Special Report
The F-15 Eagle: Fastest Fighter Jet in the US Military
Published:
Last Updated:
This article was written with the assistance of A.I. technology, and has been edited and fact-checked by Melly Alazraki.
The F-15 Eagle – a twin-engine, supersonic fighter jet – first flew in 1972. It has since become renowned as one of the fastest and most effective warplanes in existence. The F-15 has a top speed of 1,875 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest fighter jets in the world and the fastest in the U.S. armed forces, according to Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more. Throughout the tactical fighter jet’s nearly 50-year history, the U.S. Air Force used it to gain and maintain air superiority.
The F-15’s speed and maneuverability are a result of its powerful engines and design. The jet is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, which give it the thrust it needs to reach Mach speeds, and the high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing-loading enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed. In addition, the F-15’s airframe is designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, helping it to reduce drag and increase speed.
The F-15’s speed and agility make it a valuable asset in dogfights, where it can outmaneuver many opponents. This was put to the test during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, when F-15C, D, and E models were deployed and proved their superior combat capability, according to the Air Force. F-15C fighters accounted for 34 of the 37 Air Force air-to-air victories.
While the U.S. Air Force plans to replace some of its F-15 squadrons, variants remain an important part of the U.S. military’s air superiority capabilities.
Click here to see the top 10 fastest planes in the US military
Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)
Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s made it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.
Here’s how it works:
- Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
- Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
- Choose Your Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.
Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.