Maximum fighter altitude. Aviation records

02.10.2020

When the conversation turns to speed, it takes your breath away. If we are talking about planes flying at supersonic speeds, then this is something fantastic. All these aircraft are masterpieces of engineering, equipped with the most advanced technologies of their time.

Top 10

He has truly fantastic speed 11,230 km/h. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Developed using technology alternative to turbojet engines in our time.

Although its maximum speed is listed as 12,144 km/h, he's not in first place. This is explained by the fact that at the time of testing, the X-43 record had not been broken. Both the first and second aircraft were developed by NASA using the latest technologies.

It is rightfully considered one of the fastest aircraft with a pilot on board. Maximum speed which he can achieve - 8200 km/h. This is almost seven times the speed of sound. The aircraft was designed for research into hypersonic flight. The X-15 is equipped with a rocket engine. However, it can only take off on board a strategic bomber, from where it takes off. The maximum altitude reached by the aircraft is 107 kilometers.

"Blackbird" or SR-71

The aircraft is a reconnaissance aircraft for the US Air Force. The aircraft was produced in limited quantities - 32 aircraft. The first aircraft equipped with stealth technology. Maximum speed approx. 4102 km/h. The plane was actively used for espionage.

YF-12

Outwardly, it is no different from the Blackbird, except that it carries air-to-air weapons. It was the predecessor and prototype of the SR-71. Maximum speed: 3,661 km/h.

Legendary MiG-25

It was designed to intercept the American Blackbird and had a speed of 3916 km/h. The characteristics of this combat aircraft are impressive - at a speed of more than 3 times the speed of sound, it was capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 25 kilometers. It has proven itself very well in a number of military conflicts.

What makes it unique is that in 1954 it reached a speed unimaginable at that time. But after an unsuccessful flight, its production program was closed. Maximum speed: 3,370 km/h.

Valkyrie XB-70

A truly super-powerful aircraft from the Cold War era. Designed to deliver nuclear weapons in a short time. High speed ( 3672 km/h) made it possible to avoid the consequences of a nuclear explosion, as well as from enemy interceptors.

MiG-31

At a speed of 3464 km/h. This aircraft, thanks to its powerful engines, was capable of reaching such speeds at any altitude. The technical radar filling made it possible for several aircraft to control a fairly wide area.

It’s incredible, but this aircraft has been in service for 40 years and will serve the US Air Force for at least another 8 years. His speed is 3065 km/h, and specifications and scope of application make it indispensable for the Air Force.

Top 4 passenger aircraft

Tu-144

The legendary Soviet supersonic airliner had a speed of 2430 km/h. A truly fantastic result for that time among passenger aircraft. By the will of fate, he gave way to Concorde, which for a long time(until 2003) operated passenger transatlantic flights.

When it comes to designing passenger aircraft, this model deserves a place at the top. Even from the name it becomes clear that the future aircraft will overcome the speed of sound ( 2335 km/h). The plane will be designed for any category of passengers.

Reaches speeds of 1153 km/h. The fastest civil vessel with business jet status. Used mainly as a private one for wealthy businessmen and business people.

And finally, the fastest scheduled passenger aircraft is an engineering masterpiece of Airbus. The newest aircraft, which, in addition to its speed, is also the world's largest double-decker airliner. Maximum speed: 1,020 km/h.

Military aircraft

The fastest military aircraft in the world are the Russian MiG-25 and the American SR-71. Interesting fact is that the Soviet fighter was actually created to neutralize the American intelligence officer. The MiG set a lot of speed records of its time. The pilots who piloted this aircraft claimed that the aircraft was capable of exceeding Mach 3.5 (the speed of sound). This value is greater than that of the American Blackbird. However, this is not documented anywhere. In turn, the SR-71 did not have sufficient reliability. Over the entire history of its flights, a third of the aircraft produced were lost.

Combat aircraft

Much has already been said about record-breaking military aircraft from various years. The fastest combat aircraft currently in use is the MiG-31. The fighter is designed to destroy targets in the air at any altitude and in any weather conditions. The enemy's use of thermal and radio interference is not a problem for the vehicle.

Created to intercept cruise missiles. Nowadays, they are used in military conflicts to solve a wide range of problems. For some time they were used as “special forces” in the Russian air defense forces.

