At what altitude do passenger planes fly? Kings of the stratosphere: the highest-altitude combat aircraft in the world The highest flying aircraft in the world

MOSCOW, March 3 - RIA Novosti, Andrey Kots. In the air battles of World War II, an iron rule was born: whoever is higher has an advantage. To suddenly dive on an enemy aircraft from the direction of the sun, with a candle to go up from the fire of anti-aircraft guns, photograph the fortified area and get out of the air defense zone unnoticed - only a high-flying bird is capable of this. Today, in the era of powerful radars and long-range anti-aircraft missiles, the old axioms are no longer so relevant. However, height in military affairs still plays a crucial role. RIA Novosti publishes a selection of the highest-altitude aircraft in Russia and the United States - both in service and sent to a well-deserved "retirement".

MiG-25

The MiG-25 supersonic high-altitude fighter-interceptors of the third generation began to enter the Soviet Air Force in 1970. At that time, there was no aircraft in the world that could get away from this machine. She developed a speed of up to 2800 kilometers per hour and could climb to a height of more than 20 thousand meters in just nine minutes. Over the decades of operation, the MiG-25 has played the role of an interceptor, reconnaissance aircraft, stratospheric bomber, air defense breakthrough fighter, training vehicle. Powerful engines and a durable airframe allowed it to withstand huge overloads, and the latest avionics for that time helped to navigate perfectly in the air and see all types of targets.

MiG-25 holds 29 world records. The most significant and still not beaten by any manned jet aircraft was installed by test pilot Alexander Fedotov on August 21, 1977. He raised his experienced MiG-25M to an incredible 37,650 meters! Of course, it was a lightweight "flying laboratory" and not a serial copy. But even the "standard" for combat vehicles 23 kilometers - a height unattainable for the vast majority of aircraft of that time. So, in the early 70s, Soviet pilots on reconnaissance modifications of the MiG-25 flew freely over the entire territory of Israel, Turkey and Iran.

SR-71 Blackbird

The American strategic reconnaissance aircraft SR-71 is one of the main symbols of the Cold War. Even now, this aircraft, which first took to the air in 1964, looks like a guest from the future: futuristic design, tailless layout, rare for those times, stealth technology and outstanding flight performance. In 1976, Drozd set an absolute speed record among manned aircraft with turbojet engines - 3529.56 kilometers per hour. The maximum height conquered by the SR-71 is 25,929 meters.

During the Cold War, these aircraft became the working tool of the CIA. They carried out reconnaissance flights over the territory of the USSR and Cuba, photographed military installations in Egypt, Jordan and Syria in 1973, and flew over Indochina. The SR-71 is the only type of American aircraft that the North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gunners could not shoot down. He avoided missiles with the help of a sharp climb and an increase in speed - the reconnaissance did not even need to maneuver to break away from pursuit. However, by the end of the 70s, MiG-31 fighters appeared in the USSR: they were quite capable of intercepting the SR-71. Ultimately, this led to the closure of the strategic reconnaissance reconnaissance program.

MiG-31

Of all the aircraft currently in service, the fastest and one of the highest altitude is the Russian MiG-31 interceptor fighter, a direct descendant of the MiG-25. Thanks to its powerful D-30F6 engines, it is able to accelerate up to 3,400 kilometers per hour and climb to a height of up to 25,000 meters. These figures, coupled with a flight range of 2,240 kilometers without external fuel tanks, make the MiG-31 an ideal interceptor in an integrated air defense system. A group of four such aircraft is capable of controlling airspace with a frontal length of up to 1,100 kilometers. To date, the entire MiG-31 fleet is being upgraded to the BM version, which features a new weapon control system and an onboard radar that detects targets at a distance of up to 320 kilometers.

The military leadership of the USSR tried to use the ability of the MiG-31 to quickly gain speed and altitude to solve many problems, including strategic ones. In the 1980s, Soviet designers were developing a special anti-satellite missile to arm modified interceptors. In the event of a big war, these MiG-31s ​​were supposed to go to the maximum height and attack enemy satellites hanging in low orbits with new weapons.

