Have you ever wondered how fast a plane can really go? With air travel being one of the most popular and efficient modes of transportation, it’s a question that has undoubtedly crossed the minds of many.
The truth is, the speed of a plane varies depending on several factors, including the type of aircraft, the altitude, and weather conditions. While commercial planes typically fly at a cruising speed of around 500-600 miles per hour, military jets can reach staggering speeds of over 2,000 miles per hour.
But what about the fastest planes ever built? From the legendary Concorde to the experimental X-15, these aircraft have pushed the boundaries of what was once thought possible. Join me as we delve into the world of aviation and explore the need for speed, and just how fast a plane can really go.
Photo: shutterstock / Thierry Weber
Understanding the Speed of a Plane
The speed of a plane is typically measured in miles per hour (mph) or knots (nautical miles per hour). The speed at which a plane can travel depends on several factors, including the type of aircraft, the altitude, and the weather conditions. For commercial airliners, the cruising speed is usually around 500-600 mph, while military jets can travel at much higher speeds of over 2,000 mph.
The speed of a plane is affected by air resistance, which increases as the plane goes faster. As a result, planes fly at higher altitudes to reduce the air resistance and increase their speed. However, flying at higher altitudes can also cause problems, such as lower air pressure and temperature, which can affect the performance of the plane’s engines.
The speed of a plane is also affected by the weather conditions. Headwinds and crosswinds can slow down a plane, while tailwinds can increase its speed. Pilots often adjust their flight paths to take advantage of tailwinds and avoid headwinds, which can save fuel and reduce travel time.
The fastest commercial planes in the world
Commercial airliners are designed for passenger comfort and safety, rather than speed. However, some commercial planes can still travel at impressive speeds. The fastest commercial planes in the world are the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380, which both have a top speed of around 600 mph.
The Boeing 747-8 is one of the largest commercial planes in the world, with a length of 232 feet and a wingspan of 224 feet. It can carry up to 467 passengers and has a range of 8,000 nautical miles. The Airbus A380 is slightly larger, with a length of 238 feet and a wingspan of 262 feet. It can carry up to 853 passengers and has a range of 8,000 nautical miles.
Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK / Suparat Chairatprasert
Both planes are powered by four engines and can travel at a cruising speed of 560 mph. However, their speed can vary depending on the altitude and weather conditions. Despite their impressive size and speed, both planes are designed for long-haul flights, rather than short trips.
How fast do passenger jets fly?
Most jet aircraft fly at a Mach number of between Mach 0.75 and Mach 0.86. Mach number is the speed of the aircraft relative to the speed of sound. Mach 0.75 equates to 75% of the speed of sound. Similarly, Mach 0.86 refers to 86% of the speed of sound.
Passenger jets typically cruise at between 400-550knots true airspeed. As the aircraft climbs higher, the air is less dense and there is less total drag, so the aircraft is able to fly faster.
Passenger jets typically cruise between 35,000 and 42,000ft. 400kts is the equivalent of around 460miles per hour and 550knots is equals around 630miles per hour.
Factors that affect how fast a passenger jet flies include
- Wind conditions
- Cruise attitude (the higher the aircraft flies, the faster it goes)
- Cost priority for the flight
The fastest military planes in the world
Military planes are designed for speed, agility, and maneuverability, rather than passenger comfort. They are used for a variety of purposes, including reconnaissance, air defense, and ground attack. The fastest military planes in the world are capable of supersonic speeds, which means they can travel faster than the speed of sound.
The fastest military plane in the world is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which has a top speed of 2,193 mph. It was developed by the United States Air Force in the 1960s for reconnaissance missions and was retired in 1998. The Blackbird was designed to fly at high altitudes and speeds to evade enemy radar and missiles.
The North American X-15 was an experimental aircraft developed by NASA in the 1960s. It was designed to explore the limits of high-speed flight and reached a top speed of 4,520 mph, which is still the fastest speed ever recorded by a manned aircraft. The X-15 was powered by a rocket engine and could reach an altitude of 67 miles.
The race for the fastest plane in history
The race for the fastest plane in history has been ongoing for decades. From the development of the first supersonic plane to the current research into hypersonic flight, engineers and scientists have been pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
One of the most famous supersonic planes was the Concorde, which was developed by the British and French governments in the 1960s. It had a top speed of 1,350 mph and could fly from London to New York in just over three hours. However, the Concorde was retired in 2003 due to safety concerns and high operating costs.
Currently, the fastest plane in development is the Lockheed Martin SR-72, which is expected to reach speeds of up to 4,000 mph. It is a hypersonic plane that uses a combination of turbine and rocket engines to achieve its high speeds. The SR-72 is still in the development phase, and it is unclear when it will be ready for use.
