American X-15 reaches 8,200.2 km/h
SR-71 Blackbird takes the second position in the top 10 fastest aircraft
Lokcheed YF-12 closes the top three
Bell X-2 Starbuster aircraft reaches speeds in excess of 3,911 km/h

1. MiG-25 3.2M

Soviet single-seat supersonic high-altitude interceptor designed by design bureau Mikoyan - Gurevich.
The legendary aircraft, on which several world records were set, including the speed record, however, as usual in the USSR, they kept silent about a lot. According to General Designer R.A. Belyakov, the MiG exceeding the speed of M = 3 reduced the life of the airframe, but did not lead to damage to the aircraft or engine. according to familiar pilots, the aircraft repeatedly crossed the threshold of 3.5M, but such a record was not officially recorded.
On September 6, 1976, the MiG-25 aircraft was hijacked by Soviet Air Force pilot Viktor Belenko to Japan. The plane was returned, but before that it was dismantled to the screw. The new aircraft were modified and received the MiG-25PD index, all in service were modernized and awarded the MiG-25PDS index.
Belenko fired a pistol at the Hakodate airport, preventing the “Japs” from approaching the MiG, demanded that the plane be covered, but the commission investigating the incident concluded that the flight was deliberate, although without obvious treasonable goals.

2. Lockheed SR-71 3.2M

US Air Force strategic supersonic reconnaissance aircraft. Unofficially named "Blackbird". The aircraft became famous for its unreliability, 12 out of 32 existing aircraft were lost in 34 years.
The main maneuver of the aircraft when avoiding missiles was to climb and accelerate. In 1976, the SR-71 "Blackbird" set the absolute speed record among manned aircraft with ramjet engines - 3529.56 km / h

3. MiG-31 2.82M

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 small, extremely small, 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 heat traps. A group of four MiG-31 aircraft is capable of controlling airspace with a frontal length of 800-900 km.
Maximum allowable speed at altitude: 3000 km / h (2.82 M)

4. McDonnell-Douglas F-15 "Eagle" 2.5M

American all-weather tactical fighter of the fourth generation. Designed to gain air superiority. Adopted in 1976.
Maximum speed at high altitude: 2650 km/h (Mach 2.5+)

5. General Dynamics F-111 2.5M

two-seat long-range tactical bomber, aircraft tactical support with variable wing geometry.
Maximum speed: at altitude: 2655 km/h (Mach 2.5)

6. Su-24 2.4M

Soviet frontline bomber with a variable sweep wing, designed to carry out 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. According to familiar pilots, the aircraft is equipped with an autopilot system capable of controlling the aircraft at ultra-low altitudes, holding, for example, 120 meters above the ground, however, not many pilots could mentally withstand the work of the autopilot, the aircraft at high speed was approaching the rise of the earth's surface, rocks, etc. d. and exactly at a distance of 120 meters did a climb maneuver.

7. Grumman F-14 Tomcat 2.37M

Jet interceptor, fighter-bomber of the fourth generation, with variable wing geometry. Developed in the 1970s to replace the Phantoms.

8. Su-27 2.35M

Soviet multipurpose highly maneuverable all-weather fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and designed to gain air supremacy.
Thanks to the thrust vector control, the aircraft is able to perform miracles, "Cobra" and "Frolov's Chakra". Such aerobatics show the ability to keep the aircraft from stalling at angles of attack exceeding the critical one.

9. MiG-23 2.35M

Soviet multirole fighter with variable sweep wing. MiG-23 fighters participated in many armed conflicts of the 1980s
Maximum allowable speed, km/h 2.35M

10. Grumman F-14D Tomcat 2.34M

The F-14D modification differed from the previous ones with a more powerful Hughes AN / APG-71 radar, the system allows tracking 24 targets and capturing and launching missiles at 6 of them simultaneously, at different altitudes and ranges, improved avionics and a converted cockpit. In total, 37 aircraft of this type were built, another 104 were converted from previously released F-14As, they had the designation F-14D

Su-27 - 2500 km / h

Su-27 - Soviet/Russian multipurpose highly maneuverable all-weather heavy fighter fourth generation, developed by the Sukhoi Company. It was conceived as a direct competitor to large fourth-generation fighters designed in the United States, such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle. The first flight of the Su-27 prototype took place on May 20, 1977, and in 1985 it entered service with the Soviet Air Force. Today it is one of the main fighters of Russia, its modifications are in service with India, China and many other countries.

