Assessment of the Sonic-Boom Problem for Future Air-Transport Vehicles

Abstract

The economic feasibility of the supersonic transport is critically dependent upon specification of the sonic-boom requirements. Aircraft design techniques and modifications to the mission profile are evaluated relative to the sonic-boom intensity. An intermediate-range, domestic, supersonic transport optimized from considerations of the sonic boom is analyzed relative to potential boom levels. Future air-transport vehicles, such as the hypersonic transport, recoverable space booster, and ballistic transport, are discussed relative to their sonic-boom characteristics.

Aerodynamic configurations yielding lift without sonic boom.

“…Theory has suggested alteration of conventional designs based on minimal overpressure 1 and more desirable signature profiles. 2 The use of nonslender and exotic shapes may produce favorable reflection or redistribution of waves. 3 " 5 Electrostatics suggests force at a distance for flow control.…”