An Overview of Nine Active Supersonic Aircraft in the United States

The United States still possesses a range of aircraft capable of supersonic flight, although most of these belong to the military. It is worth noting that an aircraft's supersonic capability does not mean it frequently flies at supersonic speeds during operations. In fact, for most modern fighters, sustained supersonic flight is used selectively because it rapidly depletes fuel and imposes significant thermal and aerodynamic stresses on the aircraft. This article will list the aircraft currently in service with the US military that have officially declared supersonic capabilities, including fighters, an electronic warfare aircraft, a bomber, and even training and adversary aircraft. This list excludes retired aircraft or experimental X-planes. Here are nine such aircraft.

The Endurance and Evolution of the F-15 Eagle

1. F-15 Eagle
The F-15 remains one of the fastest operational combat fighters in the US, with its first flight dating back over fifty years. The current US Air Force fleet includes the F-15E Strike Eagle, and the more advanced F-15EX Eagle II is also entering service. The F-15E has a top speed of around Mach 2.5, or approximately 1,875 mph. While the aircraft's two afterburning engines provide the necessary thrust, in combat, the aircraft rarely flies at its maximum speed.

The F-15's longevity is also a key factor in its success; the US has not completely replaced the entire fleet but has continuously evolved the design into newer models equipped with modern sensors, weapons, and avionics.

The Supercruise Capability of the F-22 Raptor

2. F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 is much smaller than the F-15 but can still reach speeds of around Mach 2 at high altitudes. This single-engine fighter has been in US service since the late 1970s and remains the most numerous tactical aircraft in the US inventory. The Air Force describes it as a compact multirole fighter capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This combination of speed, agility, and relatively small size has made the F-16 one of the most widely used fighter designs in the world.

3. F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor combines supersonic performance with another, more specialized capability: the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without continuously using afterburners. The Air Force describes the F-22 as a Mach 2-class aircraft with supercruise capability. It can cruise at speeds exceeding Mach 1.5 without afterburners, potentially flying faster than traditional subsonic combat aircraft. The Raptor's primary design purpose is as an air superiority fighter, with stealth, sensor fusion, and agility being as important in its design as pure speed.

4. F-35 Lightning II
While the F-35 is not the fastest aircraft on this list, all three US variants are supersonic: the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C. Their top speed is around Mach 1.6. The F-35B is particularly notable for its ability to combine supersonic flight with short takeoff and landing capability, allowing the Marine Corps to operate from amphibious ships and austere bases. The F-35's design prioritizes stealth, sensors, and network connectivity over extreme speed, so Mach 1.6 should be seen as a capability rather than its normal operating range.

5. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
The US Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is another carrier-based supersonic fighter. NAVAIR lists its maximum airspeed as Mach 1.8+. This twin-engine aircraft serves as a multirole fighter and attack platform on US carriers. Unlike some older carrier aircraft, the Super Hornet was designed from the outset to meet the needs of modern carrier operations, combining supersonic performance, weapons carriage, range, and multirole flexibility.

6. EA-18G Growler
The EA-18G Growler looks very similar to the Super Hornet because it is based on the F/A-18F design. However, its mission is entirely different. The Growler is a specialized airborne electronic warfare aircraft for the US Navy, designed to jam and attack enemy radar and communications systems while supporting other aircraft. Despite carrying dedicated electronic warfare equipment, it retains the basic high-performance characteristics of the Super Hornet.

US Navy data indicates its top speed is around Mach 1.8.

The Special Design of the B-1B Lancer

7. B-1B Lancer
Not all active US supersonic aircraft are fighters. According to the Air Force, the B-1B Lancer is a long-range strategic bomber capable of reaching speeds of around Mach 1.2. Its variable-sweep wing design allows it to configure according to the flight environment. This makes the B-1B quite unique on this list because it is much larger than the aforementioned fighters but can still break the sound barrier.

8. T-38 Talon
Supersonic capability is not limited to fighters. The US Air Force's T-38 Talon is a twin-seat supersonic trainer used to prepare pilots for flying high-performance aircraft. The design first flew in the 1950s, making it one of the oldest aircraft designs still in service in the US military. However, its ability to provide high-speed jet training keeps it relevant for generations of pilots. Its continued existence is a reminder that aircraft do not have to be frontline fighters to be operationally important or possess supersonic capability.

9. F-5 Tiger II
The F-5N/F Tiger II occupies another special niche. Although the original F-5 is decades old, the US Navy and Marine Corps continue to operate upgraded versions, primarily as adversary aircraft, providing a representative target for US pilots to train against. This lightweight fighter is capable of supersonic flight, with the F-5 series reaching speeds of around Mach 1.6. In other words, the US still operates a supersonic aircraft whose primary mission is to simulate the enemy.

The story of supersonic flight in the US goes far beyond fighters and bombers. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to lift the 53-year ban on commercial supersonic flight over the US mainland by the middle of 2027. The next major chapter may be about making supersonic flight quieter, more efficient, and potentially applicable to civilian travel.

The Diversity and Future Outlook of US Supersonic Aircraft

US supersonic aircraft are not limited to fighters but also include bombers and trainers, showcasing the diversity of its military aviation. These aircraft are designed with performance, flexibility, and mission requirements in mind, thus maintaining their importance in modern warfare. As the Federal Aviation Administration plans to lift the ban on supersonic flight, future US supersonic technology may further impact the civilian aviation market, promoting more efficient travel methods.