The future of supersonic travel
The future of supersonic travel is still uncertain. While there is a growing demand for faster and more efficient travel, there are also several challenges to overcome. One of the biggest challenges is the noise pollution caused by supersonic planes, which can be heard for miles around.
Another challenge is the environmental impact of high-speed flight. Supersonic planes produce more carbon emissions than subsonic planes, which can contribute to climate change. However, researchers are working on developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies for supersonic flight.
Despite these challenges, there is still a lot of interest in supersonic travel. Several companies, including Boom Supersonic and Aerion Supersonic, are developing supersonic planes that they hope will revolutionize air travel. These planes are designed to be faster, quieter, and more efficient than previous supersonic planes.
The impact of speed on air travel
The impact of speed on air travel has been significant. Faster planes have made it possible to travel longer distances in less time, which has opened up new opportunities for business and tourism. They have also made it easier to transport goods and materials around the world.
However, speed has also had some negative impacts on air travel. Faster planes require more fuel, which can increase the cost of air travel and contribute to climate change. They also pose safety risks, as high-speed flight can be more dangerous than subsonic flight.
The impact of speed on air travel is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While faster planes can offer many benefits, they also come with significant challenges that need to be addressed.
Safety concerns surrounding high-speed flight
High-speed flight can be dangerous, and safety is a top priority for aviation experts. Flying at high speeds puts more stress on the plane’s engines and structure, which can increase the risk of mechanical failure. In addition, high-speed flight can cause turbulence, which can be uncomfortable for passengers and can also pose safety risks.
To ensure the safety of high-speed flight, planes are subject to rigorous testing and maintenance procedures. Pilots are also trained to handle high-speed flight and to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.
Despite these precautions, high-speed flight can still be risky. As technology continues to advance, it is important that safety remains a top priority for aviation experts.
The role of technology in increasing aircraft speed
Technology has played a significant role in increasing aircraft speed. From the development of more powerful engines to the use of lightweight materials, engineers and scientists have been working to push the boundaries of what is possible.
One of the most significant advances in aviation technology was the development of the turbojet engine. This engine uses a compressor to compress air and mix it with fuel, which is then ignited to produce thrust. The turbojet engine made it possible to travel at supersonic speeds and revolutionized air travel.
Today, researchers are working on developing even more advanced technologies, such as hypersonic engines and scramjets. These engines use a combination of turbine and rocket technology to achieve even higher speeds.
How does wind affect how fast a passenger jet flies?
A head or tailwind will impact the ground speed of a passenger jet. A headwind will reduce the ground speed slowing the aircraft down, and a strong tailwind, with allow the aircraft to cruise at a faster ground speed, in turn flying faster.
How does altitude affect the speed of jet aircraft?
As altitude increases, so does the density of air which in turn (all things being equal) creates less air resistance or reduces drag. The reduction in drag as altitude increases is the reason that as a jet aircraft climbs, the faster it will be able to fly.
How does cost determine how fast a commercial jet flies?
The speed a passenger jet flies is also determined by the cost of fuel and other aircraft costs. Commercial jets do not fly as fast as they can all the time. For example, the Boeing B737-800 has a maximum cruise Mach number of M0.82 but typically cruises at between M0.75 and M0.78
It is extremely rare that a B737-800 will be flown as fast as possible in a passenger-carrying operation. The reason is that as the aircraft flies fast, a higher thrust setting is needed, which in turn requires more fuel and increases costs.
How fast a passenger jet flies is a compromise between getting to the destination at a reasonable time but also being economical in terms of fuel and engine wear. Running the engines at lower thrust settings prolongs engine life (reducing maintenance costs).
Sometimes circumstances dictate that the passenger jet is flown as fast as possible for operational reasons (e.g. the flight is severely delayed, the crew are approaching limits of their duty hours allowed for a given day – due to unforeseen circumstances like bad weather).
Fascinated by how fast planes fly and want to learn more about how to become a pilot? Check out my best-selling Pilot Training Guide on Amazon to save you money during pilot training.
Listen to the Pilot Training Guide FREE with Audible here
How is the speed of an aircraft measured
Airspeed
Airspeed is the crucial measure that pilots use to measure their speed and which they are mostly concerned with. Wings generate lift (and allow the aircraft to fly) by air going over the wings. As a basic measurement, airspeed is how aircraft speed is measured, typically in knots (kts)
Ground speed
How fast a jet flies is affected by the wind. Ground speed is the speed that the aircraft would travel across the ground. In still wind or zero wind, the airspeed is the same as the ground speed. A head or tailwind will either reduce or increase the actual speed travelled over the ground.
