What is the fastest default aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Find the fastest default aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator, plus the real-world winner and key differences between MSFS 2020 and 2024.
The fastest default aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is the fictional Darkstar, capable of about Mach 10 when flown through its intended high-altitude profile. If “default” means a real aircraft rather than official bonus content, the fastest is the F/A-18E Super Hornet, at roughly Mach 1.6 in suitable conditions.
Which aircraft is actually fastest?
The answer depends on what you count as default content. Darkstar is the outright winner, but it came from the free official Top Gun: Maverick expansion rather than the original launch-day fleet.
| Comparison | Fastest aircraft | Approximate performance |
|---|---|---|
| All installed official MSFS 2020 content | Darkstar | About Mach 10 |
| Real-world official aircraft | F/A-18E Super Hornet | About Mach 1.6 |
| Original Standard-edition civilian fleet | Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental | Around Mach 0.85 in normal cruise |
| Included business jets | Cessna Citation Longitude | Up to about 483 KTAS; Premium Deluxe |
These figures are not directly interchangeable. Mach number, true airspeed and cruise speed describe different operating conditions, while a high ground speed may simply come from a tailwind.
Does the Darkstar count as a default aircraft?
Darkstar counts as official Microsoft Flight Simulator content, but not as an original base-package aircraft. It was distributed through the free Top Gun: Maverick expansion and may require a separate installation or entitlement.
If it is missing from the aircraft selector, check the simulator’s content library to see whether the package is owned and installed. Do not place third-party supersonic aircraft in the same category: our breakdown of official MSFS 2020 fighter aircraft explains which fast jets came from Microsoft rather than external add-ons.
What is the fastest real aircraft in MSFS 2020?
The F/A-18E Super Hornet is the fastest real aircraft supplied as official MSFS 2020 content. It can reach roughly Mach 1.6, although altitude, configuration, fuel load and weather affect what the simulator displays.
A dive or flight-model exploit may produce a larger number, but that is not a meaningful top-speed comparison. Use clean configuration, level flight and stable atmospheric conditions when comparing aircraft.
What is the fastest civilian default aircraft?
Among the original Standard-edition civilian aircraft, the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is the practical high-speed leader at airliner cruise altitudes. The Premium Deluxe Citation Longitude is the quickest included business jet, with a maximum cruise figure of about 483 KTAS; our Citation performance comparison shows how it differs from the slower CJ4.
How do you reach Mach 10 in the Darkstar?
Darkstar reaches hypersonic speed only after the correct climb, acceleration and propulsion transition; pushing the throttles forward after take-off is not enough.
- Use the Darkstar training activity first. Its high-speed system has an operating envelope unlike an ordinary jet.
- Climb and accelerate on the conventional engines. The scramjet system will not provide the intended thrust while the aircraft is too low or too slow.
- Follow the cockpit prompts and checklist. Make the high-speed propulsion transition only after reaching the required conditions.
- Continue the high-altitude profile. Watch Mach number rather than indicated airspeed as the atmosphere becomes thinner.
The common failure is attempting the transition prematurely. If Darkstar stops accelerating, verify altitude, Mach number and system configuration before assuming the aircraft is faulty.
Which speed reading should you compare?
Mach number is the clearest measurement for comparing Darkstar and the F/A-18E at high altitude.
- Mach expresses speed relative to the local speed of sound and is the useful figure for supersonic aircraft.
- True airspeed measures movement through the surrounding air and is useful for comparing civilian cruise performance.
- Indicated airspeed is central to aerodynamic limits but appears surprisingly low at extreme altitude.
- Ground speed includes wind and therefore should not be used to decide which aircraft is inherently fastest.
What about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 needs an edition-specific answer because its bundled fleet differs and compatible content carried over from MSFS 2020 can change what appears in the hangar. If Darkstar is installed and selectable, it remains the outright speed winner.
For a fresh 2024 installation without carried-over content, compare only aircraft bundled with that edition; the fastest choices are conventional jets rather than a Mach 10 aircraft. Our edition-by-edition MSFS 2024 aircraft guide separates bundled aircraft from content added through other entitlements.