One problem for future SSTs, though, is restrictions on supersonic flight over land. Aerion says it will comply with the current rules by cruising at Mach 0.98 over the U.S. In other parts of the world where rules require that the boom can’t reach the ground, Aerion can comply while flying as fast as Mach 1.1. Over the oceans, the ship can max out at Mach 1.6. Another contender, Supersonic Aerospace International, has a different plan, apparently hoping that the rules will evolve as technology improves. The company says its design, which it’s working on together with Lockheed Martin’s “Skunk Works,” will be quiet enough to fly at Mach 1.6 and up anywhere in the world. The patented aerodynamic shape of the aircraft, including an inverted V-tail, will act to dampen the sonic wave. SAI’s Quiet Supersonic Transport, or QSST, is projected to be ready for flight in 2011, with customer deliveries in 2013. The 12-passenger jet will cost $80 million.
Low Noise, Vibration
Key Takeaways:
- Future supersonic transports (SSTs) face significant restrictions on supersonic flight over land due to sonic boom regulations.
- Aerion plans to comply with current rules, flying subsonically over land (Mach 0.98) and supersonically only over oceans or in areas where the boom won't reach the ground.
- Supersonic Aerospace International (SAI), in collaboration with Lockheed Martin's "Skunk Works," is developing a "Quiet Supersonic Transport" (QSST) designed with a patented aerodynamic shape to dampen sonic waves.
- The SAI QSST aims to fly at Mach 1.6 anywhere in the world and was projected for flight in 2011, with 12-passenger deliveries costing $80 million by 2013.
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