General Dynamics F-111 - 2655 km / h

The General Dynamics F-111 is an American supersonic tactical bomber, aerial reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics. He made his first flight on December 21, 1964, and was put into operation on July 18, 1967. He took part in the fighting in Vietnam. In total, 562 examples were produced for the US Air Force and the Australian Air Force during the production period.

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle - 2665 km/h

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter developed in the early 70s by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), commissioned by the US Air Force to gain air superiority. Its first flight took place in July 1972. In 1974 it was put into operation. Exported to Israel, Japan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

MiG-31 - 3000 km / h

The MiG-31 is a two-seat supersonic heavy interceptor fighter. Work on its creation began at RAC MiG PJSC in 1968. The first flight took place on September 16, 1975. The aircraft was built on the basis of a single-seat MiG-25, primarily to cover the territory of the USSR from being hit by cruise missiles from the Arctic, where there was no continuous radar field. It is the first Soviet fighter of the fourth generation.

North American XB-70 Valkyrie - 3309 km / h

North American XB-70 Valkyrie - prototype of the American strategic bomber, which was supposed to fly at an altitude of 21 thousand meters at a speed three times the speed of sound. Only two examples were built. The first experimental aircraft XB-70 Valkyrie first took to the air September 21, 1964, the second - July 17, 1965. One of the aircraft is now in the National Museum of the US Air Force near Dayton, Ohio. The second on June 8, 1966, while flying in formation of several aircraft, collided in the air with a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter fighter, fell to the ground and completely collapsed.

Bell X-2 - 3370 km / h

Bell X-2 is an American experimental aircraft designed to study aerodynamic and thermodynamic characteristics during flight at speeds from 2 to 3 Mach (Mach number). Its development began in 1945 by the Bell Aircraft Corporation in cooperation with NACA and the US Air Force. The creation of the X-2 aircraft was completed in 1952, and in 1953 its testing began. Only two examples were built. Both crashed, after which the research was stopped.

MiG-25 - 3470 km / h

The MiG-25 is a supersonic Soviet / Russian fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, the world's first serial fighter that reached a speed of more than 3 thousand km / h. It was developed by JSC RSK MiG in the early 1960s. It is the last aircraft designed by Mikhail Gurevich before his retirement. The first flight of the prototype took place in 1965, and in 1970 it was put into operation. A total of 1190 copies were produced.

Lockheed YF-12 - 3661 km / h

The third place in the list of the fastest manned aircraft in the world is occupied by the Lockheed YF-12, an American interceptor prototype developed by the famous aircraft designer Clarence Johnson based on the Lockheed A-12 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. This aircraft is the world's largest manned interceptor. It first took to the air on August 7, 1963. A total of three YF-12s were produced, each valued at approximately $18 million. After a series of flight tests, the project was closed.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird - 3818 km / h

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is an American strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed in the late 50s by Lockheed based on the Lockheed A-12 aircraft. It is the first aircraft created using stealth technology. Its first flight took place on December 22, 1964. He was in service with the United States from 1964 to 1998 and was actively used for espionage. A total of 32 aircraft were produced, 12 of which crashed in accidents (none were shot down).

North American X-15 - 7274 km / h

The North American X-15 is a hypersonic experimental rocket plane that has set a number of world speed and altitude records (107.96 km). Work on its creation began in 1955 and was entrusted to North American Aviation. A total of three prototypes were produced. On March 10, 1959, the car took to the air for the first time. Over the course of nine years - from 1959 to 1968, out of the planned 200 test flights, the X-15 carried out 199. The record was the flight of the pilot Joe Walker on August 22, 1963.

