Supersonic flight is making a comeback decades after the Concorde. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed new rules on supersonic flight, which could pave the way for faster-than-sound travel over land.

History of Supersonic Flight

In the 1960s, the US Federal Aviation Administration conducted a series of tests to gauge the public’s attitude toward supersonic flight. The tests, which involved flying military aircraft at supersonic speeds over Oklahoma City, generated a significant amount of noise and sparked controversy.

The Concorde, a supersonic jet that was introduced in the 1970s, was able to fly at speeds of up to Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph). However, the plane was eventually retired in 2003 due to high operating costs and concerns over noise.

New Technology

Today, new technology is being developed to reduce the noise associated with supersonic flight. Companies such as Boom Supersonic are working on designs that can fly at supersonic speeds without generating sonic booms. The FAA has proposed a new standard for supersonic flight, which would allow aircraft to fly at speeds of up to Mach 1 (around 768 mph) over land, as long as they do not generate sonic booms that exceed a certain threshold.

NASA is also working on an experimental plane called the X-59, which is designed to reduce the intensity of sonic booms. The plane features a unique design, with a long, pointed nose and a smooth underside, which helps to reduce the shockwave that generates the sonic boom.

Future of Supersonic Flight

The future of supersonic flight looks promising, with several companies and organizations working on new designs and technologies. The FAA’s proposed rules on supersonic flight could pave the way for the development of new supersonic aircraft, which could revolutionize air travel and reduce travel times.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.