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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."

4 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
  2. Re:Destructive interference? by norhythmsoldier · · Score: 2, Funny

    So, if two supersonic jets collide head on and the shock waves cancel each other out, does it make a sound?

  3. Re:Just a thought that's been nagging me for a whi by Lars+T. · · Score: 2

    There have been experiments with planes whose hull (via a film) have a texture like shark's skin (wich is full of tiny teeth). It resulted in a couple of percent less fuel usage.

    --

    Lars T.

    To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck

  4. Oh, Popular Science by Animats · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Wow, we could have supersonic bombers that could get to their targets faster than the B-52.

    Like the B-58 Hustler. Worked fine. Intended for delivery of nuclear weapons to USSR. Obsoleted by ICBMs. High operating costs, small bomb load.