[Itzlzha]

I didn't know the Foxbat could do Mach 3. The SR-71 could do it... I don't even think F14's can (not sure)

Well, I'm not sure this violates the "Loose Lips" mandate, but US planes have LONG passed that 2000 mph.

The SR-71 top speed is still classified, but is well past 5000 mph.

As far as the F-14, I have been told that it took a squadron 55 minutes to cross the US from California to a Carrier leaving South Carolina...and that was with 2 slowdowns for re-fueling. You do the math.

Don't ask for "source" or "proof". Take the info or leave it, no sweat off my front.

[GladesGuru]

A friend of mine mentioned that a classified doc was printed in a mil magazine which verified your speed for the SR 71.

Not bad for an almost ancient bird!

[stboz]

The SR-71 top speed is still classified, but is well past 5000 mph.

It'll go that fast, but the crew will become crispy critters since the cabin cooling won't keep up the frictional heat generation.

I never cease to be amazed by the Blackbird. Kelly Johnson was a wizard.

[midwestmidnight]

Any sophomore aero engineer should be able to figure out the theoretical top speed of a specific jet just by measuring the geometry of the engine intakes. Turbojet/turbofan engines cannot run if they injest air flowing at supersonic speeds. Some planes, like the T-38 and F-16 have fixed ramp inlets which limit their speed to sub-Mach 2. Others like the F-15 have variable geometry intakes and bleed-air doors that allow them to reach higher speeds. The SR-71 also has variable geometry intakes and bleed doors. That big spike in the front of each intake has more that three feet of travel.

Another consideration for sustained high speed flight would be the airframe's structural material. Any flight at sustained speeds of Mach 3 create, due to friction, surface temperatures that would cause an aluminum airframe to "fold" . An F-14's airframe, which is predominantly aluminum, would not be able to make the flight that you describe. An SR-71, which is constructed mainly of titanium, will have surface temperatures, in some areas, greater that 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Their airframes are actually annealed during every flight and are said to be strengthened. The useful life of the program was supposedly determined by the engine life and availability of spares for the J-58's.