What Mach 50 speed would look like at ground level is displayed in an insane simulation that's left people with their jaws on the floor
Published on Jul 07, 2026 at 4:05 AM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jul 07, 2026 at 4:05 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Have you ever wondered what Mach 50 speed would look like from at ground level? Wonder no more, thanks to this mind-blowing simulation.
Plenty of planes have reached speeds that practically defy physics from the Concorde to the SR-71 Blackbird.
But even the fastest plane, the X-15 tops out at Mach 6.7.
So we can’t help but wonder what it would look like if a plane could reach Mach 50. In short: it’ll leave you stunned.
This simulation has made Mach 50 a reality
The simulation was shared to the YouTube channel Airplane Mode, where it has amassed more than two million views.
In it, viewers are treated to a POV shot out of the front of a plane travelling at Mach 50 – the equivalent of 38,363 miles per hour.
Created by using a Lockheed Darkstar in Microsoft Flight Simulator, the video takes viewers on a whistle stop tour from Los Angeles to New York City.
To create the Mach 50 speed, the creator simply conducted the flight at Mach 10 and sped up the footage.
As the plane made its way across the mountains, canyons and deserts that make up the continental US, there was barely any time to take in the views.
Viewers were left stunned by this display.
“Puts into perspective how big the earth is. But small at the same time,” one wrote.
“I’m just imagining the trail of shattered windows and eardrums this trip would leave in its wake,” another commented.
The fastest planes on Earth don’t reach these dizzying heights but they’re still mighty fast
You couldn’t talk about fast planes without giving the Concorde its due.
The airplane first flew in 1969 and entered service with Air France and British Airways in 1976.
It had a top speed of 1,354mph, or Mach 2.04.
While it’s the fastest commercial passenger plane, there are planes which out rank it in terms of speed.
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the fastest airbreathing manned aircraft ever made.
Blackbird could fly at a maximum speed of 2,200mph or Mach 3.3.
And even that pales in comparison to the North American X-15, which can reach a top speed of 4,250mph (Mach 6.7).
Given how fast that it is, we can only imagine a Mach 50 plane in real life.
Suffice to say, it’d be gone in a flash and would leave a people with burst ear drums.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
