One item no one seems to discuss in SSTs is takeoff & landing noise. Unless the Stage III FARs are changed, these vehicles will not be able to takeoff or land in the US.
Just a small correction. The MIG-31 (NATO code "Foxhound"), at Mach 2.83, while not currently in production anymore, is still in operation, so it would take the crown of the current fastest crewed jet in operation.
I love your optimism about uber-style on demand flight. The TSA will want to have a say. There are reasons why airports are the way they are. Great tech, but I don't see it for anyone but the elite.
One item no one seems to discuss in SSTs is takeoff & landing noise. Unless the Stage III FARs are changed, these vehicles will not be able to takeoff or land in the US.
Thanks for a very detailed article. We hear about efforts in these areas in China-both SST and eVTOL. They seem far along from the reports. Are they?
https://theasialive.com/chinas-yunxing-jet-completes-test-flight-eyes-supersonic-commercial-travel-by-2027/2024/10/29/
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinas-hypersonic-jumbo-aircraft-hits-mach/
https://electrek.co/2025/03/31/chinese-evtol-operator-ehang-nabs-approval-paid-commercial-operations/
https://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/new-city-projects/chinas-evtol-sector-accelerates-into-2025-with-new-platforms-orders-and-city-plans/
Aerion was founded by Richard Tracey, who designed and patented a wing for supersonic flight. Bass provided major funding many years later.
Just a small correction. The MIG-31 (NATO code "Foxhound"), at Mach 2.83, while not currently in production anymore, is still in operation, so it would take the crown of the current fastest crewed jet in operation.
enjoyed the lead. strong visual w/the "UFO"... grabbed me from the beginning
I love your optimism about uber-style on demand flight. The TSA will want to have a say. There are reasons why airports are the way they are. Great tech, but I don't see it for anyone but the elite.
Tongue in cheek but just in case any of your readers wanted to visit you I suspect you live in Somerset, not Summerset! The joys of spell check!