The question "Which country has the fastest fighter plane?" is ambiguous because it depends on what is meant by "fighter plane". The term "fighter plane" is usually associated with operational military aircraft, rather than experimental high-speed research aircraft. If we assume that the question is looking for the country with the fastest operational fighter jet, then it would be a different answer to one looking for the fastest manned aircraft ever.
If we consider the speed records, the fastest manned aircraft ever was the X-15. This was an experimental high-speed rocket-powered research aircraft.
The Fastest Manned Aircraft
| Aircraft | Speed | Country |
|---|---|---|
| NASA/USAF X-15 | Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph) | United States |
Based on the provided reference, the X-15, was a joint operation between NASA and the United States Airforce. Therefore, the country with the fastest manned aircraft, was the United States.
If we instead interpret the question to refer to operational military fighter jets, then the information above is not relevant. Currently, the fastest operational military jets are the following:
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (United States): While not strictly a fighter, this reconnaissance aircraft reached speeds over Mach 3.
- MiG-25 Foxbat (Soviet Union/Russia): A fighter-interceptor that reached speeds over Mach 3.
- MiG-31 Foxhound (Soviet Union/Russia): An improved version of the MiG-25, also a very fast interceptor.
However, none of these reach the speeds of the X-15. Since the question does not specify operational military fighter jets, the answer, based on the provided reference, should focus on the fastest manned aircraft, which was the X-15, and which was developed by the United States.