U-2

The American U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft first took to the air on August 1, 1955. At that time, this machine was invulnerable to Soviet air defense systems. Subsonic U-2s were more than comfortable at altitudes over 20 kilometers and could stay in the air for up to seven hours. Naturally, US intelligence actively used the new aircraft, regularly sending them into the airspace of the USSR. However, this did not last long. On May 1, 1960, the scandal with the CIA pilot Francis Powers thundered all over the world, who on a U-2C plane went deep into the airspace of the USSR for two thousand kilometers and was shot down by an anti-aircraft missile of the S-75 complex.

And not the Su-27, but the MiG-31 high-speed interceptor. This aircraft, which received the designation Foxhound according to the NATO classification, has become one of the most unusual examples of modern aviation weapons. He did not have to take part in active hostilities, however, the very fact of the existence of such a machine was already able to cool the ardor of any aggressor. Suffice it to say that the use of the MiG-31 can almost completely neutralize the massive cruise missile strikes that the United States and its NATO allies love to inflict so much. In addition, this interceptor is a huge danger to any modern military aircraft that is in range, and it is very extensive.

The history of the creation of the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor

In the early 60s, American B-52 strategic bombers were equipped with AGM-28 Hound Dog strategic cruise missiles. Despite the fact that this weapon was very inaccurate (the circular probable deviation was more than three kilometers), it posed a significant threat to the USSR. The greatest concern among the Soviet military was caused by reports about the imminent creation of a special modification of the AGM-28, capable of flying to a target at ultra-low altitude with enveloping the terrain.

Not only to shoot down, but even just to detect such a missile at that time was almost impossible, especially in the northeastern part of the USSR, where there was still neither a continuous radar field nor a network of air defense airfields. There was a need to create a new interceptor capable of independently, without help from the ground, to identify low-altitude objects against the background of the underlying surface, and destroy them as quickly as possible.

In those years, the Mikoyan Design Bureau was engaged in “finishing” the high-speed MiG-25 fighter, which had many advantages, but was still not suitable for combating cruise missiles. Nevertheless, it could be used as a base for a new interceptor. Work in this direction began in 1968, after the Soviet government issued a decree on the creation of the E-155 aircraft. The designers had to prepare preliminary designs for three different modifications of this machine: the E-155MP interceptor, the E-155MR reconnaissance aircraft and the E-155MRB front-line bomber.

Over the next few years, various layout options for the future aircraft were considered. The most promising was the project "518-22", later converted into "518-55". On its basis, in 1972, not a preliminary, but a full-scale design of the E-155MP interceptor began, which, after the transition to mass production, was to be called the MiG-25MP.

It should be noted that in reality the new aircraft was largely different from the MiG 25. It was created for other engines, the crew included a navigator, but the most important thing was the new on-board equipment - the Zaslon radar, which had unprecedented capabilities for the 70s .

On September 16, 1975, the first flight of the E-155M prototype took place. Two years later, 11 interceptors were manufactured in Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod), which had already received the designation MiG-31. Flight design tests began, which continued until the end of 1978. During one of the flights, the new aircraft successfully attacked a low-altitude target. In addition, a radar station was tested, which was able to detect and steadily accompany ten aircraft at once.

In 1981, the MiG-31 was adopted by the air defense fighter aviation, and from that moment its operation began. At the same time, test flights continued, as work was already underway on new modifications of the interceptor. Subsequently, multi-purpose versions of the MiG-31 appeared, and in 2018 it became known that the aircraft became the carrier of the Kinzhal anti-ship aeroballistic missile.

Interceptor design features

Outwardly, the MiG 31 fighter is very similar to its "predecessor", the famous MiG-25, however, it would be a mistake to assume that these machines differ only in electronic equipment. The layout scheme is indeed almost identical, but its elements have been significantly changed.

Wing and plumage

The high-lying trapezoidal wing of the aircraft is somewhat reinforced, the frame includes not two, but three spars. Another difference is the root influx, the sweep of which is 70 degrees. This detail allows the interceptor to maintain stability when flying at high angles of attack. The main part of the wing has a sweep of 41 degrees. 4 fuel tanks are placed in the inner caisson.

