What is the Fastest Jet in the World? Discover 16 Contenders

“I wanna go fast.” 

Ricky Bobby said it, and most pilots have said it, too.

And while NASCAR drivers do get to go fast (212 mph is the record, which is 184 knots or about Mach 0.28), Ricky Bobby would’ve done better to take up flying.

To date, the fastest humans have been astronauts returning from the Apollo moon missions, traveling some 117 times faster than Ricky Bobby could’ve even dreamed of going. 

For all the speed demons out there, here is a list of the 16 fastest airplanes and spacecraft in history. 

In no particular order, here is a list of the fastest aircraft in the world.

Fastest Experimental Aircraft

Experimental aircraft push the boundaries of speed and technology. These planes test new designs and propulsion systems to achieve incredible velocities.

 DARPA Hypersonic Test Vehicle 2

🥇  Fastest glider (Mach 20)

Several very fast crewless vehicles have been tested in the past two decades.

Most of these tests are run to test new hypersonic missile technologies, but high-hypersonic studies help engineers make faster airplanes overall.

The DARPA (US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Falcon project tested the Hypersonic Test Vehicle 2 in 2010. The program’s goal was to produce a vehicle that could reach any target in the world within an hour and fly around Mach 20.

The HTV-2 was launched on a small rocket off the coast of California.

Of the two test flights conducted, both vehicles broke apart in flight over the Pacific. The HTV stands as the fastest hypersonic glider. 

NASA X-43A – Fastest Jet in the World

🥇  Fastest free-flying crewless aircraft (Mach 9.6)

NASA’s X-43A hypersonic plane was designed to test new air-breathing scramjet engine technologies.

In 2003, it reached a record-breaking speed of Mach 9.6 (11,760 km/h, or 7,310 mph). The X-43 is the holder of the fastest, free-flying unmanned aircraft. 

NASA X-15 

🥇  Fastest piloted rocket plane (Mach 6.70)

The record for the fastest plane with a pilot is still held by the NASA X-15, an experimental airplane that used rocket engines for thrust.

The X-15 was deployed from under the wing of a B-52 ‘mothership’ and was used to test hypersonic flight principles. At its fastest, the rocket plane reached 4,520 mph or Mach 6.70. 

Boeing X-51 Waverider

The Boeing X-51 Waverider is an unmanned scramjet-powered aircraft. It set a record in 2013 by flying at Mach 5.1 for 210 seconds.

The X-51 uses a unique waverider design. This shape allows it to ride its own shock waves, reducing drag. Its scramjet engine burns hydrogen fuel, enabling sustained hypersonic flight.

Boeing developed the X-51 in partnership with the U.S. Air Force.

The project aimed to advance hypersonic technology for future applications. While not the fastest experimental aircraft, the X-51’s ability to maintain high speeds is remarkable.

Image: U.S. Air Force/Chad Bellay, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bell X-2 Starbuster

The Bell X-2 Starbuster was a rocket-powered research plane from the 1950s. It reached a top speed of Mach 3.196 in 1956, making it the fastest aircraft in the world at the time.

The X-2 had a sleek, bullet-shaped fuselage and swept wings. These features helped it handle the extreme forces of high-speed flight. Its rocket engine used a mix of alcohol and liquid oxygen for propulsion.

However, pilots faced significant challenges flying the X-2. The plane experienced stability issues at high speeds. Tragically, test pilot Milburn Apt died in a crash during a 1956 flight. Despite its risks, the X-2 provided valuable data for future supersonic aircraft design.

Image: NASA camera operator., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lockheed YF-12

The Lockheed YF-12 was an experimental interceptor aircraft developed in the 1960s. It could fly at speeds up to Mach 3.35 (2,275 mph). This made it one of the fastest planes in the military ever built.

The YF-12 had a sleek delta wing design and powerful engines. It used special materials to withstand the extreme heat generated at high speeds. Only three YF-12s were ever constructed.

During testing, the YF-12 set a speed record of 2,070 mph. This incredible velocity allowed it to intercept enemy aircraft very quickly. Though never put into production, the YF-12 paved the way for later supersonic designs.

