Can supersonic flight be quiet?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Astronuc
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Flight Supersonic
AI Thread Summary
Quiet supersonic flight is a developing concept, with Spike Aerospace leading efforts to create the S-512 jet designed to minimize sonic booms through advanced aerodynamic design. The technology for quieter supersonic travel exists, but its practical implementation hinges on regulatory approval and further research. Discussions highlight the ambiguity of what "quiet" means in this context, as it may still be louder than subsonic aircraft. The S-512 is limited to 18 passengers, raising questions about its competitiveness against larger subsonic jets. Overall, while advancements are being made, the feasibility of achieving economically and environmentally viable quiet supersonic flight remains uncertain.
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
22,340
Reaction score
7,138
Quiet supersonic flight is an intriguing idea. Is it possible? We'll see perhaps this year.

I'd be curious about the cabin noise, as well as the external noise.

Spike Aerospace expands quiet supersonic aircraft development
Engineering is on track for a first flight of a subsonic prototype of the jet by late summer of 2017.
http://www.aerospacemanufacturingan...quiet-supersonic-aircraft-development-012717/

Spike Aerospace evaluating engines for supersonic jet
Two major suppliers being evaluated for S-512 supersonic business jet.
http://www.aerospacemanufacturingan...pike-aerospace-engines-supersonic-jet-062416/

http://www.spikeaerospace.com/s-512-supersonic-jet/

http://www.spikeaerospace.com/quiet-supersonic-flight/

http://www.spikeaerospace.com/s-512-supersonic-jet/specifications-performance/

No endorsement expressed or implied.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
What does quiet mean? Quiet compared to current supersonic aircraft, but loud compared to subsonic aircraft? Similar to subsonic aircraft?

Just 18 passengers, and they want to be competitive with big subsonic aircraft? Even without the supersonic flight that sounds questionable.
 
  • Like
Likes mheslep and russ_watters
mfb said:
What does quiet mean? Quiet compared to current supersonic aircraft, but loud compared to subsonic aircraft? Similar to subsonic aircraft?

The Spike S-512 will be the first supersonic jet designed with Quiet Supersonic Flight (QSF), the proprietary technology developed by Spike to minimize the sonic boom by optimizing the aerodynamic design.
 
“Quiet supersonic flight” is as mythical as “clean coal”. I think it is marketing at it's best.
 
  • Like
Likes Nidum and russ_watters
It's not mythical, really. There's been a lot of research on it by legit entities over the last 20 years. The tech largely exists. It's mostly a matter of time and regulations at this point.

Spike Aerospace I'd hardly the leader I'm the sector, though. There are other players who are pretty far along.
 
mfb said:
What does quiet mean? Quiet compared to current supersonic aircraft, but loud compared to subsonic aircraft? Similar to subsonic aircraft?

Just 18 passengers, and they want to be competitive with big subsonic aircraft? Even without the supersonic flight that sounds questionable.

Since the retirement of Concorde there have been quite a few proposals for supersonic business jets for people who are willing to pay a premium to get somewhere fast. Aerion has been working on a design for several years now with help from Airbus.
 
Quiet here means the pressure wave from the aircrafts passage is spread out sufficiently that the sound perceived becomes a rumble rather than a bang.
That is much less troublesome, as the startle aspect is eliminated.
Whether that can be achieved in an aircraft that has acceptable performance economically and environmentally is still open.
 

Similar threads

Back
Top