Top 5 Fastest Fighter Jets in the World 2024

NASA/USAF X-15 holds the top spot as the fastest fighter jet, reaching an incredible speed of Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph), followed by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Lockheed YF-12, MiG-25 Foxbat, and Bell X-2 Starbuster. This article covers the top 5 fastest fighter jets in the world in 2024, detailing their top speeds, manufacturers, costs, first flight dates, and more interesting facts.

Fastest Fighter Jet

1. NASA/USAF X-15 – Mach 6.72 (4,520 miles per hour)
2. Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird – Mach 3.4 (2,500+ miles per hour)
3. Lockheed YF-12 – Mach 3.2 (2,275 miles per hour)
4. MiG-25 Foxbat – Mach 3.2 (2,190 miles per hour)
5. Bell X-2 Starbuster – Mach 3.2 (2,094 miles per hour)

1. NASA/USAF X-15

The NASA/USAF X-15, developed by North American Aviation in the United States, is the fastest manned aircraft ever built, achieving an unmatched speed of Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph). This experimental aircraft, first flown in 1959, was designed for high-speed research. It is famous for reaching the edge of space during its flights, making it an important part of aviation history.

Interesting Facts:

• The X-15 set its speed record on October 3, 1967.
• Pilots who flew the X-15 earned astronaut wings for crossing the boundary of space.
• It helped advance aerospace technology and research.

In the Top 5 Fastest Fighter Jets ranking, the NASA/USAF X-15 is recognized as the 1st Fastest Fighter Jet ever built.

2. Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, developed by Lockheed Corporation in the United States, ranks second with a top speed of Mach 3.4 (2,500+ mph). This advanced reconnaissance aircraft, known for its stealth capabilities, was first flown in 1964 and set numerous speed and altitude records during its operational career.

Interesting Facts:

• The SR-71 was nicknamed “The Blackbird” due to its black paint, which helped dissipate heat.
• It could outrun surface-to-air missiles thanks to its incredible speed.
• The aircraft was made from titanium to withstand high temperatures.

In the Top 5 Fastest Fighter Jets ranking, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is recognized as the 2nd Fastest Fighter Jet.

3. Lockheed YF-12

The Lockheed YF-12, a prototype interceptor aircraft developed by Lockheed Corporation in the United States, is the third fastest fighter jet, reaching speeds of Mach 3.2 (2,275 mph). First flown in 1963, it was a precursor to the SR-71 and was designed for high-speed, high-altitude missions.

Interesting Facts:

• The YF-12 was the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird.
• It held world records for speed and altitude during its development.
• Only three YF-12 aircraft were ever built.

In the Top 5 Fastest Fighter Jets ranking, the Lockheed YF-12 is recognized as the 3rd Fastest Fighter Jet.

4. MiG-25 Foxbat

The MiG-25 Foxbat, developed by Mikoyan in Russia, is the fourth fastest fighter jet with a top speed of Mach 3.2 (2,190 mph). It was primarily used by the Soviet Union for reconnaissance and interception missions, with its first flight taking place in 1964.

Interesting Facts:

• The MiG-25 was built to counter American high-speed bombers like the SR-71.
• It is one of the fastest combat aircraft ever built.
• Its design includes large air intakes to handle the high-speed airflow.

In the Top 5 Fastest Fighter Jets ranking, the MiG-25 Foxbat is recognized as the 4th Fastest Fighter Jet.

5. Bell X-2 Starbuster

The Bell X-2 Starbuster, developed by Bell Aircraft Corporation in the United States, was an experimental aircraft that achieved a top speed of Mach 3.2 (2,094 mph). It was designed to explore high-speed flight characteristics and first flew in 1952.

Interesting Facts:

• The X-2 was designed to study the effects of flight at altitudes above 100,000 feet.
• It achieved the fastest speeds of its time, breaking multiple records.
• It was one of the first planes to study supersonic and hypersonic flight.

In the Top 5 Fastest Fighter Jets ranking, the Bell X-2 Starbuster is recognized as the 5th Fastest Fighter Jet.

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