Image: U.S. Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Fastest Military Aircraft

Fighter jets are marvels of aviation engineering, designed for speed and agility in combat. These ares some of the fastest aircraft to push the limits of technology and human capability, reaching incredible velocities.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

🥇  Fastest piloted airplane with jet engines (Mach 3.4)

No list of fast airplanes is complete without mentioning the incomparable SR-71 Blackbird.

The Air Force reconnaissance aircraft is officially the fastest manned airplane with an air-breathing engine (meaning it has a ‘normal’ jet engine, not a rocket engine like a spacecraft). Notably, it’s one of the only aircraft capable of this speed that takes off and lands unassisted. 

The SR-71’s official record is 2,190 mph, set in 1976, but the plane is purported to have exceeded 2,500 mph or Mach 3.4 unofficially.

MiG-25 Foxbat – Fastest Military Jet

🥇  Fastest fighter jet in service today (Mach 3.2)

The MiG-25 is the fastest jet in the world. The MiG-25 is the only fighter still flying today capable of sustaining more than Mach 3.0.

While the plane has enough thrust to do so, designers worry that these high speeds will overheat the engines and cause damage, so the plane is operationally limited to flying at Mach 2.83.

The plane entered service in 1970 and holds the world record for altitude, reaching 125,000 feet. 

The MiG-25 is second only to the SR-71 in speed made by a military plane in regular service. However, the Soviet Union had more than 1,100 MiG-25s built compared to only 32 SR-71s built by the US.

Overall, the plane set 29 records in its history, mostly for times to altitude and high altitudes.

In 1965, the chief test pilot for the program claimed it averaged 1,252.22 knots over a 1,000 km course. For comparison sake, the F-15 is only capable of Mach 2.5.

North American XB-70 Valkyrie

🥇  Fastest bomber aircraft, prototype (Mach 3.02)

The XB-70 was an enormous, long-range strategic bomber designed to move at Mach 3 or more and at over 70,000 feet.

It was planned to replace the B-52, and the design specs were based on the belief that the plane would be safe from Russian interceptors and missiles. However, by the time the plane had flown, Russian technology had progressed to make it vulnerable.

As a result, the plane never entered production, and only two aircraft were ever built. 

In 1966, the prototype achieved 2,020 mph, or Mach 3.08. The plane remains the largest supersonic airplane ever built, with a max takeoff weight of 542,000 pounds and six turbojet engines.

MiG-31 Foxhound

The MiG-31 Foxhound is a Russian interceptor aircraft known for its exceptional speed. It can reach Mach 2.83, which is about 2,171 mph (3,494 km/h). The Foxhound’s powerful engines and aerodynamic design allow it to climb quickly and maintain high speeds.

This jet is built to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles over long distances. Its large radar can detect targets up to 200 miles away. The MiG-31 carries a mix of long and short-range missiles for different combat scenarios.

Despite its age, the Foxhound remains one of the fastest fighter jets in the world. Its speed and range make it a key part of Russia’s air defense system.

Dmitriy Pichugin (GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html or GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html), via Wikimedia Commons

F-15 Eagle

The F-15 Eagle is a versatile American fighter jet with impressive speed capabilities. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5, or about 1,650 mph (2,655 km/h). This high-performance aircraft has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force since the 1970s.

The Eagle excels in air-to-air combat and has a perfect combat record. No F-15 has ever been shot down by an enemy aircraft. Its speed and agility make it a formidable opponent in dogfights.

Various versions of the F-15 exist, including the newer F-15EX. These updates keep the Eagle competitive with modern threats.

Image: Airman 1st Class Matthew Seefeldt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sukhoi Su-27

The Sukhoi Su-27 is a Russian fighter jet designed to match the F-15 Eagle. It can reach speeds of Mach 2.35, or about 1,550 mph (2,500 km/h).

The Su-27’s unique shape gives it excellent maneuverability at both high and low speeds.

The Su-27 has proven itself in various air forces around the world. Its design has influenced many other modern fighter jets. Several versions exist, including the Su-30 and Su-35, which offer improved capabilities.