The trailing edge is equipped with ailerons and flaps along its entire length. The mechanization is supplemented by deflectable wing tips (can be rotated up to 13 degrees). There are aerodynamic ridges located on the upper surface of the consoles.

The vertical tail consists of two keels. Each of them is equipped with a rudder. The camber angle of the keels is 8 degrees. The horizontal tail is all-moving, its surfaces can be used as elevators, as well as to give the aircraft a roll, thereby complementing the ailerons. Inside the keels there are two fuel tanks.

Power point

The MiG 31 aircraft is equipped with two D-30F6 bypass turbojet engines; D-30F6M were installed on later modifications. The development of this motor was carried out from 1972 to 1979. The design was carried out not from scratch, but on the basis of the D-30 engine (thrust - 6,800 kgf), which was used by the Tu-134 airliners. Thanks to a number of improvements and after the installation of the afterburner, the thrust was increased to 15,500 kgf (subsequently up to 16,500 kgf).

The air intakes had to be enlarged, as the new engine is characterized by increased air consumption during operation.

Fuselage

The main power element of the airframe is the middle part of the fuselage of the aircraft, inside which there are seven fuel tanks. The body in this part of the machine is welded. The design as a whole coincides with the MiG-25.

Part of the fuselage is a fairing, starting immediately behind the cockpit. Control rods are located inside the grotto, and on later modifications - a fuel tank

The creators of the interceptor took into account that the maximum speed of the MiG 31 was slightly reduced and the requirements for the heat resistance of the material were reduced, which made it possible to significantly reduce the proportion of stainless steel in the fuselage - from 80 to 50%. Increased titanium content from 8 to 16%. The share of aluminum alloys is 33%. The remaining one percent is composite materials.

In some flight modes, approximately one quarter of the total lift is generated by the fuselage, which is one of the load-bearing parts of the aircraft structure. In its tail section there are two aerodynamic ridges. The collapse between them is 12 degrees.

Chassis

In order to improve cross-country ability on unpaved airfields, the main landing gear of the MiG-31 interceptor is made in a special configuration. The rear wheel on each of the bogies is slightly shifted “outward”, and the front wheel is “inward”. This reduces the risk of bogging down in a deepening rut.

The main landing gear retracts forward into niches located under the air intake channels. The shutters covering them can be used as brake flaps. The front support retracts back.

Fighter cockpit

The pilot and navigator-operator are housed in two pressurized cabins located in the forward fuselage. Lanterns open up and back. Cabins are separated by a plexiglass partition, the thickness of which is one centimeter. The seats of both crew members are ejection, model - K-36DM. Behind the cabs is an equipment compartment, in front is a radar station.

aircraft control system

Unlike other fourth-generation fighters, the MiG-31 does not have fly-by-wire, but an older mechanical control. Its work is provided by special rods and cables. They are stretched from the cockpit to the control surfaces and wing mechanisms through the fuselage and are covered from above with a fairing.

The fighter-interceptor is equipped with the KN-25 navigation system, which includes short-range and long-range radio systems, global navigation equipment and two inertial systems. The interceptor, in addition, can be controlled by the SAU-155MP autopilot.

Weapons control system

The MiG-31 supersonic fighter is equipped with the RP-31 P007 Zaslon pulse-doppler radar. It is she who is the main part of the aircraft weapons control system. The main feature of this radar is the presence of a passive phased antenna array. It is noteworthy that before the MiG-31, such radar stations were not installed on serial fighters even in the US Air Force.

The Zaslon radar is capable of detecting such a target as the American F-16 fighter at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. Bombers or transport aircraft are detected at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. At the same time there is a definition of nationality. Automatic tracking is provided at a distance of 120 kilometers.

The radar can simultaneously detect up to 24 different targets, 8 of which can be guided by missiles. Electronics itself determines the four highest priority objects in terms of danger or importance, which should be struck first.

"Barrier" can receive data from other interceptors or from A-50 AWACS aircraft - communication is made automatic. This provides protection against active interference - all the "pieces" of information are put together, which makes it possible to detect hidden targets and direct missiles at them. In addition, target designation data can be transferred to another fighter or ground-based air defense system, after which the enemy will receive a strike from a completely unexpected direction for him.

