Aviation enthusiasts likely know that a commercial airplane typically flies at around 850 to 900 kilometers per hour, but there are models, such as the Airbus A330Neo, that can reach a maximum speed of 1,061 km/h or the Boeing B788 which reaches 1,051 km/h.
This time, we're not discussing the supersonic Lockheed SR-71 that exceeds the sound barrier, which has a maximum speed of 3,540 kilometers per hour at 25,000 meters up; we're talking about the time it takes for a military aircraft to cross Spain from end to end. And, interestingly, it takes less time than we spend having a cup of coffee when it's served very hot.
Recently, pilot Antonio Mancebo, who is part of the Air Force, shared on the podcast 'Búscate la vida' some curiosities about the world of aviation and the F18, the military plane he usually pilots.
Mancebo has answered many questions that aviation lovers frequently ask. For example, we now know that F18s can carry different numbers of missiles depending on their configuration. Some are set up to transport six or even eight.
We also learned that there are different types of missiles. On one hand, there are infrared missiles, which 'detect heat,' and radar-guided missiles, 'which can be launched at a great distance and guided by the aircraft's radar.' The choice of one or the other will depend on the specific mission or threat.
'Top Gun' is a classic film (we're not talking about the new installment: Maverick) that has brought us closer to the world of military aviation, increasing our interest in how these fighters are piloted, the skills and training required to get behind the controls, and, of course, the missions where their services are essential.
How long does it take for an F18 to cross Spain?
And beyond all these curiosities, what caught our attention the most was the speed that military jets achieve. Mancebo explained that, for instance, the route from Barcelona to Galicia can be covered in about half an hour. And keep in mind, there is a distance of just over 1,000 kilometers.
When an F18 is given a mission, its nature must be taken into account since it can be urgent, and in such cases, every second is critical. From Torrejón, the airbase where Antonio Mancebo usually operates, it can take about 15 minutes to reach the Strait at maximum speed. Yes, you read that right; this pilot takes less time to get from Madrid to the Strait of Gibraltar than many of us take to have a morning shower. The same goes for the Madrid - Barcelona route, where a commercial plane would take about 50 minutes, while an F18 can complete it in around 20.
In a combat aircraft, speeds can double those of a commercial plane, and they can also fly at higher altitudes. Additionally, it is important to note that the former do not follow a straight line; rather, they must adhere to air traffic controller instructions and respect the designated times for takeoff and landing. In the case of an F18, since it does not have to follow the same protocols as passenger planes, times are significantly reduced.
In conclusion, as Mancebo explained on the podcast 'Búscate la vida', calculating how long it takes for a fighter aircraft to cross Spain from end to end is not that complicated. 'In the end, you do the math with a commercial aircraft... divide by half and a little less, and that's what you're going to take,' concludes the pilot.