America’s combat aircraft have been protecting our skies, dropping bombs on foreign adversaries, and operating reconnaissance missions for decades. In the early 20th century, the defense department allocated $125,000 for the expansion of the U.S. Airforce. During WWII, aerospace technology developed at an incredibly rapid pace, encouraged by desperation to defeat the enemies.
In addition to technological advancements and other enhanced capabilities, American jets overall became faster. Many of the jets in the U.S. arsenal can travel at impressive speeds. For example, the F-15 Strike Eagle is a particularly speedy craft. This aircraft was made to not only fly fast, but maneuver rapidly. It can enter a combat zone, take care of business, and zip away before enemy forces have time to engage. The Strike Eagle also carries multiple powerful missiles. Alternatively, some aircraft are used for efforts than do not require this kind of speed and are therefore quite slow. The AC-130J Ghostrider only reaches speeds of 400 mph. It is utilized for close air support and is weighed down with heavy armor, including cannons and bombs.
To identify the fastest and slowest U.S. combat aircraft, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We included data on the top speed of these aircraft from Military Factory and ranked them according to this. We also included supplemental data on how many of these aircraft are on order and in active service, as well as what military branches they serve in. We excluded helicopters from this list.
Why We’re Covering This
When it comes to the military, both fast and slow combat aircraft play their parts. Faster aircraft allow more air power and rapid strikes, while slower aircraft are better for support and endurance in battle. Looking at the speed of U.S. combat aircraft reflects the strategic needs and diverse missions of the nation’s military.
Here is a look at the fastest and slowest U.S. combat aircraft:
14. AT-802U
- Top speed: 221 mph
- Active aircraft: 0
- Aircraft on order: 75
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
13. AC-130W
- Top speed: 300 mph
- Active aircraft: 3
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
12. AC-130J
- Top speed: 416 mph
- Active aircraft: 29
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
11. A-10C
- Top speed: 439 mph
- Active aircraft: 270
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
10. B-52H
- Top speed: 595 mph
- Active aircraft: 72
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
9. B-21
- Top speed: 621 mph
- Active aircraft: 0
- Aircraft on order: 100
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
8. B-2
- Top speed: 628 mph
- Active aircraft: 17
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
7. AV-8B/+
- Top speed: 665 mph
- Active aircraft: 87
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Marine Corps
6. B-1B
- Top speed: 833 mph
- Active aircraft: 42
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
5. F/A-18 A/C/D/E/F
- Top speed: 1,190 mph
- Active aircraft: 561
- Aircraft on order: 76
- Military branches in service: United States Navy, United States Marine Corps
4. F-35 A/B/C
- Top speed: 1,199 mph
- Active aircraft: 376
- Aircraft on order: 1,855
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps
3. F-16C
- Top speed: 1,317 mph
- Active aircraft: 738
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
2. F-22
- Top speed: 1,599 mph
- Active aircraft: 178
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
1. F-15C/E/EX
- Top speed: 1,875 mph
- Active aircraft: 377
- Aircraft on order: 102
- Military branches in service: United States Air Force
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