In general, the onboard equipment allows the MiG-31 to be used as a leader aircraft, controlling an entire aviation group covering a vast airspace.

A later modification of the radar, "Barrier-M", detects targets at a distance of up to 320 kilometers. Provides simultaneous tracking of twenty-four of them. Eight targets can be hit simultaneously. The equipment is supplemented with a heat direction finder operating in a passive mode and capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 56 kilometers without turning on the radar.

The "main caliber" of the first modifications of the MiG-31 was the R-33 missile, which hits enemy aircraft at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. On modern versions of the interceptor, R-37s are installed, the range of which is 300 km. In addition, the interceptor's armament kit includes R-77 and RVV-BD missiles, which ensure the destruction of targets at medium and close range.

In close combat, the MiG-31 can use the GSH-23-6 rapid-fire six-barreled cannon (it was dismantled on some modifications).

Specifications

There are many modifications of the MiG-31 fighter, between which there are sometimes significant differences. Nevertheless, the main operational characteristics are quite close, since the on-board equipment has changed mainly.

The parameters of the original interceptor look like this:

For multi-purpose modifications, the combat load can be up to nine tons with a slight increase in the take-off weight of the vehicle.

Flight characteristics

The MiG-31 performs both short sorties to intercept specific targets, and long-term loitering in the air on duty.

During the takeoff of the MiG-31, the takeoff run is from 950 to 1200 meters, the landing run is 800 meters.

Advantages and disadvantages of the MiG-31

The main advantage of the interceptor, of course, is the excellent characteristics of its weapon control system.

This aircraft has other advantages:

1. High afterburner speed allows interception of the fastest targets, including American SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft;
2. Excellent climb rate. The aircraft is capable of "jumping" to a height of 30 kilometers;
3. Interaction with anti-aircraft missile systems, other aircraft and ground command posts, which expands the capabilities of the MiG-31. A small unit of such aircraft is capable of completely controlling the airspace over a medium-sized country;
4. Airborne armament allows you to hit both large, slow-moving aircraft and highly maneuverable targets. When firing at cruise missiles, the hit accuracy approaches 100%;
5. The latest modifications of the MiG-31 are capable of striking ground targets - the aircraft has become multi-purpose. In addition, it has become a good launch platform for the Kinzhal hypersonic anti-ship missile.

Of the shortcomings, first of all, low maneuverability should be highlighted. In close combat, this aircraft is significantly inferior to any other modern fighters. True, for the MiG 31, maneuverability characteristics were not initially considered as a priority. In addition, the cable control system has long been outdated, it complicates piloting and does not allow to fully realize the possibilities of automation.

MiG-31 modifications

At first, the fighter was a "pure" interceptor. The first attempts to modernize the MiG-31 assumed development in the same direction. Then there were also multi-purpose variants of the aircraft. They were intended mainly for arming the Russian army, although there were also export models.

MiG-31M

This modification of the machine made its first flight in 1985. Changes have been made to the airframe, in particular, on the wing there are larger and rounded root influxes, an additional fuel tank is placed inside the fairing. A monolithic visor is installed on the front cockpit, and the navigator-operator's lantern has decreased. This was done in order to improve the readability of indicators of the tactical situation. The number of fuselage nests for long-range missiles has been increased to six. At the same time, the gun was dismantled.

In addition, the spacing of the engines relative to the longitudinal axis of the fighter has been increased. Larger rudders are installed on the keels. The power of the power plant has been increased by about 2000 kgf.

The main differences from the base model are the installation of an updated Zaslon-M radar station and improved on-board equipment, which for the first time included multifunctional indicators. The direction finder was replaced with an optoelectronic system. The interceptor got the opportunity to use the R-37 missile, during the tests of which the target was destroyed from a distance of 300 km.

This version was not serially built, since it was completed only in the 90s, when complete collapse reigned in Russian industry.

MiG-31B

This variant of the aircraft was equipped with a retractable pod for in-flight refueling, which made it possible to significantly increase the combat radius. The upgraded fighter received the Zaslon-A radar and a slightly improved weapon control system as a whole. Such a replacement, among other things, made it possible to compensate for the damage caused by the leakage of secret information about the MiG-31 aircraft outside the USSR, revealed in 1985. In addition, the R-40TD medium-range missiles were included in the armament kit for the first time.

