Aliäänilennot

Aliäänilennot, also known as supersonic flights, refer to aircraft operations that exceed the speed of sound. The speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second or 1,235 kilometers per hour at sea level, though it varies with atmospheric conditions. Aircraft achieve supersonic speeds when their velocity is greater than Mach 1.

The concept of supersonic flight emerged in the mid-20th century. The Bell X-1 aircraft was the first to officially break the sound barrier in 1947. Military applications were the primary driver for early supersonic aircraft development, leading to fighter jets and reconnaissance planes capable of high speeds.

Commercial supersonic passenger travel saw a brief period of success with the Concorde aircraft, which operated from 1976 to 2003. Concorde could fly from London to New York in under four hours, significantly reducing travel time. However, challenges such as high operating costs, noise pollution from sonic booms, and environmental concerns ultimately led to its retirement.

A sonic boom is a characteristic sound produced by an object moving through the air faster than the speed of sound. It is caused by the shock waves that the object creates. The intensity of a sonic boom depends on factors like the size and shape of the aircraft, its altitude, and atmospheric conditions.

Research and development into new supersonic and hypersonic aircraft continue, with a focus on reducing noise and improving efficiency for potential future commercial or specialized uses. Hypersonic flight refers to speeds exceeding Mach 5.