About Sonic Booms and Quiet Aircraft

[royp]

Hello,
I am having this small confusion about sonic boom. Let's talk about aircrafts of the future -say having electric, noiseless engines (suppose). Essentially, these aircrafts practically generate no noise while flying. Now, if these aircrafts can travel faster than sound, will there still be sonic boom - in terms of loud noise and shattered window-glass?

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to the PF.

Yes, it will still generate a sonic boom, since that is caused by the air being displaced by the aircraft as it flies, not engine noise.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/...6WTPipDkBoQYVezcHn4eyGwTJq7_5PX3TuIesl2d2VI1A

 

[ChemAir]

Shock waves on un-powered projectiles...

from http://www.firearmsid.com/Feature Articles/soundofbullets/soundofbullets2.htm

 

[berkeman]

Shock waves on un-powered projectiles...

Excellent examples!

 

[royp]

Many thanks, berkeman - for a very clear explanation!