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Update On The Race To Build A Quiet Supersonic Jet

Posted by timothy on from the pocket-change dept.

RevJim writes: "Popular Science is running this story on the race to build a supersonic jet that reduces or eliminates the 'sonic boom' associated with exceeding the sound barrier. From the article: 'Gulfstream plans to start manufacturing the plane -- its so-called quiet supersonic jet, or QSJ -- by 2006.' Supersonic for the masses closer than we think? Probably not, at $80 million for a 14-passenger jet, but still cool."

1 of 9 comments (clear)

  1. Golf ball dimples by teridon · · Score: 4, Informative

    I know what the little dimples on golf balls are for. They make it fly further by reducing turbulance behind the ball.

    No, actually, the dimples increase the turbulence. This is good thing because it means turbulent airflow remains attached to the surface longer. With a smooth ball, the flow lends to remain laminar (smooth), but it detaches from the surface of ball. A detached flow creates more drag than turbulent flow would.

    Some airplane wings have vortex generators on the upper surface to cause turbulent flow, reducing the likelihood of a flow detachment.

    A more techinal explanation is available here.

    --
    I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing. -- Thomas Jefferson