The Fastest Military Jets in History

The X-43

Furthering the pursuits of space travel, NASA has breached the limits of what is currently the fastest recorded air travel with the fastest jet. The X-43 breached the Mach 9.6 barrier in an unmanned flight. High velocity travel was possible by using a booster rocket to get to the right speed and altitude. Cutting-edge scramjet technology takes over from there. The X-43 program has come under a lot of scrutiny in terms of design and expenditure but it has ultimately solved the question of “how fast?” As with all experimental “X” designators, the X-43 is designed to push the limits further than previous testing has allowed. Scramjet technology began development in the 1950s, but there is still a lot to be learned.

• Top Speed: 6,598 mph