Are you someone who lives for speed? Then buckle up, because we’re diving into the incredible world of the fastest planes ever built. Before space exploration took off, nothing pushed human limits quite like the invention of flight and no machines embody that drive better than these high-speed aircraft.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the fastest planes in the world most of which are military jets built for power, agility, and innovation. For context, a Boeing 747-8 cruises at about 1,041 km/h, and a 737-800 at around 946 km/h. But the planes you’re about to discover can exceed 2,000 km/h and in some cases, triple that.
Let’s get into it.
1. North American X-15
The North American X-15 remains the fastest plane ever built. Developed by the U.S. Air Force and NASA as an experimental rocket plane, only three were ever made. It wasn’t built for combat but for testing the limits of high-speed flight between 1959 and 1968.
In 1967, the X-15 set the record for the highest speed ever achieved by a manned aircraft — 7,274 km/h (Mach 6.72) — nearly seven times faster than a modern airliner. It also became the first aircraft to exceed 80 km in altitude, edging close to the boundary of space.
Powered by the XLR99 rocket engine, the X-15 gathered valuable data that helped NASA develop future spacecraft.
Key features:
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Role: Research aircraft
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Max Speed: Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph)
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Altitude Record: 354,200 feet (107.8 km)
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Powerplant: XLR99 rocket engine
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Operational Period: 1959–1968
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Significance: Pioneered hypersonic flight and space-era research
2. Lockheed YF-12
The Lockheed YF-12, introduced in the early 1960s, was a prototype interceptor and a direct predecessor to the legendary SR-71 Blackbird. Developed during the Cold War, it was designed to replace the F-106 and could reach speeds of 3,661 km/h (Mach 3.35).
Though it never entered mass production, the YF-12 played a crucial role in advancing supersonic aircraft design and high-altitude performance.
Key features:
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Role: Interceptor
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Max Speed: Mach 3.35 (2,275 mph)
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Operational Ceiling: 80,000 feet (24,384 m)
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Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J58 engines
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Significance: Served as the bridge between the F-106 and SR-71 Blackbird
3. Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
Few aircraft are as iconic as the SR-71 Blackbird. Built by Lockheed in 1964 for around $34 million, it was a reconnaissance jet that operated throughout the Cold War until 1998.
The SR-71 could reach 3,529 km/h (Mach 3.2) and fly at altitudes above 85,000 feet. Its titanium skin and black paint absorbed radar signals and heat, making it difficult to detect. The jet was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojet engines and used in critical intelligence missions against the USSR.
Key features:
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Role: Reconnaissance aircraft
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Max Speed: Mach 3.2 (2,193 mph)
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Operational Ceiling: 85,000 feet (25,908 m)
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Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J58-P4 engines
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Significance: Revolutionized aerial reconnaissance during the Cold War
4. North American XB-70 Valkyrie
The XB-70 Valkyrie was a massive American bomber built by North American Aviation in 1964. Powered by six engines, it was designed to outrun Soviet interceptors and missiles, cruising near 3,300 km/h (Mach 3).
Its sleek design and variable-geometry wings gave it unmatched maneuverability for its size. However, high costs and shifting military priorities led to the project’s cancellation after only two prototypes.
Key features:
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Role: Bomber
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Max Speed: Mach 3.0 (2,000 mph)
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Operational Ceiling: 77,350 feet (23,560 m)
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Range: 6,900 km
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Powerplant: Six General Electric YJ93-GE-3 engines
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Significance: The largest aircraft to achieve Mach 3 speeds
5. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31
The MiG-31, built by the Soviet Union in the 1970s, remains one of the fastest interceptors still in service today. Designed as an upgrade to the MiG-25, it was made to handle low-altitude flight better while keeping its high-speed edge.
Powered by two Soloviev D-30F6 engines, the MiG-31 can hit 3,000 km/h (Mach 2.83). It was the first jet to use a phased-array radar — the RP-31 Zaslon-A — and could track and engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Key features:
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Role: Interceptor / long-range escort
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Max Speed: Mach 2.83 (1,924 mph)
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Operational Ceiling: 67,500 feet (20,600 m)
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Range: 1,450 km
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Significance: Still operational, famed for its long-range missile capabilities
6. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
The F-15 Eagle is one of the most successful fighter jets ever built, with a perfect combat record. First flown in 1972, it remains in service thanks to its exceptional performance and maneuverability.
Capable of 2,665 km/h (Mach 2.5), the F-15’s lightweight frame and powerful engines make it a favorite among air forces in Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
Key features:
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Role: Air superiority fighter
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Max Speed: Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph)
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Range: 5,550 km with external tanks
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Powerplant: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines
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Significance: Undefeated in air-to-air combat, with over 100 victories
7. Dassault Mirage 2000
France’s Dassault Mirage 2000, developed in the late 1970s, is a multirole fighter known for its agility and versatility. It can hit speeds of 2,530 km/h (Mach 2.2) and handle air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with ease.
Its delta-wing design and fly-by-wire system give it impressive control and stability, making it a favorite in several air forces worldwide.
Key features:
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Role: Multirole fighter
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Max Speed: Mach 2.2 (1,453 mph)
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Operational Ceiling: 59,000 feet (18,000 m)
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Powerplant: One SNECMA M53-P2 engine
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Significance: Played key roles in the Gulf War and Kargil War.
8. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker
The Sukhoi Su-27, built by the USSR in 1977, was designed to counter the American F-15. Known for its maneuverability, it’s a favorite at airshows and in dogfights.
It can climb to 12 km in under a minute and reach 2,500 km/h (Mach 2.35). The Su-27 remains a core part of Russia’s air defense and has been exported widely.
Key features:
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Role: Air superiority fighter
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Max Speed: Mach 2.35 (1,565 mph)
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Range: 3,530 km
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Powerplant: Two Saturn AL-31F engines
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Significance: Backbone of Russian and Chinese air forces
The Eurofighter Typhoon represents modern European aviation excellence. Developed jointly by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, it first flew in 1994 and entered service in 2003.
It reaches 2,495 km/h (Mach 2) and combines agility with cutting-edge avionics and radar systems. The Typhoon serves as a multirole aircraft for many NATO countries.
Key features:
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Role: Multirole fighter
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Max Speed: Mach 2 (1,320 mph)
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Range: 2,900 km
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Powerplant: Two Eurojet EJ200 engines
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Significance: A cornerstone of NATO air defense, known for adaptability
10. F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor, built by Lockheed Martin and Boeing, is the world’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed for the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter Program, it combines stealth, speed, and cutting-edge technology.
With a top speed of 2,469 km/h (Mach 2.25), thrust-vectoring engines, and supercruise capability, it dominates the skies. The F-22 is so advanced that its export is banned by U.S. law.
Key features:
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Role: Stealth air superiority fighter
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Max Speed: Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph)
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Range: 2,960 km
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Powerplant: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines
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Significance: Unmatched in air dominance and situational awareness
