Modern aerial combat is mainly built around stealth technologies. However, due to the fantastic cost of fifth and sixth generation fighters, older machines are also being modernized — from the legacy of the Cold War to the multi-role "missile trucks" of the "4+" generation.
Fighters of different generations achieve speed in different ways: some rely on maximum acceleration, others on stable supersonic flight without afterburner. As a result, "faster" does not always mean "more effective" in combat.
What do the indicators of modern serial air combat equipment look like? Without promising platforms — only equipment in service.
5th place — F-22 Raptor (USA)
Although formally F-22 is the "slowest" in the ranking, in a strategic sense it is one of the fastest. The American relies on supersonic cruising flight.
The aircraft maintains about 2000 km/h without afterburner, saves fuel and reduces thermal signature. This gives an advantage at long distances and in protracted operations.
4th place — Su-27 (Russia)
Su-27 was created to gain air superiority, it combines high maneuverability and high speed.
The fighter develops up to 2500 km/h and is distinguished by maneuverability with a large fuel reserve. It flies without external fuel tanks, and a large number of hardpoints allows it to carry a significant combat load.
3rd place — Su-57 (Russia)
Su-57 — modern development of the Su-27 concept with stealth elements and acceleration up to 2600 km/h.
It is faster than its predecessor and equipped with three-dimensional thrust vector control, which provides exceptional maneuverability while maintaining high speed.
2nd place — F-15EX Eagle II (USA)
The maximum speed of F-15EX exceeds 2600 km/h, but it is inferior to Su-57 in supersonic cruising mode. The aircraft actively uses afterburner, which increases visibility.
Today F-15EX plays a key role as a "missile truck". It is capable of carrying up to 22 AIM-120 missiles, which is a record among American fighters.
1st place — MiG-31 (Russia)
MiG-31 accelerates to 3100 km/h and remains the fastest fighter in service. The bureau of Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich created an interceptor to protect the vast expanses of the USSR from bombers and cruise missiles.
Today MiG-31 is used as a carrier of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and long-range R-37M missiles.
Does speed matter?
The maximum speed of fighters remains an important characteristic, but in modern aviation, the balance of characteristics, range and the ability to maintain speed without loss of efficiency are key.