True air speed
True airspeed takes into account change in density (due to air being less dense as the aircraft climbs), instrument error (instruments are not perfect when reading airspeed) and compressibility error.
Compressibility error is the error that happens as aircraft speed gets above roughly 300kts (345mph) and the air ‘cannot get out of the aircraft’s way quickly enough’ so becomes compressed.
How fast does a plane go at take off?
A piston aircraft will take off between 55kts to 65kts (63mph/102kph to 75/120kph)
Turboprop aircraft take off between 90kts to 120kts (104mph/167kph to 138mph/222kph)
Most jet planes take off between 110 to 165kts or (127mph/204kph to 190mph/306kph)
The factors that affect how fast a plane goes on takeoff include weight, headwind, noise restrictions and weather.
Weight
The heavier an aircraft is, the faster it needs to go to generate enough lift over the wings to allow the plane to get airborne. This is why large passenger jets take off much faster than, for example, a Cessna would take off.
In the same way, a 747 has a takeoff speed of around 160kts (compared to a Boeing 737 of about 140kts) because the 737 weighs less than a Boeing 747.
Runway length is often a limitation as we cant have aircraft taking indefinite lengths of runway to take off, so most aircraft are fitted with flaps and slats to reduce the speed at which they take off and land.
Flaps and slats increase the wing area, which reduces the stall speed (the slowest speed an aircraft can fly), improving takeoff performance. Flaps and slats also enhance the low speed handling characteristics of the plane, making it easier to fly.
Flaps and slats do also increase drag, so for this reason, most aircraft retract the flaps once they get airborne to reduce drag and allow the plane to fly faster.
Plane take off speeds
V1 – Take off decision speed
V1 is the take off decision speed. The takeoff performance calculations are completed once the final figures are determined for a flight (passengers, cargo, fuel). The takeoff calculation will be based on local conditions to determine the take off decision speed.
The takeoff decision speed is the speed at which if a serious problem occurs (i.e. engine failure), there would be an insufficient amount of runway left to stop the aircraft. It would be safer to take the issue into the air in this case.
VR – Rotation speed
Rotation speed is the speed at which the pilot pulls back on the control column to raise the nose of the aircraft and start the initial climb.
Rotation speeds are determined during aircraft certification, where minimum unstick speeds (Vmu) are found by deliberately scraping the aircraft’s tail on the runway until it becomes airborne.
A safety factor is added to the minimum unstick speed, which then determines the aircraft’s rotation speed based on weight (amongst other factors) for normal operations.
Other factors, including terrain in the initial climb phase in determining take-off speeds, come into play.
If there is high terrain in the initial climb, although the airport may have a long runway, the aircraft would be weight limited for the take off. i.e. the plane would be restricted on the amount it can carry to ensure it has sufficient performance to clear the terrain.
V2 – Take off safety speed
V2 is the take off safety speed and is determined by the stall speed with a margin of safety applied to it. Aircraft will typically perform the initial part of the climb at a speed above V2. V2 guarantees the aircraft will climb safely and have a certain amount of roll control.
In the initial part of the climb (close to V2), the bank angle is normally limited to 15degrees. The reasoning for this is to reduce the risk of stall close to the ground.
How weather affects how fast a plane will go at takeoff
Temperature and wind are significant factors determining how fast a plane will take off. Higher temperatures make the air ‘less dense’, so the aircraft will need a faster take off speed to get airborne.
Having a headwind for take off will reduce the ground distance needed for take off and reduce the take-off roll’s ground speed. Taking off with a tailwind will increase the ground speed (and runway length) required to take off.
One of the limiting factors when trying to take off with a tailwind can be the maximum energy the brakes can absorb in the event of a rejected take off close to V1.
Elevation on how fast a plane will take off
The high elevation also reduces the air density, so the aircraft will need to fly faster to be able to get airborne. The reduced density of high elevation airports around the equator makes them challenging to get airborne from, particularly when warmer temperatures are thrown into the mix.
How fast does a plane go at landing?
Most jet aircraft land between 125kts to 150kts (144mph/231kph to 173mph/278kph).
Turboprop aircraft land between 80kts to 110kts.
Light piston aircraft land between 50kts to 65kts.
Aircraft will try and land as slowly as possible to reduce the landing distance required, minimise brake wear, and vacate the runway in the minimum amount of time.
Like how fast planes go during take off, weight affects how fast planes go during landing.
The higher the weight, the faster the landing will be as the weight increases the aircraft’s stall speed.
Leading-edge and trailing-edge devices through flaps and slats reduce the landing speed.