In air shows, the Su-27 is known for performing the “Cobra” maneuver. This impressive move showcases the jet’s thrust and aerodynamic abilities.

F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor is an American stealth fighter that can reach speeds of Mach 2, or about 1,500 mph (2,414 km/h).

The Raptor’s design allows it to maintain supersonic speeds without using afterburners.

The Raptor excels in air-to-air combat and can also perform ground attack missions. Its stealth capabilities make it hard for enemies to detect, giving it a major advantage in combat.

While not the fastest jet in the world, the F-22’s combination of speed, stealth, and advanced systems make it one of the most capable fighter aircraft in the world. Production ended in 2011, making it a rare and valuable asset.

Fastest Commercial Aircraft

Commercial planes have come a long way in speed and efficiency. While most passenger jets cruise at similar speeds, a few stand out for their impressive velocities.

Concorde

🥇  Fastest airliner to fly regular routes (Mach 2.04)

🥇  Greatest range of any supersonic aircraft

Only one supersonic transport (SST) airliner has been in regular service: the incomparable Concorde.

The project was started in 1954 by a joint venture between French Sud Aviation (which became Aerospatiale) and British Aircraft Corporation.

Its first test flight was in 1969 and entered service in 1976.

While early predictions indicated they might sell as many as 350 planes, only 20 were ever built as the project went over budget and over time. Only two airlines, Air France and British Airways, operated the plane, which could cross the Atlantic in an average of 3.5 hours.

From passenger concerns about solar radiation to oxygen requirements when operating so high, the technological and logistical challenges that the Concorde overcame are remarkable.

The damaging sonic booms created by the aircraft limited it to transoceanic routes only.

The planes were retired in 2003 after 27 years of regular commercial service. 

Tupolev Tu-144

The Tupolev Tu-144 was a supersonic passenger jet developed by the Soviet Union. It first flew in 1968 and could reach speeds of Mach 2.15, or about 1,430 mph.

The Tu-144 was designed to compete with the Anglo-French Concorde. It featured a distinctive “droop nose” for better pilot visibility during takeoff and landing.

The Tu-144 was the fastest commercial jet in the world however, it had a short commercial life. It only flew 55 passenger flights before being retired due to technical issues and high operating costs.

The plane’s nickname was the “Concordski” because of its similarity to the Concorde. However, the Tu-144 flew faster and higher than its Western counterpart.

Notable Mentions

Several high-performance aircraft deserve recognition for their impressive speeds and capabilities. These planes push the boundaries of aviation technology and play crucial roles in air forces around the world.

Dassault Mirage 2000

The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole fighter jet known for its speed and agility. It can reach Mach 2.2 at high altitudes.

The aircraft features a delta wing design that enhances its maneuverability. Its powerful engine allows for quick acceleration and sustained high-speed flight.

The Mirage 2000 has seen combat in various conflicts since its introduction in the 1980s and it remains in service with several air forces globally.

F-35 Lightning II

The F-35 Lightning II is a cutting-edge stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. While not the fastest jet, its advanced technology makes it a formidable aircraft.

The F-35 can reach speeds of Mach 1.6, which is impressive for a stealth fighter. Its design prioritizes low observability and advanced sensor fusion.

Three variants exist: F-35A (conventional takeoff), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). Each serves different operational needs.

The aircraft’s advanced avionics and weapons systems give pilots unprecedented situational awareness. This makes the F-35 a game-changer in modern air combat.

Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile multirole fighter jet developed by a consortium of European countries. It can reach speeds of Mach 2 at high altitudes.

The aircraft excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset for air forces across Europe and beyond.

The Typhoon has proven its worth in combat operations, including missions over Libya and against ISIS targets.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a Swedish lightweight fighter jet known for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.

These features make it ideal for countries with smaller defense budgets. The aircraft can operate from short runways and even highways if needed.

The latest version, the Gripen E/F, features improved avionics and longer range. It competes with larger, more expensive fighters in international markets.

Chengdu J-20

The Chengdu J-20 is China’s first operational stealth fighter jet. While its exact capabilities are not fully known, it represents a significant leap in Chinese aviation technology.

