List of vehicle speed records

The following is a list of speed records for various types of vehicles. This list only presents the single greatest speed achieved in each broad record category; for more information on records under variations of test conditions, see the specific article for each record category. As with many world records, there may be some dispute over the criteria for a record-setting event, the authority of the organization certifying the record, and the actual speed achieved.

Land vehicles

By type of vehicle

By surface

Rail vehicles

Aircraft

Aircraft speed records are based on true airspeed, rather than ground speed.

Noted unofficial records

Watercraft

Spacecraft

In order to unambiguously express the speed of a spacecraft, a frame of reference must be specified. Typically, this frame is fixed to the body with the greatest gravitational influence on the spacecraft, as this is the most relevant frame for most purposes. Velocities in different frames of reference are not directly comparable; thus the matter of the "fastest spacecraft" depends on the reference frame used.

Because of the influence of gravity, maximum velocities are usually attained when a spacecraft is close to its primary body: either just after launch, at a point of closest approach (periapsis), or during the early stages of atmospheric entry.

See also

• Orders of magnitude (speed)

References

1. Speed record
2. Railway speed record
3. Land speed record
4. Underwater speed record
5. List of world records in speed skating
6. Water speed record
7. Flight airspeed record
8. List of cycling records
9. Speed
10. Bluebird record-breaking vehicles
11. Production car speed record
12. Bonneville Speedway
13. List of space races
14. ThrustSSC
15. List of weather records
16. Bonneville Salt Flats
17. Bloodhound LSR
18. TGV world speed record
19. Audi RS 6
20. Rocket sled