Supersonic speed is the speed of an object that exceeds the speed of sound (Mach 1) . For objects traveling in dry air of a temperature of 20 °C (68 °F) at sea level, this speed is approximately 343.2 m/s (1,125 ft/s) . Since air temperature and composition varies significantly with altitude, the speed of sound, and Mach numbers for a steadily moving object may change. In water at room temperature, supersonic speed can be considered as any speed greater than 1,440 m/s (4,724 ft/s) . In solids, sound waves can be polarized longitudinally or transversely and have even higher velocities.
Supersonic flight is one of the four speeds of flight, and it refers to objects moving at supersonic speeds, which are faster than the speed of sound. A sonic boom is a loud, thunder-like noise heard by a person on the ground when an aircraft flies overhead at supersonic speeds. Sonic booms create a large amount of energy and sound like an explosion or clap. Supersonic flight over land is generally prohibited as sonic booms from large supersonic aircraft are incredibly powerful and can potentially awaken people or cause structural damage.
Supersonic flight remains available to the military in certain scenarios when they’re willing to burn the fuel, but not so for regular travelers. However, one company, called Boom Supersonic, aims to bring that type of flight back for commercial travel; their aircraft, which they call Overture, could fly in tests in 2027.