The video shows the takeoff of this fast car

Turboprop aircraft

A truly unique aircraft, which has been in service since the distant 1952 (!) year. The speed for that time was amazing - 924 km/h. The engines, with a power of 15,000 horsepower, set a Guinness record for screw engines. The aircraft is still in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces and performs a wide range of combat missions.

An interesting fact is that the speed of the Tu-95 is slightly less than the speed of the American B-52 jet. The aircraft's armament and technical characteristics allow it to safely hit targets beyond the range of enemy radar equipment.

The relevance of the vehicle is also confirmed by its use in the military conflict in Syria, where a bomber regiment successfully completed a number of tasks assigned to it.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that production technologies aircraft don't stand still. However, those aircraft that were discussed above will firmly take their place in the history of aircraft manufacturing as advanced aircraft at that time. Who knows what records await humanity in the future, and what purposes new hypersonic aircraft will accomplish. Time will tell all this.

Over time, aviation has advanced by leaps and bounds. More and more new aircraft models are being designed with such high speeds that they can exceed the speed of sound at unimaginable heights by several times. Today we will share with you our Top 10 ranking fastest planes in the world. We will tell you about some of the features of these aircraft, who worked on their creation, when the first flights took place, and much more. This will be interesting, so let's get started. Let's fly!

10.Su-27

A country: USSR/Russia
Developer: Sukhoi Design Bureau
Type: Multi-role fighter
Production start year: 1981
Maximum speed: 2876.4 km/h

The top ten fastest aircraft in the world opens with the Su-27, a twin-engine fighter built in former USSR, in an attempt to surpass similarly advanced american planes. The aircraft made its first flight in May 1977 and officially entered service with the USSR Air Force in 1985. Can reach a maximum supersonic speed of Mach 2.35 (1,550 mph or 2,876.4 km/h).

The Su-27 gained a reputation as one of the most capable fighters of its time. These aircraft are still in service with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

A country: USA
Developer: General Dynamics
Type: Fighter-bomber, strategic bomber
Production start year: 1967
Maximum speed: 3060 km/h

The large aerospace company General Dynamics completed the development of the F-111 Aardvark tactical strike aircraft about half a century ago. According to calculations, the F-111 Aardvark should accommodate two crew members. 1967 and the aircraft was the first to enter service with the US Air Force. It was used in strategic bombing campaigns, in reconnaissance operations, and also with its help in electronic warfare. This aircraft can reach speeds of Mach 2.5 with extreme ease. And this exceeds the speed of sound by about 2.5 times.

A country: USA
Developer: McDonnell Douglas, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Type: Interceptor fighter
Production start year: 1976
Maximum speed: 3065 km/h

In the late 60s, McDonnell Douglas completed its work on the development of a tactical twin-engine fighter. Its immediate purpose is to seize and maintain its superiority during periods of air combat. July 1972 The first flight was successful. A few years later, in 1976, the US Air Force accepted the F-15 Eagle into service.

This plane is one of those that cannot be successful. Its speed is impressive, exceeding Mach 2.5. The US Air Force plans to keep this aircraft in its service for a long time, at least until 2025. It has been exported abroad, namely Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia, Turkey.

A country: USSR/Russia
Developer: OKB MiG
Type: Interceptor fighter
Production start year: 1975-1994
Maximum speed: 3463.92 km/h

Mikoyan's design bureau has completed production of a large, twin-engine supersonic aircraft, and already in 1975, in September, the first flight of the aircraft took place. In 1982, it was adopted by the USSR Air Force.

The speed of the MiG-31 can reach Mach 2.83. His unique ability is that he is able to develop supersonic speed and fly at it even low above the ground. Years go by, and the MiG-31 continues to faithfully serve the Russian Aerospace Forces. This aircraft is one of the best representatives of its class and is rightfully ranked with the best and fastest aircraft in the world.

A country: USA
Developer: North American Aviation
Type: Strategic bomber, exploration aircraft
Production start year: 1964-1969
Maximum speed: 3794.4 km/h

In the late 50s, North American Aviation developed the XB-70, which has six engines. The goal of the creators was to design an aircraft that would serve as a prototype for a strategic bomber with a supply of nuclear bombs.

In 1965, the XB-70 reached its peak speed while flying over Edwards Air Force Base in California. The height above the ground reached 21,300 meters, and the speed was Mach 3.1.

