// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Supersonic
Supersonic describes anything moving faster than the speed of sound. When an object travels at supersonic speeds, it creates a shockwave, often heard as a sonic boom.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Supersonic refers to speeds exceeding the local speed of sound (Mach 1), characterized by the formation of shock waves and distinct aerodynamic phenomena, critical for the design and performance of high-speed aircraft and rocket re-entry vehicles.
BACKGROUND
A supersonic transport (SST) or a supersonic airliner is a civilian supersonic aircraft designed to transport passengers at speeds greater than the speed of sound in terms of air speed. To date, the only SSTs to see regular service have been Concorde and the Tupolev Tu-144, although the Boom Technology Overture SST may succeed in starting service around 2029, which would make it the third operational SST. The last passenger flight of the Tu-144 was in June 1978 and it was last flown in 1999 by NASA. Concorde's last commercial flight was in October 2003, with a November 26, 2003, ferry flight being its last flight.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- faster than sound
- Mach 1+
- hypersonic (higher range)
USAGE NOTE
Supersonic flight presents unique challenges for aircraft design due to increased drag and heating.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Supersonic.
Developing Overture, a supersonic airliner designed for commercial passenger travel. Their goal is to make supersonic flight mainstream and environmentally sustainable.
Conducts extensive research into supersonic flight, including the development of quiet supersonic technology. Their X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) project aims to reduce the sound of a sonic boom to a quiet thud.
Collaborates with NASA on the X-59 QueSST project, responsible for designing, building, and delivering the experimental supersonic aircraft designed to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight.
Developing a family of quiet supersonic aircraft for both commercial and defense applications, including a low-boom supersonic airliner and special mission aircraft.
Focused on building Mach 5 aircraft, which inherently involves operating in supersonic flight regimes. They are developing high-speed aircraft for both commercial and defense use, aiming to revolutionize global transportation.
Developing the Spike S-512, a supersonic business jet designed to reduce flight times significantly for business and luxury travel.