Summary The SAAB J21 featured a maximum speed of 432 knots and was designed by SAAB in anticipation of World War II. The Heinkel He 280, with a maximum speed of 486 knots, was the world's first jet fighter, produced nine prototypes. The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, with a maximum speed of 502 knots, was the first operational jet fighter for the USAAF in WWII.
Hundreds of different aircraft were attempted during World War II, most of which were either dead on the drawing board or never made it to production. Yet, a large number not only flew during World War II but also featured some of the highest speeds at the time. This article explores some top-speed aircraft of the Second World War.
5 SAAB J21 Maximum speed: 432 knots (497 mph, 795 km/h) Built : 1943 Origin : Sweden Number built : 298 The SAAB J21 was a prop/jet-powered attack aircraft, designed and developed by SAAB, could reach a maximum speed of 432 knots (497 mph, 795 km/h). The single-seat low-wing aircraft was developed in the mid-1930s in preparation for World War II. The Swedish Air Force decided to embark on a major expansion program anticipating a possibility of being drawn into the Second World War.
The pusher-propeller twin-boom design allowed greater visibility for the single pilot, even during the use of guns carried in the aircraft's nose. The adoption of the ejection seat allowed pilot to safety eject during an emergency without hitting the propeller in the rear. The aircraft performed its maiden flight in.