Supersonic travel
Supersonic travel refers to flying faster than the speed of sound, which is approximately 343 meters per second (about 1,125 feet per second) at sea level. This technology allows aircraft to reduce flight times significantly; for example, a supersonic flight from New York to London could take under four hours instead of eight. Supersonic jets, like the Concorde, have higher fuel consumption and create sonic booms—loud noises caused by shock waves. While commercial supersonic travel has been limited, ongoing developments aim to make it more efficient and quieter for potential future use.
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Supersonic travel refers to moving faster than the speed of sound, which is approximately 1,125 feet per second or 343 meters per second at sea level. In aviation, this means flying at speeds of Mach 1 or higher. Supersonic aircraft, like the Concorde, could reduce travel time significantly, making long-distance flights faster and more efficient. However, such speeds can create sonic booms—loud noises resulting from shockwaves when breaking the sound barrier—which have led to restrictions on supersonic flights over land. Advances in technology aim to develop quieter and more environmentally friendly supersonic travel for commercial use.