Jan - A little tidbit on the F-22.... it is capable of maintaining Mach 1.5 for extended periods of time, unlike our current genre of fighters. That is its BIG claim to fame, and the reason it was chosen over the F-23 which was more maneuverable and has a higher top speed.
As for the fastest aircraft, I believe it to be the Aurora aircraft. Even though the US Airforce denies it's existence, enough photographic evidence exists now for them to use the "no comment" reply when asked. It (An unidentified air target) was recorded by ground radar in Wyoming as doing Mach 5+ Pretty interesting.
