What is the top speed of the Super Hornet?
The Super Hornet's top speed is approximately Mach 1.8, about 1,190 mph (1,915 km/h) at altitude.
In practice, speed depends on altitude, payload, and aircraft configuration. The figure most often cited by the U.S. Navy and the manufacturer is Mach 1.8 at altitude, typically with internal fuel and no heavy external stores. This article explains that official number and how real-world conditions can alter it.
Official speed specification
Official top-speed data is published by the U.S. Navy and the fighter's maker. The key figure used in public documentation is the maximum speed attainable under standard test conditions.
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (approximately 1,190 mph / 1,915 km/h) at altitude.
That single figure serves as the reference point for performance comparisons and mission planning.
Factors that influence the top speed
Several elements can determine whether the Super Hornet reaches its maximum Mach in flight.
- Altitude and air density: The published Mach 1.8 figure is achieved at higher altitudes where thinner air reduces drag and engine performance is optimized.
- Payload and external stores: Weapons, fuel tanks, and pylons add drag and can lower the peak attainable speed.
- Engine operation and afterburner: Reaching maximum speed generally requires afterburner; operating without it reduces top speed.
- Airspeed regime and configuration: Flight at high Mach numbers depends on maintaining appropriate air intake and flight configuration; adverse weather or damage can limit speed.
- Maintenance and wear: Engine performance can be affected by maintenance state and component wear, though this is less noticeable in public spec sheets.
In practice, pilots may not reach Mach 1.8 in typical combat or training flights due to drag, payload, and mission constraints.
Summary
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is designed to reach about Mach 1.8 (roughly 1,190 mph or 1,915 km/h) at altitude under standard test conditions. Real-world speed varies with altitude, loadout, and configuration, so the maximum is often not realized in routine operations.
How fast can an F-35 fly across the US?
An F-35 can fly across the U.S. in approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes under cruise conditions, factoring in the need for aerial refueling. While its top speed is Mach 1.6, it's not used for long-distance travel because of fuel consumption and engine stress. For comparison, an F-16 would be slightly faster, taking about 1 hour and 37 minutes, though this assumes a comparable mission profile without external fuel tanks.
You can watch this video to learn about the F-35's top speed and range: 53sOut Of Your MindYouTube · Jun 26, 2023
- Estimated flight time: Approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes, based on a cruise speed of Mach 0.86 (659 mph) and requiring at least one aerial refueling stop.
- Top speed vs. practical speed: The F-35 has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (around 1,227 mph), but this is not its normal cruising speed due to high fuel consumption and potential engine stress.
- Refueling: The F-35 has a limited internal fuel range, so it needs aerial refueling to cross the country, which adds time to the total flight.
- Comparison with F-16: An F-16 is estimated to be faster, completing the trip in around 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Is the F-22 the fastest jet?
-While not the fastest aircraft ever built, the F-22's real advantage lies in its “supercruise” capability, which allows it to maintain supersonic speeds (above Mach 1.5) without using afterburner, thus conserving fuel and expanding its operational range.
What plane goes 7000 mph?
the X-43A
During its third and final flight—in which it reached nearly Mach 10—the X-43A flew at approximately 7,000 mph at 110,000 feet, setting the current world speed record for an air-breathing vehicle.
Is the F18 faster than the F-16?
Pure speed
The F-16 has a top speed of Mach 2.0. The F/A-18 can only reach Mach 1.8. Still, these planes are both very fast when they need to be. But in a pure drag race, the F-16 will win – and by a decent margin.