Between 1964 and 1969, two XB-70 models were built and used for test flights. In 1966, one of the models crashed during a mid-air collision. And the second model is in Dayton, it's on display National Museum US Air Force on display.

A country: USA
Developer: Bell Aircraft
Type: Experimental aircraft
Production start year: 1955-1956
Maximum speed: 3911.904 km/h

A whole group worked on the creation of this aircraft. This group included the US Air Force, National advisory committee and Bell Aircraft Corporation. In 1945, work on developing an aircraft with a rocket engine was completed. The purpose of creating the aircraft was to study the properties of aerodynamics when flying at supersonic speeds, with a range of Mach 2 and 3.

1955, November, X-2 made its first flight. A year later, Captain Milburn managed to reach a speed of Mach 3,196, while the altitude was 19,800 meters. Unfortunately, after reaching peak speed, the plane went out of control and crashed to the ground. Of course, this tragedy did not go unnoticed, and the X-2 program stopped its work.

A country: USSR/Russia
Developer: OKB MiG
Type: Interceptor, reconnaissance aircraft, breakthrough aircraft
Production start year: 1969-1985
Maximum speed: 3916.8 km/h

Legendary designers - Seletsky, Gurevich and Matyuk worked on the production of this technical miracle. Its main purpose is to collect intelligence data and intercept enemy aircraft at speeds exceeding supersonic. 1964, the first flight took place, and in the 70s the Soviet Air Force actively used it.

The speed of the MiG-25 is incredible - Mach 3.2. Therefore, it is one of the fastest aircraft in the world and is still used for service in the Russian Aerospace Forces and beyond. Other countries such as Syria and Algeria use the MiG-25 in their air forces.

A country: USA
Developer: Lockheed Corporation, Scunk Works
Type: Strategic intelligence officer
Production start year: 1966-1999
Maximum speed: 4039.2 km/h

Intelligence missions, or rather their implementation, are the main task of this aircraft. In addition, he easily repels enemy threats. The maximum speed is Mach 3.3, and the altitude is 29 thousand meters. It is worth noting that according to some sources, the speed of the Blackbird is indicated at Mach 3.5, but this is not confirmed data. Nevertheless, third place in the ranking of the fastest aircraft in the world is an honor.

A country: USA
Developer: Lockheed Corporation
Type: Interceptor
Production start year: 1963-1965
Maximum speed: 4100.4 km/h

About half a century ago, Lockheed Corporation completed development of a prototype aircraft. The purpose of creating such an aircraft is to intercept enemy aircraft. Area 51 became the site for testing the YF-12. This place is a top secret US Air Force training ground. 1963, altitude 27,600 meters, YF-12 makes its first flight. Its speed is Mach 3.35. But over time, the US Air Force stopped the YF-12 flight program. However, the YF-12 was able to conduct several scientific research flights for NASA and the Air Force. At the end of the 70s, the aircraft's flights were finally completed.

1.X-15

A country: USA
Developer: North American Aviation
Type: Experimental high-speed research rocket plane
Production start year: 1959-1968
Maximum speed: 8225.28 km/h

This device has no equal in speed - the world's fastest plane. It is capable of accelerating to Mach 6.72, the fastest speed for a manned aircraft. The rocket plane ended its flights in the 70s, but during its service, many famous personalities, such as Neil Armstrong, were able to take part in the program. The altitude to which the pilots rose was over 100 kilometers. Such pilots can already be safely called astronauts.

Is it possible to single out the fastest aircraft in the world at the present stage? After all, there were simply a huge number of them designed. It is worth highlighting five aircraft that are capable of reaching the highest speed.

Which model can be considered the fastest?

The first position is rightfully occupied by the Falcon HTV-2 model. This is the fastest plane in the world. The speed it reaches in flight is 13,000 miles/hour. The model was designed and released in 2010. The second flight on the plane took place in 2011. The purpose of this aircraft is closely related to the rapid response to any threats of a terrorist nature. Using this model, you can fly from Sydney to London in just 1 hour. True, it is still unknown how this will affect the pilot’s well-being. But it is not possible to know this, since the largest number of launches took place using an unmanned mode.

Maximum speed achieved in a few seconds

Let's continue talking about the rating "The fastest plane in the world." The X-43A model is capable of reaching 11,230 km/h. This aircraft was developed by professional NASA designers. A distinctive feature is the fact that it is capable of reaching maximum speed in just 10 seconds. This model has an engine newest generation. It allows the aircraft to move without the use of oxygen on board. This increases maneuverability and lightness. This is another fastest aircraft in the world. 11,230 km/h is a clear confirmation of this.