Estimates place its top speed around Mach 2. The aircraft likely uses advanced materials and coatings to reduce its radar signature.

The J-20’s introduction has shifted the balance of air power in the Asia-Pacific region. It demonstrates China’s growing ability to produce advanced military aircraft.

Gulfstream G700

🥇  Fastest Corporate Jet (Mach 0.935)

While airlines have typically favored fuel savings and efficiency over all-out speed, some corporate jet makers see a business opportunity to make the fastest jets around.

For years, the Cessna Citation X held the title of the world’s fastest, but it was unseated by the newest generation of Gulfstreams in 2020.

The G700 is on that with a cruise speed of Mach 0.935 and a red line of Mach 0.99.

P-51 “Voodoo”

🥇  Fastest piston single in straight-and-level flight (482 knots, ~Mach 0.72)

While the North American P-51 was a World War II fighter design, many replicas, and restored examples have been used in airshows and air races.

One such plane is Voodoo, a 1944 P-51D that served with the US Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force and was later purchased and restored by private individuals.

It participated in the Reno Air Races in 2013, 2014, and 2016.

In 2017, it was used to break the 3 km world speed record of 528.33 mph. While it clocked 554.69 mph (482 knots) on the fastest of its runs, its average speed was insufficient to ‘officially’ beat the standing record. 

Rare Bear, a modified Grumman F8F Bearcat, holds the official record.  

Piaggio P.180 Avanti

🥇  Fastest production, propeller-driven airplane (460 knots, ~Mach 0.69)

Affectionately called the “flying football,” the Italian-built Avanti is probably the most distinctive corporate airplane you’ll ever see.

It has a narrow, high-aspect-ratio wing, twin pusher turboprops, a T-tail, and a forward lifting surface that looks like a canard but isn’t a canard.

It may look a bit goofy, but it works.

Maximum speed at FL310 is listed as 400 knots, 460 mph, or 740 km/h.

Eurocopter X3

🥇  Fastest helicopter (255 knots, ~Mach 0.38)

The Eurocopter X3 was a research helicopter designed to test the speeds possible from a non-jet-assisted compound helicopter.

It first flew in 2010 and was based on the airframe of a Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, with added sort wings with tractor propellers.

The props are geared from the main engine and use different pitches to replace the conventional anti-torque tail rotor found on other aircraft. The demonstrator demonstrated a maximum speed of 255 knots or 293 mph.

The X3 unseated an unconventional experiment helicopter from Sikorski.

During test flights in 2010, the X2 flew at 250 knots (290 mph) during straight-and-level flight and 260 knots in shallow dives.

Mooney Acclaim Ultra

🥇  Fastest normally-aspirated production single (242 knots, ~Mach 0.36)

Mooney has a reputation for making sporty, fast airplanes.

The company’s most famous airframe, the M20, was modified and upgraded over the years. The final iteration, the Acclaim Ultra, was powered by a 280-horsepower Continental engine.

Fastest Reconnaissance Aircraft

Reconnaissance aircraft play a crucial role in gathering intelligence at high speeds. Two notable planes stand out for their impressive performance in this specialized category.

Lockheed U-2

The Lockheed U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. It can fly at speeds over 500 mph and reach altitudes of 70,000 feet. This plane has been in service since the 1950s.

The U-2’s long, glider-like wings help it stay aloft for extended periods. Its powerful engine allows it to climb quickly to extreme heights. These features make it ideal for long-range surveillance missions.

The U-2 carries advanced cameras and sensors. It can capture detailed images from great distances. This ability has made it valuable in both military and civilian operations.

Image: United States Department of the Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Boeing RC-135

The Boeing RC-135 is a large reconnaissance aircraft based on the KC-135 tanker. It can fly at speeds up to 580 mph and has a range of over 3,900 miles. The RC-135 serves as a flying intelligence-gathering platform.

This plane is equipped with sophisticated electronic sensors. It can intercept and analyze signals from various sources. The RC-135 has several variants, each tailored for specific missions.

The aircraft’s size allows it to carry a large crew of specialists. These experts operate the complex equipment on board. The RC-135 has been used in many conflicts and continues to be a vital asset for intelligence gathering.

