Revealed: 20 of the Fastest Planes in the US Military

It all began in World War One when aircraft were first utilized as powerful wartime resources for aerial reconnaissance of enemy positions. The use of these machines later escalated and proved more effective than conventional cannons. This transformed them into legendary WWI flying aces that were repurposed for use as aerial combats, complete with mounted machine guns.

Thenceforth, military aviation had advanced. Acquiring air supremacy in modern warfare by using the most advanced fighter aircraft is a key aspect. Military supremacy on the battlefields largely depends on controlling the skies. Moreover, it is hard to overstate the significance of the speed of fighter pilots. This is why Swift aircraft help them avoid enemies’ missiles and get to target destinations faster.

Among the 20 fastest planes, six fall under the category of trainers, designed to instruct pilots on complex aircraft. Others serve as fighters, refuelers, or tankers, each fulfilling unique roles. The McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender, functioning as an aerial tanker and refueler transport, holds the distinction of being the “slowest” on the list, with a top speed of 600 mph. This speed is comparable to large commercial jets, which typically have top speeds ranging from 550 to 580 mph. In contrast, the majority of commercial planes operate at much slower speeds, ranging from 160 to 180 mph.

Top 20 Fastest US Military Aviation

1. Boeing F-15 Eagle

• • •  Top Speed: 1,875 mph
    •  Category: Trainers
    •  Military Branch: US Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1972

2. Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle

• • •  Top Speed: 1,653 mph
    •  Category: Fighters
    •  Military Branch: US Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1986

3. Lockheed F-22 Raptor

• • •  Top Speed: 1,599 mph
    •  Category: Fighters
    •  Military Branch: S Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1997

4. Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon

• • •  Top Speed: 1,317 mph
    •  Category: Fighters, trainers
    •  Military Branch: US Navy, Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1974

5. Lockheed F-35 Lightning II

• • •  Top Speed: 1,199 mph
    •  Category: Trainers, fighters
    •  Military Branch: US Navy, Air Force, Navy
    •  First Flown: 2016

6. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

• • •  Top Speed: 1,193 mph
    •  Category: Trainers
    •  Military Branch: US Navy
    •  First Flown: 1999

7. McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

• • •   Top Speed: 1,190 mph
    •   Category: Trainers, fighters
    •   Military Branch: US Navy, Marine Corps
    •   First Flown: 1978

8. Boeing EA-18G Growler

• • •  Top Speed: 1,181 mph
    •  Category: Special mission
    •  Military Branch: US Navy
    •  First Flown: 2006

9. Northrop F-5 Tiger II

• • •   Top Speed: 1,077 mph
    •   Category: Trainers
    •   Military Branch: US Navy, Marine Corps
    •   First Flown: 1959

10. Northrop T-38 Talon

• • •   Top Speed: 857 mph
    •   Category: Trainers
    •   Military Branch: US Navy, Air Force
    •   First Flown: 1959

11. Rockwell B-1 Lancer

• • •   Top Speed: 833 mph
    •   Category: Bombers
    •   Military Branch: US Air Force
    •   First Flown:1974

12. Bombardier Global Express

• • •  Top Speed: 684 mph
    •  Category: Special mission
    •  Military Branch: US Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1996

13. McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II

• • •  Top Speed: 665 mph
    •  Category: Trainers, fighters
    •  Military Branch: US Marine Corps
    •  First Flown: 1978

14. McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk

• • •  Top Speed: 645 mph
    •  Category: Trainers
    •  Military Branch: US Navy
    •  First Flown: 1988

15. Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit

• • •  Top Speed: 628 mph
    •  Category: Bombers
    •  Military Branch: US Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1985

16. Cessna Citation

• • •  Top Speed: 615 mph
    •  Category: Transports
    •  Military Branch: US Marine Corps, Army
    •  First Flown: 1972

17. Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

• • •  Top Speed: 610 mph
    •  Category: Aerial tankers, refuelers
    •  Military Branch: US Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1957

18. Boeing E-6 Mercury

• • •  Top Speed: 603 mph (tied)
    •  Category: Special mission
    •  Military Branch: US Navy
    •  First Flown: 1987

19. Boeing E-4 Nightwatch

• • •  Top Speed: 603 mph (tied)
    •  Category: Special mission
    •  Military Branch: US Air Force
    •  First Flown: 1973

20. McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender

• • • Top Speed: 600 mph
    • Category: Aerial tankers, refuelers
    • Military Branch: US Air Force
    • First Flown: 1980

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