The Fastest US Air Force Combat Aircraft Currently in Service

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24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• While the latest fifth-generation fighters, like the F-35 or F-22, prioritize stealth and technology, some of the older models still hold the title for pure speed
• The F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle stand as some of the most iconic and successful fighter jets in the world with a top speed over Mach 2 (1,875 mph)
• Since its introduction, the F-15 has claimed more than 100 air-to-air victories without a single loss in combat with extensive service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria
• Also: Discover the next Nvidia

Speed has always been a defining factor in air combat, and the U.S. Air Force excels in this category with some of the fastest fighter jets on the planet. While stealth, agility and firepower factor into the equation of modern aerial combat, sheer speed is the common denominator of all of these. Among the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of combat aircraft, a few stand out for their incredible velocity. ( Nearly 900 of this stealth fighter jet take to the skies worldwide. )

While the latest fifth-generation fighters, like the F-35 or F-22, prioritize stealth and technology, some of the older models still hold the title for pure speed. At the top of the list is the F-15 Eagle (and Strike Eagle variant) which is unmatched as the fastest combat aircraft currently in service.

Originally designed by McDonnell Douglas in the 1970s, which was later bought out by Boeing, the F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle stand as some of the most iconic and successful fighter jets in the world. With a top speed over Mach 2 (1,875 mph), the F-15 can outrun almost anything in the sky. Its twin-engine design provides serious thrust, allowing some variants to carry over 16,000 pounds of ordnance, including air-to-air missiles and bombs.

Another thing that stands out with this jet is its combat record. Since its introduction, the F-15 has claimed more than 100 air-to-air victories without a single loss in combat. The F-15 has been used in several conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm, where it proved its air superiority by downing numerous Iraqi aircraft. The Strike Eagle has seen extensive combat as well, especially in ground-attack operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

In terms of the specs, the F-15 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or F100-PW-229 afterburning turbofan engines, depending on the variant. The F100-PW-229 engines produce up to 29,000 pounds of thrust each, for a combined total of 58,000 pounds of thrust.

While the F-15 holds the title of the fastest, other jets in the U.S. Air Force arsenal aren’t far behind. The F-22 Raptor has a top speed over Mach 2.25 (1,599 mph), and is widely regarded for its stealth capabilities and agility. The F-16 Fighting Falcon takes another top spot hitting speeds of Mach 2 (1,317 mph), it is also one of the most prolific fighter jets on the planet.

The newest fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II prioritize stealth and technology over speed. The F-35s top out around 1,200 mph, or just over Mach 1.5. The F-35 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 afterburning turbofan engine, which produces 43,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner. ( This is the fastest stealth plane ever: the top 20, ranked. )

This is only one of the impressive combat aircraft currently in the U.S. Air Force, and 24/7 Wall St. is taking a look at the full arsenal of the Air Force.

To identify the fastest combat aircraft currently in service in the U.S. Air Force, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, and ranked the aircraft by top speed. Additionally, we’ve included supplemental information on the type of aircraft, active units, and armament. We excluded trainer aircraft.

Here is a look at the fastest combat aircraft in the U.S. Air Force: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the aircraft in the US Air Force is important because these aircraft play a pivotal role in maintaining national security and global stability. Each aircraft is designed for specific missions, from air superiority to strategic bombing and reconnaissance, which are essential for defending the country and projecting power abroad. Also knowing which aircraft are in service give context to military capabilities and a better understanding of national defense.

16. UH-1N Twin Huey

• Type: Multi-role utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1970
• Active aircraft: 64
• Top speed: 150 mph
• Armament: 12.7mm GAU-16 machine gun, 7.62mm machine guns, 70mm rocket pods

The UH-1N Twin Huey is a multi-role utility helicopter introduced in 1970, with a top speed of 150 mph and a wide range of armaments, including 12.7mm GAU-16 machine guns and 70mm rocket pods. It was manufactured by Bell Helicopter, and it has been widely used by the U.S. military since the 1970s. There have been many variations of the UH-1 Huey that span a number roles, but mainly combat. Other notable variants are the UH-1 Iroquois, UH-1Y Venom, and AH-1 Cobra.

15. Mi-171 Hip-H

• Type: Medium-lift transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 1981
• Active aircraft: 1
• Top speed: 158 mph
• Armament: Shturm missiles, rocket pods, 23mm cannon pods, 7.62mm machine guns

Originally designed by the Soviets at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, this has been a staple for the Russian Air Force for years. While this is a widely used helicopter for many militaries around the world, the U.S. Air Force only has one. However, American engineering for other more advanced helicopters like the Black Hawk or Apache is more of a priority for the U.S. Air Force.

14. S-70 Black Hawk

• Type: Medium-lift multi-mission helicopter
• Year introduced: 1979
• Active aircraft: 96
• Top speed: 183 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, Hellfire missiles, 12.7mm gatling guns, M134 gatling guns, rocket pods, 30mm chain gun

Black Hawk helicopters have played important roles in conflicts around the globe. One infamous instance was the conflict in Somalia in 1993, particularly the Battle of Mogadishu. The Black Hawk played a significant role in urban combat and casualty evacuation under intense fire. This story would go on to make it as a blockbuster movie famously titled “Black Hawk Down.”

It is by far one of the most iconic helicopters ever built. It is the workhorse of the U.S. military with over a few thousand units currently in service across all branches.

The Black Hawk features twin turboshaft engines, a single four-bladed main rotor, and a four-bladed tail rotor, which allow for top speeds over 180 mph. Typically, this helicopter carries a crew of two pilots and two crew chiefs and can transport up to 11 fully equipped soldiers. In total, the Black Hawk can carry a payload of roughly 9,000 pounds.

13. Leonardo AW139

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