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The Fastest Military Jets in History

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Sukhoi Su-27

Sukhoi Su-27
A Chinese Su-27 Flanker (J-11) fighter makes a fly by while the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, visits with members of the Chinese Air Force at Anshan Airfield, China, March 24, 2007.
Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen, U.S. Air Force

NATO’s greatest contemporary contender for air superiority is the Russian-made Su-27. Between it and the Mikoyan MiG-29, the Flanker was a beautiful antagonist to NATO forces. It’s scheduled to be replaced by a next generation of Sukhoi PAK FA T-50s but it will always hold a coveted role for speed, combat maneuverability, and sophisticated avionics. The Su-27 stands out in the minds of avionics engineers so much that the Chinese officially licensed their own version with the Shenyang J-11, which promises to continue the legacy of modified fourth-generation jet fighters that were as versatile over the sea as land.

  • Top Speed: 1,550 mph
  • Max Flight Distance: 2,193 miles with internal fuel