As you might expect, supersonic flight revolutionised military aviation, offering unparalleled speed advantages. Here are some legendary examples of military supersonic aircraft.
North American F-100 Super Sabre
One of the first widely used supersonic fighters, part of the U.S. ‘Century Series’.
It served notably as a fighter-bomber during the Vietnam War, recognised for its swept-wing design and notorious for its challenging handling.
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
Designed as a supersonic interceptor to defend against Soviet bombers. Its distinctive delta wing shape provided excellent high-speed performance.
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
A high-altitude strategic reconnaissance aircraft, designed to be untouchable at speeds over Mach 3 and at altitudes beyond the reach of enemy defenses. Its stealthy design and advanced materials set it apart as the most sophisticated of its era.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Regarded as a fifth-generation fighter, known for its stealth, extreme manoeuvrability, and sensor fusion, providing unparalleled situational awareness. The F-22 is among the most expensive fighters ever developed, with its production limited by high costs and shifting priorities.