Although many of our compatriots are convinced that the fastest, most highly maneuverable and, in general, the most-most in all areas are American fighters, however, this information, gleaned from American ratings, is somewhat biased.

In fact, the fastest fighter in the world is still the Soviet single-seat MiG-25 aircraft, which has held the palm in terms of speed among serial combat vehicles for half a century. Although its officially declared speed is only 3,000 kilometers per hour, there is a lot of evidence that this aircraft crossed the threshold of Mach 3.5, i.e. over 3700 kilometers per hour.

The history of the creation of the MiG-25

The 1950s and 1960s were truly the golden period of world aviation. During these years, conceptual developments were created that predetermined the direction of design thought for decades to come. One of these developments was the MiG-25, the brainchild of the famous design bureau of Mikoyan and Gurevich.

The official birthday of the MiG-25 can be considered March 10, 1961, when A. Mikoyan issued an order to begin work on a new type of fighter. This machine was supposed to successfully fight the American XB-70 Valkyrie bombers (which, by the way, never went into serial production due to many structural insurmountable flaws) and the B-58 Hustler, which developed speeds up to 2100 kilometers per hour.

Soon, the designers developed a prototype fighter, which was called the "E-155 project." During the design, many difficulties had to be faced, but all of them were eventually successfully overcome, and in 1969 the serial production of the MiG-25P interceptor began, which became the first of a large series of combat vehicles.

Wikimedia Commons / Alexander Beltyukov ()
An atmosphere of heightened secrecy reigned around this aircraft from the very beginning. It was forbidden to disclose even the basic performance characteristics of the machine. Therefore, for many years, American fighters reigned supreme in the world ratings, which still have not surpassed the MiG-25 in a number of parameters.

MiG-25 modifications

The single-seat jet turned out to be such a successful model that for many years it was produced in numerous modifications. These were fighter-interceptors:

- MiG-25P;

- MiG-25MP (prototype MiG-31);

- MiG-25PD (a number of modified aircraft equipped with more powerful weapons and electronics than the base model, as well as R15BD engines).

In addition, reconnaissance aircraft were created on the basis of the MiG-25:

- MiG-25R (high-speed reconnaissance);

- MiG25BM (anti-radar aircraft for breaking through enemy air defense);

- MiG-25RBT (for radio intelligence);

- MiG-25MR (for meteorological research).

MiG-25 records

- This is the first fighter produced in the series, which has overcome the speed threshold of 3,000 kilometers per hour.

Wikimedia Commons / Pavel Adzhigildyaev ()
- In 1967, the MiG-25 climbed to a height of 30,010 meters, which was a record for that time.

- In 1977, an absolute record was set for the height of the aircraft, which amounted to 37,650 meters, which has not been overcome so far.

In fact, the maximum speed of the MiG-25 was never set. The fact is that when accelerating to Mach 2.83, the thrust of the aircraft engines increases sharply, and then acceleration occurs very quickly, which can lead to loss of control over the aircraft and destruction of the wing structure.

Of course, some highly qualified pilots flew at ultra-high speeds, but officially this was strictly prohibited.

Stories related to the MiG-25

A. Belyakov, the general designer of the MiG-25, said more than once that when the speed was exceeded by Mach 3, the glider part of the fighter wore out too quickly, while the engine perfectly withstood such a load. Therefore, officially pilots never exceeded 3,000 kilometers per hour for safety reasons. At the same time, in 1972, during the Arab-Israeli conflict, both sides involved in it recorded MiG-25 overflights at speeds of over 3,600 kilometers per hour.

It is said that when the MiG-25 first appeared in the skies over Israel, the observers could not believe their eyes, mistaking the Soviet aircraft for a UFO.