Fastest UAVs

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have pushed the boundaries of speed in aviation. These aircraft can reach incredible velocities without risking human lives.

Lockheed D-21

The Lockheed D-21 was a high-speed reconnaissance drone developed in the 1960s. It could reach speeds of Mach 3.3, making it one of the fastest UAVs ever built.

The D-21 was designed to be launched from a modified A-12 aircraft. It used a ramjet engine to achieve its impressive speed. The drone’s mission was to fly over enemy territory, take photos, and return to a predetermined location.

Despite its advanced capabilities, the D-21 program faced challenges. Only four operational missions were flown before the project was canceled in 1971. The extreme speeds and harsh conditions proved too difficult for the technology of the time.

Image: U.S. Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

X-47B

The X-47B is a more recent addition to the world of high-speed UAVs. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) can reach speeds of up to 700 mph.

Unlike the D-21, the X-47B is designed for carrier operations. It has successfully demonstrated autonomous takeoffs and landings on aircraft carriers. The drone’s swept-wing design and advanced propulsion system contribute to its high-speed capabilities.

The X-47B’s primary purpose is to showcase technologies for future carrier-based drones. It has completed numerous test flights and achieved several milestones in autonomous flight operations.

Image: US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Fastest Spacecraft

Parker Solar Probe

🥇  Fastest man-made vehicle (316,800 knots, ~Mach 475)

Airplanes are fast, but spaceships are even faster.

Without the friction of the earth’s atmosphere, a space vehicle isn’t limited by the typical drag curves that affect airplanes. The result is that things can move very, very fast in space.

And, for the most part, they are piloted just like planes — so they’re still cool.

While it wasn’t piloted, unmanned probes have gone even faster. The Guinness Record holder for the fastest spacecraft goes to the Parker Solar Probe, which reached a velocity of 163 km/s (586,800 km/h; 364,660 mph) in 2021.

It reached this speed using the sun’s gravity to slingshot itself through the solar system. 

Apollo 10 Command Module “Charlie Brown”

🥇  Fastest crewed spacecraft (21,542 knots, ~Mach 32.3)

The fastest crewed mission in space occurred in 1969 during Apollo 10.

The tenth Apollo mission was a dress rehearsal for the following lunar landing missions. On its return to Earth, the command capsule (nicknamed “Charlie Brown”) clocked 24,791 mph.

Even the following Apollo missions, which landed on the moon and then returned, did not break this speed record.

Space Shuttle Columbia

🥇   Fastest manually-controlled reentry of a spacecraft (15,207 knots, ~Mach 22.8)

The US Space Shuttles flew very fast, especially once they broke orbit and let the Earth’s gravity bring them home.

Plus, they were flown much like regular airplanes upon reentry. The fastest reentry approach was flown by Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981 when it clocked 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h). 

Wikipedia notes that Buran, the Soviet-era spaceplane, was actually slightly heavier and slightly faster than the US space shuttle, with a top speed of about 18,019 mph or 29,000 km/h.

However, Buran only completed one unmanned orbital mission. 

Future Aircraft

New designs promise even faster planes in the coming years. These concepts aim to push the limits of speed and efficiency in air travel and will lead to the fastest aircraft on earth.

Hypersonic Concepts

Hypersonic aircraft are expected to revolutionize air travel. These planes will fly at speeds over Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.

One promising design is the Boom Overture. This supersonic jet is scheduled to start production in 2024. It aims to fly at Mach 1.7 over water and carry up to 80 passengers.

Another exciting project is the Global 8000 business jet. Bombardier claims it will be the fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet in the world.

Hypersonic military aircraft are also in development. These planes could reach speeds of Mach 10 or higher, allowing for rapid global response capabilities.

Boom Supersonic Overture

🥈  Fastest airliner on order (Mach 1.7)

Boom Supersonic is a company that wants to bring the glory days of the Concorde back to modern air travel.

The company has tested its XB-1 prototype and has taken orders from several major airlines, including United and American, for its proposed super-fast airliner, the Overture.

