Yliäänilennon

Yliäänilento refers to flight that exceeds the speed of sound. The speed of sound varies depending on atmospheric conditions such as temperature and altitude, but is approximately 343 meters per second (1,235 kilometers per hour or 767 miles per hour) at sea level and 15 degrees Celsius.

When an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, it encounters a phenomenon known as the sound barrier. At supersonic speeds, the aircraft generates shock waves, which can cause a sonic boom. This is a sudden and intense pressure change that is heard on the ground.

The first aircraft to officially break the sound barrier was the Bell X-1 in 1947, piloted by Chuck Yeager. Since then, supersonic flight has been achieved by military aircraft, experimental planes, and a limited number of commercial airliners, most notably the Concorde. Supersonic military jets are common for rapid response and combat operations. Commercial supersonic travel, while technologically feasible, has faced challenges related to noise pollution from sonic booms, fuel efficiency, and operational costs, leading to the discontinuation of services like the Concorde. Research continues into quieter and more efficient supersonic aircraft designs.