Author Topic: Debate: Whats the fastest Airplane? (Read 755 times)

muckmaw · « **on:** March 13, 2003, 10:56:39 AM »

I got into a heated argument last night with Sasquatch about what the fastest plane is. I said it was the SR-71. He said the X-15. I believe the X-15 does not qualify as it is a rocket plane, and not a conventional aircraft. I contend that if the X-15 qualifies as an aircraft, than so does the Space Shuttle Orbiter, which is in fact faster than the X-15.

So whats the answer?

Ripsnort · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2003, 11:13:01 AM »

SR-71 is currently the fast unclassified aircraft. The Space shuttle and X-15 are both rocket assisted sub orbital or orbital space vehicles.

Rasker · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2003, 11:19:07 AM »

of course, the rumored hypersonic "Aurora" or "Dark Star" is alleged to do mach 6 or 7 for extended distances, making it unlikely that this is a pure rocket. Some talk about a "doughnuts-on-a-rope" contrail produced by some kind of pulse jet technology for this beastie. Accounts differ on whether this vehicle is manned or unmanned, or man-optional.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2003, 11:55:17 AM »

Yeah, thats why I specified "unclassified" Rasker.

mason22 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2003, 01:37:30 PM »

here's another one to argue..

fastest A2A combat "jet" AC still in service in ANY country ?? (one or two engine)

Rasker · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2003, 01:58:13 PM »

I dont know of any combat aircraft design faster than the Mig 25 "Foxbat". It was designed to do better than Mach 3 in pursuit of B-70 "Valkyrie" bombers, which were never deployed (the Foxbat's engines would need to be replaced after each such flight).

Dux · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2003, 02:01:56 PM »

The MiG-31? Not the movie "Firefox" but the successor to the Foxbat (Looks identical).

Rasker · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2003, 02:04:23 PM »

nah the Mig-31 (Nato designation "Foxhound") is a bit slower than the 25, tho a much more modern aircraft in ways other than speed.

narsus · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2003, 02:43:51 PM »

SR-71 fastest that we know of unarmed

Mig-25 fastest combat (armed) aircraft

Chairboy · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2003, 02:56:51 PM »

Using the 'rocket assist' loophole, does that mean that some of the Mirage IIIs w/ rocket assist engines were not airplanes?

Fastest plane is the Space Shuttle, hands down.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2003, 02:58:39 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Chairboy
Using the 'rocket assist' loophole, does that mean that some of the Mirage IIIs w/ rocket assist engines were not airplanes?

Fastest plane is the Space Shuttle, hands down.

That is classified as a orbital space vehicle. Sorry, play again.

capt. apathy · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2003, 03:14:17 PM »

I'm fairly sure it's the SR-71.

btw the SR-71 will be available for public viewing this spring at evergreen aviation museum in McMinville OR.

LastgenAMC · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2003, 03:49:16 PM »

Trying to find the fastest A2A combat fighter is kind of irrelevant, anyway. When actually engaged, it's typical to slow to near stalling speeds for better manuverability. Most of the newer jets are multi-role, however. The higher speeds are mostly for deployment, the attacks carried out are still at sub sonic speeds.

As for the best jet fighter... IMO it's a toss-up.. Though the F16 is my favorite, the F22, and SU37 are the best thus far.
The F22 has near-stealth capability, an advanced thrust vectoring system for high manuverability (around 6gs), and a top speed of Mach 2.2. Also has better long and short range targeting systems than the SU37.
The SU37 is more manuverable, but a little slower. It can turn hard enough to pull of more than 8gs. Top speed Mach 1.2.

BTW.. I have a video of an SU37 screwing up and crashing at an airshow in the Ukrane if anyone wants to see it.

midnight Target · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2003, 03:59:28 PM »

Fastest Plane, boat and car

Chairboy · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2003, 04:03:37 PM »

Ripsnort, what defines an orbital vehicle? A Cessna 152 is an 'orbital vehicle', as is anyone who jumps off a step or small footstool. The only problem is that the orbit they're in intersects the planet at some point.

Assuming that you classify an orbital vehicle as something that can orbit without intersecting the ground, this makes Burt Rutan's airplane 'Voyager' an 'orbital vehicle' as well, as it flew around the world on a single tank of gas. If you don't count mid-air refuelling, there are plenty of craft classified as 'airplanes' that must be classified 'orbital vehicles'

Finally,are you saying that the fastest airplane that can ever be built can never travel faster then 17,500mph because if it does, it'll be in an orbit that doesn't intersect the ground?