Turbo records!
On this day in 1952, The de Havilland Comet became entered service for BOAC, making it the earliest commercial jet powered aircraft. Since then the jet engine has transformed the nature of speed records and here are some of our favourites:
Fastest combat jet
The fastest combat jet is the Russian Mikoyan MiG-25 fighter (NATO code name `Foxbat'). The reconnaissance 'Foxbat-B' has been tracked by radar at about Mach 3.2 (3,395 km/h 2,110 mph).
Largest collection of jet-fighters
The world's biggest jet fighter private collection numbers 110, and belongs to French winemaker Michel Pont, of Savigny-Les-Beaune, in the Burgundy region. His hobby started in 1985, and includes Russian MiGs, British Jaguars and French Mirages. He buys them from governments although they are not allowed to be flown over French airspace.
Most powerful jet engine
A General Electric GE90-115B turbofan engine achieved steady state thrust of 568,927 N (127,900 lb) during final certification testing at Peebles, Ohio, USA, in December 2002.
Smallest jet aircraft
The smallest jet aircraft is the home-built Bede BD-5J Microjet owned by Juan Jimenez of San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA, which weighs 162 kg (358 lb), is 3.7 m (12 ft) long, has a 5.7 m (17 ft) wingspan, and can fly at 483 km/h (300 mph).
Most expensive jet privately owned
At a price of $45 million (£31 million), the Gulfstream V-SP is the most expensive private jet ever made. It has a range of 12,500 km (7,800 miles) at long range cruise speeds, and is capable of flying 9,260 km (5,750 miles) at 0.87 mach. It has Rolls-Royce BR-710 engines and airframe drag reduction.
22 January 2008