Powerful and fast model

In third position is one of the most powerful models. We are talking about the X-15. In a short period of time, the aircraft reaches a maximum speed of 4520 miles per hour. This representative of the rating “The fastest plane in the world” has a rather original purpose. It helps transform ordinary pilots into astronauts. This model is capable of quite easily taking off to altitudes exceeding 50 miles. Before conducting a flight, astronauts must undergo special training. This aircraft can be quite actively used for space travel. An option for space walks should be designed soon. In this regard, thrill-seekers may have an excellent opportunity to soon board this aircraft.

A model that can withstand high temperatures

In fourth position in the ranking “The fastest plane in the world” is a model called “Blackbird”. The speed of such an aircraft reaches 220 miles/hour. The basis for the design of the SR-71 aircraft was a titanium alloy produced by Lockheed Corporation. Due to this alloy, the aircraft can withstand heating up to 2 thousand degrees Fahrenheit. For about 40 years, this model performed quite complex tasks. And only in 1998 the car was written off. Unfortunately, it will no longer be possible to see the flight of this model.

Several variants of one aircraft

In fifth position is the fastest Russian-made aircraft in the world. We are talking about the MIG-25. The maximum speed that a pilot can achieve while driving this model is 2 thousand miles/hour. A similar aircraft can be seen in several versions. One of the first interpretations took off in the 60s of the 20th century. This model became famous for being able to shoot down a US B-70 bomber. The second option includes the model that first flew in the 70s. Regardless of the fact that such aircraft had some difficulties in maneuvering, they still managed to evade the Gulf War F-15 brand 10 missiles.

Old models that have not lost their power

As is known, aviation began to be used for the first time in military operations in 1794. This happened during the Battle of Fleurus between Austria and France. It was during those distant events that the French used air assets. Their main task was reconnaissance. Currently, technology is developing at a fairly rapid pace. Therefore, primitive aircraft were replaced by high-quality airplanes and helicopters. What is the fastest military aircraft in the world? It should be noted those models that have been in production for quite a long time.

The F-15 Eagle fighter, regardless of its fairly large size, has higher maneuverability characteristics. It was developed by American aircraft designers. It was necessary in order to achieve superiority in airspace. This is exactly what the fastest plane was needed for. It is considered stronger than Soviet military aircraft. This was achieved through the use of special materials in the design of the vessel. Among the advantages of the fighter, one should highlight the large capacity of the fuel tanks. In addition, there were autonomous engine power systems, which were equipped with consumable tanks, as well as a ringing system.

Another fastest aircraft is the F-111 Aardvark bomber. It was designed in America. It is characterized by the presence of variable wing geometry. Among the advantages, one should also highlight the ability to detect enemy objects and then strike them, regardless of weather conditions and time of day. In addition, with the help of this bomber you can break through air defenses, regardless of their density. This aircraft was used quite actively during the Vietnam War.

The Su-24 Fencer, designed by Soviet specialists, can also act as the fastest aircraft in the world. Photos that are available in sufficient quantities large quantities, demonstrate some similarity with the American F-111 model. The Soviet bomber is capable of attacking ground targets at a relatively low high altitudes. Compared to its American counterpart, it is characterized by the highest speed, high power, small size, and the ability to take off from poorly equipped airfields.

American-made fighter and interceptor

The 4th generation jet fighter REO F-14 Tomkat was designed in America back in 1970. It is characterized by variable wing geometry and a significant fuel tank capacity. In addition, it uses a weapons control system. It was thanks to this that this fighter was able to repel missile attacks on ship groups.

The next model is the REO “Super Tomcat” F-14D. This is the latest model of the jet interceptor aircraft. They thought about its development at a time when the need arose to detect and destroy enemy aircraft at night. In addition, the aircraft of this model could make flights regardless of weather conditions.

Conclusion

What is the fastest plane in the world? We hope that the answer to this question can be found in this review. The article made an attempt to consider the fastest models that have been produced before and are still being produced.