MiG-31BM

The development of this modification began in 1997 and was carried out in two directions at once. Firstly, the performance characteristics of the airborne radar and weapons control complex were brought up to the parameters previously achieved on the MiG-31M aircraft, and secondly, the interceptor was turned into a multi-role fighter.

The mass of the combat load has increased and is 9 tons for this modification. The aircraft is capable of using KAB-500 (up to eight) and KAB-1500 (up to six) adjustable air bombs. The armament complex also included Kh-31 missiles in anti-ship and anti-radar versions, Kh-59M and Kh-29T air-to-surface missiles, as well as Kh-25MP (or MPU) anti-radar missiles.

All surviving Russian MiG-31s, with the exception of carriers of the Kinzhal complex, will be converted into MiG-31BMs. In addition, this option was also offered for export.

MiG-31D

Non-serial experimental modification armed with the Kontakt missile (79M6). With the help of this weapon it was supposed to destroy uninhabited orbital vehicles.

MiG-31I

This variant of the interceptor is an aerial platform for a satellite launch system, which can weigh between 120 and 160 kilograms. This is facilitated by both high speed and a considerable practical ceiling of the aircraft. Launching into orbit with a height of up to 600 kilometers is provided.

MiG-31LL

The plane is a flying laboratory. The MiG-31LL was based at the airfield in Zhukovsky.

MiG-31F

This modification, shown at the 1995 Le Bourget air show, is the result of the first attempt to turn a two-seat interceptor into a multi-purpose aircraft. As with the MiG-31BM variant, the payload weight has been increased to 9 tons. A set of means of destruction of ground targets is also basically the same. At the same time, the original modification of the Zaslon radar was installed on the MiG-31F, the capabilities of which are not as great as those of the on-board equipment of the MiG-31BM.

Combat use of a fighter

The MiG-31 interceptor has never yet used its missiles against real, not training targets. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that he did not have combat use. For example, it was this aircraft that put an end to the apparently excessive activity of American SR-71 intelligence officers near the eastern and northwestern borders of the USSR.

In the early 80s, the Blackbirds regularly provoked the Soviet air defense system, forcing it to use secret combat modes of operation. MiG-31 interceptors literally "pushed" the Americans away from the border. Soviet aircraft flew in groups of 8-10 aircraft, alternately passing SR-71 escorts to each other. This made it clear to the American pilot that even with the shortest and most random border crossing, he would be immediately destroyed. As a result, reconnaissance flights ceased, and the Blackbird itself was eventually written off.

In 2016, several MiG-31BM fighters were sent to Syria. The main purpose of these interceptors is to control the airspace and coordinate the efforts of the rest of the aviation. In this regard, the MiGs were able to partially replace the A-50 aircraft, the operation of which is more expensive.

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Flight altitude is one of the most important aviation parameters. It affects, in particular, the speed and fuel consumption. Sometimes the flight safety also depends on the choice of altitude. So, for example, pilots have to change altitude during a sharp change in weather conditions, due to thick fog, dense clouds, an extensive thunderstorm front or a turbulent zone.

What should be the flight altitude

The first flight altitude record was ... three meters. It was at this height that the Wright Flyer of the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright first flew on December 17, 1903. 74 years later, on August 31, 1977, Soviet test pilot Alexander Fedotov on the MiG-25 fighter set a world altitude record - 37650 meters. Until now, it remains the maximum altitude of a fighter aircraft.

At what altitude do passenger planes fly

When determining the optimal flight altitude (level), the controller or crew commander is guided by the following. As you know, the higher the altitude, the more rarefied the air and the easier it is for the plane to fly - so it makes sense to rise higher. However, the wings of an airplane need support, and at an extremely high altitude (for example, in the stratosphere), it is clearly not enough, and the car will begin to “fall over”, and the engines will stall.

The conclusion suggests itself: the commander (and today the on-board computer) chooses the "golden mean" - the ideal ratio of friction and lift. As a result, each type of passenger liners (taking into account weather conditions, technical characteristics, flight duration and direction) has its own optimal height.

Why do airplanes fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters?

