Originally Posted by
Jonny Chi
Drag = velocity squared. Unless they can find a way to violate laws of physics then M3 will burn 9x the fuel as at M1.
Not quite how it works, as the drag coeffient actually goes down above mach 1 and then there is induced drag.
Now fuel burn is even more complex, as extra speed generally increases engine efficiency due to extra mass flow and compression. If the inlet does what it should, that is.
Mach 2, where Concorde flew, is about the optimum. Above that temperatures at the leading edges start becoming a problem.