The game features a vast and authentic recreation of almost all the commercial planes, turboprops and jets from the real world. Today, we’re bringing you five of the fastest aeroplanes that you can fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. All the planes mentioned below are included in the base game so you don’t need to spend any extra cash to get that thrill of speed. Before we dive into the full list, let’s just clear up something about aircraft speed. On board a flight, you may have heard your pilot telling you that “We’re flying at the speed of 700km/h or 450mph.” However, in technical terms, an aircraft’s speed is measured in KTAS or true airspeed. According to Wikipedia, “the true airspeed of an aircraft is the speed of the aircraft relative to the air mass through which it is flying.” Here’s a handy conversion formula for KTAS: 1 KTAS = 1.85km per hour OR 1.15m per hour. Now with that out of our way, let’s get straight into it!
Aviation Cessna Citation CJ4: 451 KTAS
The Cessna Citation CJ4 is a private charter jet that is an elegant blend of speed and luxury. Powered by two tail-mounted engines, the Cessna Citation CJ4 feels rapid yet nimble, thanks to a compact body. Inside, there’s enough speed to haul ten millionaires complete with posh amenities. The Cessna Citation CJ4 features a swept-wing design with a wide windscreen behind the cockpit.
Airbus A320neo: 455 KTAS
The Airbus A320neo is a narrow-body commercial aeroplane employed by a multitude of airlines. It’s the top choice for short and medium-haul routes, thanks to its quick speed, good fuel efficiency and a large seating capacity. Despite its size, the Airbus A320neo is fast. However, it doesn’t feel quite as nimble as a Cessna Citation CJ4. The Airbus A320neo ditches the traditional yoke for a modern side-stick and fly-by-wire flight control system.
Cessna Citation Longitude: 483 KTAS
The Cessna Citation Longitude is the fastest charter jet in the game. Built for the billionaires, the Cessna Citation Longitude is rapid and nimble in the cockpit yet comfortable and serene in the back. It’s fit with a posh interior for the flyers and state of the art navigation and communication Garmin G5000 flight deck.
Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental: 493 KTAS
Now we’re in the ‘Big Boys’ league of aircraft. The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is hailed as the “Queen of the Skies”. Powered by four iconic engines, two on each wing, the Boeing 747-8 can get pretty fast at the right altitude. It’s bigger and bulkier than other planes, so it’s doesn’t feel quite as agile. While flying the plane in open skies is a complete delight, landing and take-off for such a huge jet can take some practice. However, the large size does mean more passengers to haul, which is a great thing, in real life at least.
Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner: 495 KTAS
If the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is hailed as the “Queen of the Skies,” the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is the “King of the Skies.” 787-10 Dreamliner is the aircraft of choice for pretty much all the long-haul routes. It’s big, fuel-efficient but most importantly fast. The 10 series of the 787 tweaked up a few bits to add to the capacity and fuel efficiency of the plane without taking away any of the performance. The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is a delight to fly once you master the landing and take-offs. So those were five of the fastest planes in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Since all the planes in-game are commercial planes or commercially accessible planes, you won’t find any aeroplane that will let you break the sound barrier. However, if your thirst for speed can’t be quenched by the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, then check out some of the military aircraft that you can purchase as add-ons for the game.