At what height do fighter jets fly?

However, the exorbitant heights of fighters are now "out of fashion." And this has its own explanation. Modern air defense systems and air-to-air fighter missiles are capable of destroying targets at any altitude. Therefore, the main problem for the fighter is to detect and destroy the enemy earlier, and go unnoticed himself. The optimal flight altitude of the 5th generation fighter (practical ceiling) is 20,000 meters.

Su-27 - 2500 km / h

The Su-27 is a fourth-generation Soviet/Russian multipurpose highly maneuverable all-weather heavy fighter developed by the Sukhoi Company. It was conceived as a direct competitor to large fourth-generation fighters designed in the United States, such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle. The first flight of the Su-27 prototype took place on May 20, 1977, and in 1985 it entered service with the Soviet Air Force. Today it is one of the main fighters of Russia, its modifications are in service with India, China and many other countries.

General Dynamics F-111 - 2655 km / h

The General Dynamics F-111 is an American supersonic tactical bomber, aerial reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics. He made his first flight on December 21, 1964, and was put into operation on July 18, 1967. He took part in the fighting in Vietnam. In total, 562 examples were produced for the US Air Force and the Australian Air Force during the production period.

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle - 2665 km/h

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter developed in the early 70s by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), commissioned by the US Air Force to gain air superiority. Its first flight took place in July 1972. In 1974 it was put into operation. Exported to Israel, Japan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

MiG-31 - 3000 km / h

The MiG-31 is a two-seat supersonic heavy interceptor fighter. Work on its creation began at RAC MiG PJSC in 1968. The first flight took place on September 16, 1975. The aircraft was built on the basis of a single-seat MiG-25, primarily to cover the territory of the USSR from being hit by cruise missiles from the Arctic, where there was no continuous radar field. It is the first Soviet fighter of the fourth generation.

North American XB-70 Valkyrie - 3309 km / h

The North American XB-70 Valkyrie is a prototype of an American strategic bomber that was supposed to fly at an altitude of 21 thousand meters at a speed three times the speed of sound. Only two examples were built. The first experimental aircraft XB-70 Valkyrie first took to the air September 21, 1964, the second - July 17, 1965. One of the aircraft is now in the National Museum of the US Air Force near Dayton, Ohio. The second on June 8, 1966, while flying in formation of several aircraft, collided in the air with a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter fighter, fell to the ground and completely collapsed.

Bell X-2 - 3370 km / h

Bell X-2 is an American experimental aircraft designed to study aerodynamic and thermodynamic characteristics during flight at speeds from 2 to 3 Mach (Mach number). Its development began in 1945 by the Bell Aircraft Corporation in cooperation with NACA and the US Air Force. The creation of the X-2 aircraft was completed in 1952, and in 1953 its testing began. Only two examples were built. Both crashed, after which the research was stopped.

MiG-25 - 3470 km / h

The MiG-25 is a supersonic Soviet / Russian fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, the world's first serial fighter that reached a speed of more than 3 thousand km / h. It was developed by JSC RSK MiG in the early 1960s. It is the last aircraft designed by Mikhail Gurevich before his retirement. The first flight of the prototype took place in 1965, and in 1970 it was put into operation. A total of 1190 copies were produced.

Lockheed YF-12 - 3661 km / h

The third place in the list of the fastest manned aircraft in the world is occupied by the Lockheed YF-12, an American interceptor prototype developed by the famous aircraft designer Clarence Johnson based on the Lockheed A-12 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. This aircraft is the world's largest manned interceptor. It first took to the air on August 7, 1963. A total of three YF-12s were produced, each valued at approximately $18 million. After a series of flight tests, the project was closed.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird - 3818 km / h

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is an American strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed in the late 50s by Lockheed based on the Lockheed A-12 aircraft. It is the first aircraft created using stealth technology. Its first flight took place on December 22, 1964. He was in service with the United States from 1964 to 1998 and was actively used for espionage. A total of 32 aircraft were produced, 12 of which crashed in accidents (none were shot down).

