Due to its photorealistic graphics and excellent flight mechanics, Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) has been rated as one of the best flight simulators. The latest edition in the series, MSFS 2024, brings an array of new aircraft and an additional career mode, with missions such as search-and-rescue, aerial firefighting, and airline passenger transport, among many others.
And when a wealthy business owner needs to attend a special event halfway across the globe or a stranded traveler needs rescuing from the Chilean desert, you need a plane with some serious speed to fly there. Here are some of the fastest airplanes in four categories in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
An aircraft’s availability depends on factors such as in-game flight certifications and experience. The selection of aircraft will also be limited depending on the type of mission.
8
MX Aircraft Company MXS-R
Air Racer 1
The MXS-R is a small yet agile airplane designed for quick turns and barrel rolls. It has a wingspan of 24ft and a one-person (pilot only) carrying capacity. The aircraft has straight wings mounted low and is famous for being flown by many racers in the Redbull Air Race World Championship.
Despite its straight wing configuration, the aircraft is nimble in handling—ideal for dangerous twists and turns in competitive racing. Moreover, it has a cruising speed of 207 mph and a total range of 863 miles, so it can go fast and stay in the air for quite some time before refueling.
7
The North American P-51D Bunny
Air Racer 2
This plane has a longstanding legacy for its role in World War II. Due to its powerful V12 engine, it can reach altitudes as high as 15000 feet and gain cruising speeds of up to 255 mph. The P-51 is still a popular choice for air racers, as it’s been flown by multiple pilots in the Reno Air Races.
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Overall, the airplane has gone down in history as being integral to the victory of the Allied powers and continues to entertain enthusiasts with its speed and range to this day.
6
Daher TBM 930
Business Jet 1
One of the best planes from MSFS 2020 to make a comeback in 2024 is the Daher TBM 930. It radiates a quiet luxury vibe with its low-mounted wings, tapered aerodynamic nose, and leather seats. But don’t let its refined exterior fool you into thinking it’s slow. On the contrary, it has a fast cruise speed of 380mph due to its powerful turboprop engine and a respectable range of 1990 miles.
All in all, this aircraft is suitable for high-paying VIP Charter Flights because, at the end of the day, it’s a business jet that mixes style with performance.
5
Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros
Fighter Jet 1
The L-39 Albatros is the quintessential trainer jet in all its glory. The aircraft design features straight wings for stability and tandem seating for the student and the instructor. In the game, it has a cruise speed of 466 mph, a maximum altitude ceiling of 12,999 ft, and a range of 1081 miles. These specifications make it suitable for low-altitude training missions.
Moreover, due to its straight wings, the jet is very stable during rolls and loops—perfect for doing inverted flight stunts during aerobatic challenges in the game. In conclusion, the L-39 is a decent machine known for its versatility in training and combat scenarios.
4
Airbus A400M Atlas
Military Transport/Cargo Plane 1
The A400M might not be the fastest on the list, it’s certainly the oddest, but one thing is undeniable—this bad boy can do some heavy lifting. It has a maximum payload capacity of 37 tons and a cruise speed of 485 mph. It’s still not available in the career mode, but we assume that it’s going to be utilized for cargo missions—on account of, you know, its apparent bulkiness.
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While it might have a decent cruise speed, it lacks the acceleration of planes such as the Citation CJ4 or the agility of the Super Hornet. However, it has a whopping range of 7300 miles, making it appropriate for military transport and cargo missions.
3
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Military Transport/Cargo Plane 2
With a wingspan of approximately 170 ft, the Globemaster III is a behemoth in the image of a cargo airplane. Not to mention, this plane can carry a significantly larger payload (70 tons) compared to the A400m.
Military cargo aircraft always prefer speed to acceleration or climb rate and this is true for Globemaster III as well. It features four powerful turbofan engines (two for each high-mounted wing) that generate 40 thousand pounds of thrust, giving it a cruise speed of 518 mph and a range of 2784 miles.
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is exclusive to the premium deluxe and aviator editions of the game.
2
Cessna Citation CJ4
Business Jet 2
The Cessna Citation CJ4 blends a sleek corporate style and efficiency. With its turbofan engine designed specifically for light business jets, the CJ4 has a low fuel burn, which gives a range of 2500 miles—ideal for taking high-paying private charter flights in the game. It also has a cruise speed of 519 mph, a range of 2491, and can climb a steep 3740 feet per minute, an impressive feat for a non-fighter aircraft.
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Needless to say, the plane screams “ka-ching!” (insert dollar symbols) on the outside, and rightfully so because it costs 7.36 mil Cr (in-game). But it’s a good investment as your earnings will also increase.
1
Boeing F/A-18E
Fighter Jet 2
The Boeing F/A-18E is the most iconic plane on this list. Also known as the Super Hornet, it was designed for the US Navy to perform as a multirole fighter jet. To that end, it has been used for strike missions, air superiority, and reconnaissance. Fun fact: the Super Hornet was featured in Top Gun: Maverick.
For its performance, it has a cruising speed of 519 mph and a range of 2492 miles. The design features swept-back wings and a curved glass canopy over the cockpit. Oh, and the afterburners exhale a bright purple flame visible at night—what’s not to like about this plane?
- Released
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November 19, 2024
- Developer(s)
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Asobo Studio
- Engine
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Asobo’s
- ESRB
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e