As a kid, I would always compare the speeds of jets. All I knew was that the F-15 was one of the fastest fighter jets, the SR-71 Blackbird is faster, and that the Tu-144 is faster than the Concorde. It was not always about the shape, but the engines that power these speedbirds. Hence, I decided to list down the engines that power some of the world’s fastest jets. Since the X-15 is rocket-propelled, I did not include it here in the list. Also, the XB-70 Valkyrie never went into mass production nor did it see service.
Pratt & Whitney J58 (SR-71 Blackbird)
Engine Specifications and Performance
The SR-71 Blackbird, a reconnaissance aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J58 engines. Each J58 engine produced a thrust of 32,500 pounds, enabling the Blackbird to reach speeds of Mach 3.2 (approximately 2,200 mph). The J58 was a turbojet engine with afterburners, designed to operate continuously in afterburner mode at high altitudes.
Unique Features
The J58 engine featured a unique bleed-bypass system, which allowed air to bypass the compressor stages, reducing drag and increasing efficiency at high speeds. This system contributed to the SR-71’s ability to sustain supersonic speeds for extended periods, making it one of the fastest jets ever built.
Tumansky R-15 (MiG-25 Foxbat)
Engine Specifications and Performance
The MiG-25 Foxbat, a Soviet reconnaissance and interceptor aircraft, was powered by two Tumansky R-15 engines. Each R-15 engine generated a thrust of 22,494 pounds with afterburners. The Foxbat could achieve speeds of Mach 2.83 (approximately 2,000 mph), making it one of the fastest military jets.
Unique Features
The R-15 engines were designed for high-speed performance, featuring a single-shaft turbojet design. The engines were optimized for high-altitude flight, providing the Foxbat with impressive speed and altitude capabilities, crucial for its reconnaissance and interception missions.
Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 (Concorde)
Engine Specifications and Performance
The Concorde, a supersonic passenger airliner, was powered by four Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 engines. Each Olympus 593 engine produced a thrust of 38,050 pounds with afterburners, allowing the Concorde to cruise at speeds of Mach 2.04 (approximately 1,354 mph).
Unique Features
The Olympus 593 engines were equipped with variable engine inlets and afterburners, which provided the necessary thrust for supersonic flight. The engines were designed to operate efficiently at high speeds and altitudes, enabling the Concorde to reduce travel times significantly for transatlantic flights.
Pratt & Whitney F100 (F-15 Eagle)
Engine Specifications and Performance
The F-15 Eagle, a versatile and highly maneuverable fighter jet, was initially powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 engines. Each F100 engine produced a thrust of 23,770 pounds with afterburners, allowing the F-15 to reach speeds of Mach 2.5 (approximately 1,650 mph).
Unique Features
The F100 engines featured advanced materials and cooling systems, enabling them to withstand high temperatures and stresses associated with supersonic flight. These engines provided the F-15 with exceptional acceleration, climb rate, and agility, making it a formidable air superiority fighter.
Kuznetsov NK-144 (Tu-144)
Engine Specifications and Performance
The Tu-144, a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner, was powered by four Kuznetsov NK-144 engines. Each NK-144 engine produced a thrust of 44,122 pounds with afterburners, enabling the Tu-144 to reach speeds of Mach 2.15 (approximately 1,430 mph).
Unique Features
The NK-144 engines were designed to provide high thrust for supersonic flight, featuring afterburners and variable intake ramps. These engines enabled the Tu-144 to achieve speeds and performance comparable to the Concorde, although the aircraft had a shorter operational lifespan.
Having a high thrust does not necessarily mean that the aircraft will be faster. Aerodynamics has a lot to do with it. Nevertheless, these engines play a major role in powering the world’s fastest jets.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