Intelligence all over the world sought to get the drawings of our fighter. In 1976, one of the pilots, V. Belenko, decided to take the opportunity to get rich and hijacked a plane to Japan, asking for asylum in the United States.

Wikimedia Commons / Alan Wilson ()
In a matter of days, Japanese designers dismantled the MiG-25 that fell into their hands to the last screw and copied all the details. Subsequently, the aircraft was returned to the Soviet Union.

This incident forced all MiGs to be re-equipped with new electronic devices, which, by the way, benefited the aircraft, as it increased their visibility and controllability.

3.05.2015 at 19:28 · Johnny · 70 410

Top 10 fastest planes in the world

There are a large number of aircraft in the world that have crossed the speed limit of Mach 2 (2448 km / h). Some of them are research vehicles, but most are combat or reconnaissance vehicles.

Agree, there is something fascinating about flying at supersonic speeds, which all the fastest aircraft in the world can achieve. Just imagine: you are at an altitude of five kilometers, you hear a clear “forward” command in your headphones and squeeze the throttle back all the way. You feel like a powerful engine accelerates you to a speed unthinkable for any other life form on our planet.

But it's not about you at all - you're just a passenger. The plane you are flying on is a true work of art, the work and knowledge of hundreds of designers and engineers was invested in it. Now we will tell you about the ten fastest aircraft in the world.

10. Su-27 | 2876.4 km/h

Su-27 can reach Mach 2.35. This aircraft is the pinnacle of engineering thought of the former Soviet Union. This aircraft has two engines and a fly-by-wire control system, first used on Soviet combat aircraft. This machine was created to gain air superiority, and for this he had to face a new generation of American aircraft, such as the F-15 Eagle. The Su-27 is armed with a 30-mm cannon and has 10 hardpoints for air-to-air missiles that can hit the enemy at medium and short distances. The Su-27 is a really cool aircraft, despite the fact that it took to the skies for the first time over 35 years ago, these fighters are still in service. Numerous modifications of the Su-27 have been created. And the most modern of them are a formidable opponent for any aircraft.

9. General Dynamics F-111 | 3060 km/h

Number nine on our list of the fastest aircraft in the world is not a fighter, it's a tactical bomber that can reach Mach 2.5. This beautiful aircraft has already been decommissioned in 1998. It had nine external hardpoints and two bomb bays inside the fuselage. All this allowed him to lift into the air and deliver to the target 14,300 kg of conventional or nuclear bombs, carry air-to-air missiles, or it was possible to install a multi-barreled rapid-fire cannon on it. F-111 also called Anteater. The F-111 was the first aircraft launched into the series with a variable swept wing, and this gave this aircraft tangible advantages.

8. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle | 3065 km/h

This is an American all-weather fighter, which is considered one of the most successful aircraft, it is still in service with the US Air Force. F-15 Eagle belongs to the fourth generation, has two engines and excellent thrust-to-weight ratio. All this makes it possible to accelerate an aircraft weighing 18,000 kg to a speed 2.5 times higher than the speed of sound. The F-15 Eagle made its first flight back in 1976, but it is still considered an important part of the US Air Force weapons and will remain in service until 2025. The Americans delivered 1,200 copies of these aircraft to their closest allies: Japan, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The current plans of the American command to continue the production of these machines, until 2019.

Initially, this aircraft was conceived as a means of gaining air superiority, but then a modification of the F-15E Strike Eagle was released, which can already be attributed to fighter-bombers. This machine can take on board Sparrow, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, additional fuel tanks or aircraft bombs. To do this, the F-15E Strike Eagle has 11 suspension points. In addition, this aircraft is armed with a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rapid-fire cannon. Not surprisingly, this aircraft has more than 100 confirmed victories in air combat.

