Intro
Discover the top 5 fastest 2-seater fighter jets in the world, featuring advanced aircraft with incredible speed and maneuverability. From trainer jets to combat-ready fighters, explore the likes of the F-15E Strike Eagle, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and Eurofighter Typhoon, and learn about their impressive capabilities, thrust-to-weight ratios, and supersonic cruise speeds.
The thrill of supersonic flight, the rush of adrenaline as you soar through the skies in a machine that's as much a work of art as it is a deadly instrument of war. For decades, fighter jets have been the epitome of military aviation, and among the most coveted and feared of these aircraft are the 2-seater variants. Designed to carry a pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), these jets are capable of flying faster and farther than their single-seat counterparts, while also providing the added benefit of having an extra pair of eyes in the cockpit.
From the iconic F-14 Tomcat to the cutting-edge F/A-18 Hornet, 2-seater fighter jets have played a crucial role in modern air warfare. But which of these aircraft are the fastest? In this article, we'll take a look at the top 5 fastest 2-seater fighter jets, and explore what makes them so unique.
5. F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter jet developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the United States Navy. The 2-seater variant, known as the F/A-18D, was introduced in the 1980s and has since become a staple of naval aviation. With a top speed of over Mach 1.8 (1,200 mph), the F/A-18D is capable of flying at speeds that few other aircraft can match.
One of the key features of the F/A-18D is its ability to carry a wide range of ordnance, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and rockets. This, combined with its advanced radar and avionics systems, makes it a formidable opponent in the skies.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 56 ft 1 in (17.1 m)
- Wingspan: 40 ft 5 in (12.3 m)
- Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m)
- Empty weight: 24,700 lb (11,200 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 51,900 lb (23,600 kg)
- Engines: 2 x General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofans
- Thrust: 17,000 lbf (75.6 kN) each
- Top speed: Mach 1.8 (1,200 mph)
4. F-15E Strike Eagle
The F-15E Strike Eagle is a multirole fighter jet developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the United States Air Force. The 2-seater variant, known as the F-15E, was introduced in the 1980s and has since become a mainstay of US airpower. With a top speed of over Mach 2.5 (1,800 mph), the F-15E is one of the fastest aircraft in the world.
One of the key features of the F-15E is its advanced radar and avionics systems, which provide the pilot and RIO with a comprehensive view of the battlefield. This, combined with its ability to carry a wide range of ordnance, makes it a highly effective aircraft in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 63 ft 9 in (19.4 m)
- Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.1 m)
- Height: 18 ft 5 in (5.6 m)
- Empty weight: 28,000 lb (12,700 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 81,000 lb (36,700 kg)
- Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofans
- Thrust: 23,000 lbf (102.3 kN) each
- Top speed: Mach 2.5 (1,800 mph)
3. F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic fighter jet developed by Grumman for the United States Navy. The 2-seater variant, known as the F-14B, was introduced in the 1980s and has since become an iconic symbol of naval aviation. With a top speed of over Mach 2.34 (1,600 mph), the F-14B is capable of flying at speeds that few other aircraft can match.
One of the key features of the F-14B is its advanced radar and avionics systems, which provide the pilot and RIO with a comprehensive view of the battlefield. This, combined with its ability to carry a wide range of ordnance, makes it a highly effective aircraft in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 62 ft 9 in (19.1 m)
- Wingspan: 38 ft 2 in (11.6 m)
- Height: 16 ft 1 in (4.9 m)
- Empty weight: 40,100 lb (18,200 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 74,400 lb (33,700 kg)
- Engines: 2 x General Electric F110-GE-400 turbofans
- Thrust: 27,000 lbf (120.1 kN) each
- Top speed: Mach 2.34 (1,600 mph)
2. F/A-18F Super Hornet
The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a multirole fighter jet developed by Boeing for the United States Navy. The 2-seater variant, known as the F/A-18F, was introduced in the 1990s and has since become a mainstay of naval aviation. With a top speed of over Mach 1.8 (1,200 mph), the F/A-18F is capable of flying at speeds that few other aircraft can match.
One of the key features of the F/A-18F is its advanced radar and avionics systems, which provide the pilot and RIO with a comprehensive view of the battlefield. This, combined with its ability to carry a wide range of ordnance, makes it a highly effective aircraft in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 60 ft 1 in (18.3 m)
- Wingspan: 44 ft 8 in (13.6 m)
- Height: 16 ft 4 in (5 m)
- Empty weight: 24,400 lb (11,100 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 66,000 lb (29,900 kg)
- Engines: 2 x General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans
- Thrust: 22,000 lbf (97.9 kN) each
- Top speed: Mach 1.8 (1,200 mph)
1. MiG-31 Foxhound
The MiG-31 Foxhound is a supersonic fighter jet developed by Mikoyan-Gurevich for the Soviet Union. The 2-seater variant, known as the MiG-31B, was introduced in the 1980s and has since become a staple of Russian airpower. With a top speed of over Mach 2.8 (1,800 mph), the MiG-31B is the fastest 2-seater fighter jet in the world.
One of the key features of the MiG-31B is its advanced radar and avionics systems, which provide the pilot and RIO with a comprehensive view of the battlefield. This, combined with its ability to carry a wide range of ordnance, makes it a highly effective aircraft in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 77 ft 1 in (23.5 m)
- Wingspan: 45 ft 7 in (13.9 m)
- Height: 20 ft 7 in (6.3 m)
- Empty weight: 38,500 lb (17,500 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 93,700 lb (42,500 kg)
- Engines: 2 x Soloviev D-30F6 turbofans
- Thrust: 35,000 lbf (155.7 kN) each
- Top speed: Mach 2.8 (1,800 mph)
As we've seen, the top 5 fastest 2-seater fighter jets are a mix of old and new, with each aircraft bringing its own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. From the iconic F-14 Tomcat to the cutting-edge MiG-31 Foxhound, these aircraft are the epitome of modern airpower, and will likely continue to play a major role in shaping the future of military aviation.
Fastest Fighter Jets Image Gallery
What is the fastest fighter jet in the world?
+The fastest fighter jet in the world is the MiG-31 Foxhound, with a top speed of over Mach 2.8 (1,800 mph).
What is the difference between a single-seat and 2-seater fighter jet?
+A single-seat fighter jet has one pilot, while a 2-seater has a pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO). The RIO assists the pilot in navigating and targeting.
Which fighter jet is the most advanced?
+The most advanced fighter jet is the F/A-18F Super Hornet, with advanced radar and avionics systems, as well as the ability to carry a wide range of ordnance.