Having flaps and slats has the additional benefit of increasing drag which helps the aircraft slow down for landing and reduces the amount of runway needed for the plane to come to a stop.
The flap setting also alters how fast a plane goes on landing. On the Boeing 737, for example, the aircraft normally lands at either flap 30 or flap 40. the difference in have fast the plane lands between these flap settings is around 10-15kts for a flap 40 landing vs a flap 30 landing.
Although a flap 40 landing offers a lower landing speed, flap 30 has slightly less drag, reducing fuel consumption and noise doing the final stages of the approach.
How fast does a 747 fly in mph
The maximum operating speed of a 747 is 705.89mph. This is Mach 0.92. Most 747’s will typically cruise between Mach 0.82 to 0.86 which equates to around 630mph to 660mph
Can a plane fly at 1000 mph
Planes can fly at 1000 mph. Excellent examples of planes that could fly at 1000 mph include:
- Lockheed SR71 Blackbird (2193.2mph)
- Concorde (1341mph)
- Most supersonic fighter jets
What is the slowest a plane can fly
The slowest an aircraft can fly is the stall speed. The stall speed is the speed at which a critical angle of attack is reached – the angle between the airflow and wing incidence. Reach the critical angle of attack and the airflow over the wings starts to break down and become turbulent.
Without smooth airflow being generated over the wings, lift (that allows the aircraft to fly) is diminished and the aircraft is no longer able to fly.
A stall is when the aircraft is no longer producing lift to allow the aircraft to fly. One of the main indicators of the stall is described as the pre-stall buffet.
By DLR, CC-BY 3.0, CC BY 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61072555
The stall speed of the aircraft depends on the weight of the aircraft. The slowest small piston engine aircraft can fly will be just above its stall speed. This can be as slow as 45knots or 52miles per hour.
In situations where there is a really strong headwind that exceeds the groundspeed, some aircraft can actually fly backwards!
Modern passenger jets typically have a stall speed of around 115kts in a landing configuration (depending on weight) which is around 132miles per hour. Flying close to the stall speed is not the safest mainly because of control difficulties.
The slowest a passenger jet will fly will be at its final approach speeds which will be around 130kts (150miles per hour).
Why do planes not fly at full speed?
Planes do not fly at full speed because it would be expensive to do so (as speed increases, more thrust is needed increasing fuel consumption and cost). The other problem with flying at full speed is that the fastest speed an aircraft can fly is normally an aerodynamic structural limit.
Fly any faster than the maximum operating speed and there is a good chance of encountering flutter, which could cause structural damage or control issues to the aircraft.
By Department of Defense – AF (C)-1-1, Flight Manual, Models U-2C and U-2F aircraft. Page 6-11. Available from https://info.publicintelligence.net/USAF-U2.pdf#page=222; label added in post., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87293088
Planes avoid flying too close to the maximum speed they are allowed to operate as not to exceed their aerodynamic speed limits. In smooth conditions, one can get fairly close to the maximum speed, but when conditions are turbulent it is best to leave some margin from the maximum operating speed allowed.
What is the fastest jet
The fastest jet used to be the Lockheed SR71 Blackbird (2193.2mph or Mach 3.3).
Since the Lockheed SR71 retired, the fastest jet in the world today is the MiG-25 Foxbat (2,190mph)
Do cargo planes fly faster?
Cargo planes may fly faster than commercial jets where they are carrying time-critical and commercially sensitive cargo. Typically cargo planes are variants of commercial passenger aircraft so would have similar speeds to passenger commercial aircraft.
Conclusion
The need for speed in the world of aviation is undeniable. From commercial airliners to military jets, the speed of a plane plays a significant role in air travel. While commercial planes typically fly at a cruising speed of around 500-600 mph, military jets can reach staggering speeds of over 2,000 mph.
The race for the fastest plane in history has been ongoing for decades, with engineers and scientists pushing the boundaries of what is possible. From the legendary Concorde to the experimental X-15, these aircraft have pushed the limits of high-speed flight.
While there are still challenges to overcome, such as noise pollution and environmental impact, the future of supersonic travel looks promising. With the development of more advanced technologies, such as hypersonic engines and scramjets, it is possible that we will see even faster planes in the future.
In conclusion, the speed of a plane is an important factor in air travel, and the need for speed is likely to continue to drive advances in aviation technology for many years to come.
If you found this useful, check out our post on
If you have any questions or have anything to add, please leave a comment in the section below. We would love to hear from you!
Kudzi Chikohora is a B737 captain with over 3,000 hours of flying in Europe. He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, is a chartered engineer, and is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Kudzi completed his pilot training via the self-funded modular pilot training route and created kcthepilot.com to share pilot training and aviation content.
