Supersonique

Supersonique refers to speeds that exceed the speed of sound. The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels and its temperature, but in dry air at 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), it is approximately 343 meters per second, or 1,235 kilometers per hour (767 miles per hour). Objects or phenomena traveling at these speeds are said to be moving at supersonic speeds.

The transition from subsonic to supersonic flight is marked by the Mach number. Mach 1 is equivalent to the speed of sound. Speeds above Mach 1 are supersonic. As an object approaches and exceeds the speed of sound, it creates shock waves. These shock waves are responsible for the characteristic "sonic boom" often associated with supersonic aircraft.

Supersonic flight is primarily associated with aviation, military jets, and experimental aircraft. Commercial air travel at supersonic speeds was once a reality with aircraft like Concorde, but economic and environmental factors led to its retirement. Research continues into advanced supersonic and hypersonic (speeds exceeding Mach 5) technologies for various applications, including aerospace and military technology. The challenges in achieving and sustaining supersonic speeds include increased drag, heat generation, and noise pollution.