1. MiG-25 3.2M

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

2. Lockheed SR-71 3.2M

US Air Force strategic supersonic reconnaissance aircraft. Unofficially named "Blackbird". The aircraft became famous for its unreliability; in 34 years, 12 of the 32 existing aircraft were lost.
The main maneuver of the aircraft when avoiding missiles was climb and acceleration. In 1976, the SR-71 “Blackbird” established absolute record speed 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 fourth generation combat aircraft. The MiG-31 is designed to intercept and destroy air targets at low, extremely low, medium and high altitudes, day and night, in simple and adverse weather conditions, when the enemy uses active and passive radar jamming, as well as heat traps. A group of four MiG-31 aircraft is capable of controlling air space length along the front is 800-900 km.
Maximum permissible 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 into service in 1976.
Maximum speed at high altitude: 2650 km/h (2.5+ Mach)

5. General Dynamics F-111 2.5M

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

6. Su-24 2.4M

Soviet front-line bomber with a variable sweep wing, designed to carry out missile and bomb strikes in simple and adverse weather conditions, day and night, including at low altitudes with targeted destruction of ground and surface targets. According to familiar pilots, the plane is equipped with an autopilot system capable of controlling the plane at ultra-low altitudes, holding, for example, 120 meters above the ground, but not many pilots could mentally withstand the work of the autopilot; the plane was approaching the rise of the earth's surface, rocks, etc. at high speed. d. and exactly at a distance of 120 meters made a climb maneuver.

7. Grumman F-14 Tomcat 2.37M

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

8. Su-27 2.35M

Soviet multi-role, highly maneuverable, all-weather fighter, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and designed to gain air superiority.
Thanks to thrust vector control, the aircraft is capable of performing miracles, “Cobra” and “Frolov’s Chakra”. Such aerobatics demonstrate the ability to keep the aircraft from stalling at angles of attack exceeding the critical one.

9. MiG-23 2.35M

Soviet multi-role fighter with variable sweep wing. MiG-23 fighters took part in many armed conflicts in the 1980s
Maximum permissible 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 you to track 24 targets and capture and launch missiles at 6 of them simultaneously, at various altitudes and ranges, with improved avionics and a refurbished cockpit. A total of 37 aircraft of this type were built, another 104 were converted from previously produced F-14As and were designated F-14D.

Love learning all the little things about air travel? Then you will wonder what the plane's altitude is. The average figure is 10,000 m, but in practice it varies due to various factors. What defines it?

Main factors influencing flight altitude

There are different types of flight altitude indicator:

true is the value that actually separates the aircraft from the surface of the earth or water;
the relative indicator determines how much the plane has risen above the point adopted for the reference ( runway);
absolute altitude means the distance from the aircraft to sea level.

The height to which air transport rises is determined by the laws of physics: the further from the Earth’s surface, the thinner the air becomes. As a result, an aircraft that has risen to 10,000 m moves quickly and consumes little fuel. The term “ideal altitude” is associated with this feature - it means that the airliner is at a level that provides the best ratio of speed and fuel consumption.

But why don't planes fly higher? Technical issues play a role. After all, excessive rarefaction of the atmosphere is not useful: air currents support an airplane, like water in the ocean supports a ship. If you rise above 12,000 m, the liner will lose stability because its wings will be useless.

True, the rule applies only to passenger air transport. Military aircraft are capable of flying higher, but all records are broken by models built using NASA designs. The drone vessel, named Helios, flies at an altitude of 30 km.

Doug Morris, a pilot for Air Canada, explains, "The higher the better, because thin air means less friction."

What else affects flight altitude?

The altitude at which the plane flies is determined by the following nuances:

aircraft model;
load capacity;
speed;
congestion of air corridors;
acceptable fuel consumption;
amount of oxygen and rarefaction of the atmosphere.

Why is the standard option for civil aviation- 10,000 m? This is influenced by a number of factors:

Jet engines require cooling. If you rise to 10,000 m, the temperature outside will be – 50 ˚C.
For current aircraft, the failure of one engine would not be a tragedy, but birds getting into the turbines is undesirable. For this reason, the ship rises to a level where birds cannot reach.
If an unexpected situation arises, the crew and dispatchers will have more time to make decisions.
At this level the liner is above the clouds. Bad weather will affect it less.

Conclusion

The distance from a high-speed aircraft to the surface is shown by a special device - an altimeter. Usually it reaches 10,000 m, but models from well-known airlines rise to 12-13,000 m. The altitude is determined when drawing up air routes, so the pilot can change it only within the flight level.