The current specs promise a cruising speed of Mach 1.7, making it twice as fast at existing overwater routes as current planes.

While we’re putting it on the list, we’re giving it an honorable mention because the plane is still in development. 

How Fast is Fast? 

The world of aircraft speed records is more complicated than you might imagine.

Official records are kept by the World Air Sports Federation, which has specific criteria for record keeping. Often, aircraft test programs break these record speeds but don’t get noted because of technicalities in the process. 

The rankings below were compiled based on available data on the Internet. Since there is no one official list, it’s a best-effort sort of thing and not an official ranking. 

For comparison’s sake, the ranking has been organized based on speeds corrected to knots and Mach number, which most pilots will find to be a helpful reference.

However, there are no Mach numbers in space, and it’s usual to use them on slower aircraft as you see here, so keep in mind these numbers are simply for comparing one to another. 

How Airspeed is Measured

Airspeed measurement is key for aircraft performance and safety. Pilots and engineers rely on different systems to get accurate speed readings in various flight conditions.

Mach vs. Knots

Mach and knots are two common ways to measure airspeed. Mach refers to the speed of sound, which changes based on altitude and temperature. A plane flying at Mach 1 is going the speed of sound.

Knots measure nautical miles per hour. One knot equals about 1.15 miles per hour. Most commercial planes use knots for their speed readings.

For very fast planes, Mach numbers become more useful. The North American X-15 reached Mach 6.72, or 4,520 miles per hour. This remains the fastest speed ever reached by a crewed aircraft.

Pilots use special tools to measure airspeed. These include pitot tubes and static ports. They help calculate true airspeed, which accounts for air density and temperature.

History of Speed in Aviation

Aviation speed has advanced rapidly since the first powered flight. Key milestones pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air.

Breaking the Sound Barrier

The sound barrier was a major hurdle for aviation. In 1947, Chuck Yeager became the first to fly faster than sound in the Bell X-1 aircraft. He reached Mach 1.06 at an altitude of 45,000 feet.

This achievement opened up new possibilities in aviation. Engineers had to overcome challenges like shock waves and extreme heat at high speeds.

The Bell X-2 Starbuster later reached Mach 3.2 in 1956. It was designed to study flight characteristics above Mach 2.

Milestones in Supersonic Flight

After breaking the sound barrier, aviation pushed to even greater speeds. The North American X-15 rocket plane set the official world record for the fastest manned aircraft in 1967.

It reached an incredible Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph) at 102,100 feet. This record still stands today.

Other notable supersonic aircraft include:

• SR-71 Blackbird: Mach 3.3 (2,200 mph)
• MiG-25 Foxbat: Mach 3.2 (2,190 mph)
• Concorde: Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph)

These planes expanded our understanding of high-speed flight and paved the way for modern supersonic aircraft.

Evolution of the Fastest Fighter Jets

Fighter jets have come a long way since their early days. Speed and technology improvements have made modern jets incredibly fast and capable. Let’s look at how combat aircraft and jet engines have advanced over time.

Combat Aircraft Development

The first fighter jets appeared in World War II. Germany’s Me 262 reached speeds of 540 mph. After the war, jet fighters got much faster.

The 1950s saw planes break the sound barrier. The F-100 Super Sabre hit Mach 1.3. In the 1960s, the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane reached Mach 3.3.

Today’s fastest fighters can fly over Mach 2. The MiG-25 Foxbat hits 2,190 mph. The F-15 Eagle reaches Mach 2.5 or about 1,650 mph.

Modern jets like the F-22 and F-35 focus on stealth and advanced systems rather than pure speed. Still, they can fly over Mach 1.5 with ease.

Advancements in Jet Technology

Jet engines have improved greatly over time. Early turbojets were simple but inefficient. Modern turbofans provide more thrust and better fuel economy.

Materials have also progressed. New alloys and composites make planes lighter and stronger. This allows higher speeds and better performance.

Advanced flight controls and computers let pilots push jets to their limits safely. Fly-by-wire systems improve handling at high speeds.

Weapons have evolved too. Long-range missiles mean jets can attack from farther away. This reduces the need for extreme speed in some cases.