7. MiG-31 | 3463.92 km/h

This aircraft can reach Mach 2.83. It has two powerful engines, which allowed the aircraft to develop supersonic speeds both at high and low altitudes. On the MiG-31 passive and active radar systems were installed, four such machines could control a front 900 kilometers long. MiG-31 was armed with:

• automatic 23 mm gun;
• four R-33 heavy air-to-air missiles or six R-37s;
• air-to-air missiles of medium or long range or special missiles for high-speed targets.

The production of this machine was stopped in 1994 and it is not known exactly how many aircraft were made. Presumably, these are 400-500 cars.

6. XB-70 Valkyrie | 3672 km/h

XB-70 Valkyrie- This is a unique aircraft and another brainchild of the Cold War. Its six engines were supposed to accelerate an aircraft weighing 240 tons to a speed of Mach 3. As a result of this speed, the aircraft structure in some places heated up to 330 ° C. The aircraft needed such a high speed in order to evade Soviet interceptors and, most importantly, to avoid the consequences of a nuclear explosion. After all, the XB-70 Valkyrie is a strategic bomber designed to deliver nuclear weapons. The huge size of the aircraft allowed it to lift enough fuel to fly into the territory of the USSR at a distance of 6900 kilometers and return back without refueling in the air. The aircraft could carry 14 nuclear bombs. The first flight of the XB-70 was made in 1964, two aircraft were built.

5. Bell X-2 Starbuster | 3911.9 km/h

BellX-2- This is an experimental American aircraft that was created to study the conditions of flight on high speeds. The first flight of the machine took place in 1954, and two years later the program was terminated. It was on this aircraft that we studied how the aircraft behaves at speeds above Mach 2. It was on this aircraft that an incredible speed of Mach 3.196 was achieved at that time, however, after reaching this speed, the pilot made a sharp maneuver and the aircraft went out of control. After this incident, the program was terminated.

4. MiG-25 | 3916.8 km/h

MiG-25 was created to intercept American reconnaissance aircraft, such as the SR-71, flying at high altitudes at relatively low speeds. To be able to perform such tasks, the MiG-25 had unique characteristics: the aircraft's speed was 3.2 times the speed of sound, it could hit targets at an altitude of up to 25 kilometers. None of the MiG-25s ever shot down the SR-71, but these machines performed well in several conflicts, for example, in the Iran-Iraq war. The MiG-25 was armed with 4 air-to-air missiles. This aircraft is still in operation in several countries. In total, approximately 1100 cars were built.

3. Lockheed YF-12 | 4100.4 km/h

YF-12 was developed as a prototype aircraft that can reach speeds of 3.35 the speed of sound. His appearance it is no different from the SR-71 Blackbird, except that the YF-12 is armed with three air-to-air missiles. It was this aircraft that served as the prototype for the creation of the SR-71 Blackbird. In addition, both of these aircraft were developed by the same designer - the famous Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. The program was soon terminated, but this aircraft remained forever in the history of aviation, as the owner of several titles, which, however, were soon taken away from it by the SR-71 Blackbird.

2.SR-71 Blackbird | 4102.8 km/h

After testing, this aircraft was used by both the US Air Force and NASA. The military used the Blackbird as a strategic reconnaissance aircraft, while NASA used it for research purposes. First flight SR-71 Blackbird made in 1964. A total of 32 cars were produced. They were actively used for espionage against the USSR, Cuba and other countries. The SR-71 Blackbird was the first aircraft to use stealth technology. But the main defense of the aircraft was its speed: it easily avoided interceptors and missiles. The main problem in creating it was heat to which the aircraft warmed up in flight. The SR-71 requires special fuel and can only be refueled in flight.

1. North American X-15 | 8200.8 km/h

It is the fastest manned aircraft in the world. Its top speed is Mach 6.7. It was built for research work for the study of hypersonic manned flights. X-15 It has rocket engine, it launches from a strategic bomber. This aircraft has already reached an altitude of 107 km, a speed of Mach 6.7 and has completed a suborbital space flight. The plane lands on its own, at the bottom of a dried-up lake.

Planes that break the sound barrier