Can supersonic flight be quiet?

In summary: There are a few companies that are working on this technology. Spike Aerospace is one of them. They plan to have a prototype flying by the end of the summer.I'm not sure if this is really a new idea or not. There have been a lot of proposals for supersonic business jets over the years. This one sounds like it has a better chance of actually being built, though.
  • #1
Astronuc
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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.
 
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  • #2
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.
 
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  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
“Quiet supersonic flight” is as mythical as “clean coal”. I think it is marketing at it's best.
 
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  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • #7
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.
 

1. What is quiet supersonic flight?

Quiet supersonic flight is a type of flight in which an aircraft is able to travel at supersonic speeds (faster than the speed of sound) without producing a loud sonic boom. This technology is being developed in order to reduce the noise pollution caused by traditional supersonic flights.

2. How is it possible to achieve quiet supersonic flight?

In order to achieve quiet supersonic flight, scientists and engineers are using advanced aerodynamic designs, materials, and propulsion systems. These advancements help to reduce the intensity of the shockwaves, thus minimizing the sonic boom.

3. What are the benefits of quiet supersonic flight?

Quiet supersonic flight has many potential benefits, including reduced noise pollution, increased efficiency and speed of air travel, and improved accessibility to remote locations. It may also have military applications, such as for stealth missions.

4. Are there any challenges in developing quiet supersonic flight?

Yes, there are several challenges in developing quiet supersonic flight. One of the main challenges is finding a way to reduce the sonic boom without sacrificing the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. Another challenge is ensuring that the materials and technologies used are safe, reliable, and cost-effective.

5. When can we expect to see commercial flights using quiet supersonic technology?

There is currently no specific timeline for when commercial flights using quiet supersonic technology will become available. However, several companies and organizations are actively working on developing this technology, so it is likely that we will see commercial flights using it in the near future.

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