EyesToTheSkies
20th Jun 2003, 02:51
Back in the 1990's I was lucky enough to fly on a subsonic Concorde flight from MAN to LHR. During the trip, the flight crew announced that we would be going supersonic for a short time.
I know from various books that Concorde can only fly supersonically whilst away from populated areas, but is the sonic boom generated instantaneously at Mach 1, or is there a delay as the shockwave travels the length of the aircraft?
From what I recall the cabin display indicated Mach 1.00 for only around 20s or so (I have a photo to prove it!)
Is it likely that we could have gone supersonic? Can the sonic boom be avoided if the speed is reduced before the shockwave leaves the back of the aircraft?
(On my return on a 757, I didn't notice every window in the midlands boarded up!)
I know from various books that Concorde can only fly supersonically whilst away from populated areas, but is the sonic boom generated instantaneously at Mach 1, or is there a delay as the shockwave travels the length of the aircraft?
From what I recall the cabin display indicated Mach 1.00 for only around 20s or so (I have a photo to prove it!)
Is it likely that we could have gone supersonic? Can the sonic boom be avoided if the speed is reduced before the shockwave leaves the back of the aircraft?
(On my return on a 757, I didn't notice every window in the midlands boarded up!)