North American X-15 - 7274 km / h

The North American X-15 is a hypersonic experimental rocket plane that has set a number of world speed and altitude records (107.96 km). Work on its creation began in 1955 and was entrusted to North American Aviation. A total of three prototypes were produced. On March 10, 1959, the car took to the air for the first time. Over the course of nine years - from 1959 to 1968, out of the planned 200 test flights, the X-15 carried out 199. The record was the flight of the pilot Joe Walker on August 22, 1963.

The profession of a pilot acquired a romantic halo even at the dawn of the aircraft industry - every person who took off into the sky seemed to be a hero. Little has changed in the past decades—many still consider the ability to fly a miracle. The pilots themselves, however, communicate with the aircraft on "you", squeezing the maximum out of the flying machines. We remembered the seven most interesting aviation records in history.

Aircraft speed record

The record of 3,529.56 km/h was recorded on a one-kilometer US Air Force training route when Captain Eldon W. Joeltz and Major George T. Morgan flew a Lockheed SR-71A at an altitude of 26 kilometers. In 1990, this milestone could be beaten - US Air Force lieutenant colonels Joseph Weed and Edward Yalding reached the mark of 3609 km / h, but the record was not counted - the pilots did not fly through special measuring points.

Altitude record (for jet-powered aircraft)

This record was set by the Soviet pilot Alexander Fedotov. Piloting the MiG-25, Fedotov took the record with a "slide" - he dispersed the plane to 3000 km / h, after which he began to climb sharply and, having reached the mark of 37,650 meters, sent the plane down. This height was taken without the weight of the aircraft, but the loaded machine proved to be a little worse - it reached 37,080 meters.

The maximum number of aircraft shot down in one battle (among Soviet pilots)

On July 6, 1943, while patrolling the airspace as part of a group of La-5 fighters, Senior Lieutenant Alexander Gorovets collided with a large group (from 20 to 50) of German bombers. Alexander's comrades clashed with the Messerschmitts while he single-handedly took on the bombers. In battle, Alexander shot down nine bombers (one by ramming), which is the best result among Soviet pilots. But the pilot himself did not survive - German fighters shot him down while returning to the airfield. Gorovets did not have time to eject.

Record breaking record

The An-225 "Mriya" aircraft was created for the needs of the Soviet space program and was intended for the transportation of bulky cargo (for example, spaceships). Mriya has set 240 world records, and these include: the maximum weight of a commercial cargo (247 tons), the maximum carrying capacity (253.8 tons) and the heaviest monocargo (187.6 tons) - this is how much a generator with a special frame for the Yerevan power plant weighed ). The most interesting record was set on September 27, 2012 - then Mriya raised a gallery of 500 paintings by 120 artists to a height of 10,500 meters, becoming a platform for the highest exhibition in the world.

Record landing speed of a civil aircraft

During the regular flight Kaliningrad-Odessa, the crew of the Tu-134 aircraft was warned about the weather conditions and received recommendations to slow down. The pilots of the aircraft ignored the warnings of the instruments and turned off the alarm, which reacted to high speed. The plane landed at a speed of 440 km/h (recommended - 330 km/h), and touched the runway at 415 km/h without releasing the flaps. The plane swept through the entire runway, stopping one and a half meters from the exit to the ground. Fortunately, there were no casualties. So, with a severe violation of instructions and discipline, a world record was set. What were the further adventures of the cheerful crew of the aircraft, history is silent.

Civil aircraft speed record

August 2010

The Gulfstream G650 reached a top speed of 1219 km/h in the skies over Georgia. To do this, pilots Tom Home and Harry Freeman launched the plane at a peak at an angle of 16-18 degrees. This aircraft is a business class transport and carries only eight passengers. Gulfstream G650 copes well with long distances - the aircraft overcomes more than 11,000 kilometers without landing at a speed of 906 km / h.

The largest fire plane

The Evergreen 747 Supertanker was converted from a Boeing 747-100. This aircraft is capable of carrying 77,600 liters of extinguishing agents, making it the largest firefighting aircraft. Now the aircraft is based in the United States, but if necessary, goes to where help is needed. So, for the first time the aircraft showed itself in Cuenca (Spain). In 2010, Evergreen extinguished a fire in Israel on Mount Carmel, and in 2011 it was used in a complex fire in Arizona.