The Cold War and the arms race left a huge imprint on the global aircraft industry, especially on the segment that deals with the design and creation of military models. The past XX century has shown that the outcome of future military conflicts will be determined mainly by three things: intelligence, special forces and, of course, aviation.
1. Tu-160
The strategic missile carrier Tu-160 is not only the fastest bomber in the world today, but also the most powerful in terms of its combat potential. The car entered service in 1987 during the Soviet era. The maximum flight range is 13,950 km, the combat load is 45 tons, and the maximum speed in the sky is 2300 km / h. In the NATO classification, it is designated "White Swan".
2. Su-27
The firstborn of the fourth generation of the Soviet aircraft industry, which even today has excellent flight speeds. The combat aircraft can accelerate to 2876.4 km / h, which is Mach 2.35. By the way, it was this machine that became the ancestor of several series of combat and assault aircraft of subsequent generations.
3. General Dynamics F-111
One of the fastest bombers in the world. The aircraft, among other things, can be used as a reconnaissance vehicle. However, even in this configuration, it can easily take on board up to 15 tons of cargo. As for the flight speed, it is capable of reaching 3060 km / h.
4. Lockheed YF-12
The aircraft is a record holder, which at one time was tested in the famous "Zone 51". The designers have squeezed the real maximum of technical capabilities out of the car. Despite the fact that the Lockheed YF-12 could climb to an altitude of 27.6 km, its maximum speed reached 4100 km / h. The aircraft was designed as a reconnaissance aircraft. Tests have shown that at this height and speed, the Lockheed YF-12 cannot be shot down by any missile.
5. Bell X-2
This aircraft is notable only for the fact that it became the first aircraft in the world to reach a speed of 3370 km / h (Mach 3.0). In addition, engineers during testing of the Bell X-2 were able to obtain comprehensive data on speed and aerodynamics at high altitudes. The data obtained has greatly helped in the design of the aircraft of the future.
6. North American XB-70 Valkyrie
United States Strategic Aviation Representative. A bomber with six engines, which is technically a very interesting machine. Valkyrie was created as an aircraft for transporting nuclear bombs. Accordingly, high speed was vital for the car in order to quickly evacuate from the drop zone. The speed of the XB-70 reached 3670 km / h, however, the Americans produced only two such aircraft.
7. McDonnell Douglas F-15
A veteran plane that took part in almost every armed conflict in which the United States got involved since 1975. It is in service with a number of America's allies, including Japan, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The maximum speed of this tactical fighter reaches 3,065 km / h.
And more: MiG-25
Finally, one cannot but recall the MiG-25, an aircraft that today is the fastest flying combat vehicle in history. In real combat conditions, it develops a speed of 3395 km / h, while the technical characteristics will allow the MiG-25 to accelerate to 3916 km / h. Many records, set at the 25th, have not yet been broken.
Want to know even more interesting things? Then you should read about how in the USSR they made a transport plane from a bomber and why a huge tank was fixed on its "back" and what came of it.