What is a supersonic aircraft?

What term is used to describe an aircraft that flies faster than the speed of sound?

An aircraft flying faster than the speed of sound is described as 'supersonic'. Subsonic refers to speeds slower than sound. It is indeed possible for certain aircraft to achieve supersonic speeds. The correct answer is option (B).

Explanation:

An aircraft that flies faster than the speed of sound is said to be supersonic. The term 'supersonic' specifically refers to speeds greater than the speed of sound, while 'subsonic' describes speeds slower than the speed of sound. It is indeed possible for an aircraft to reach supersonic speeds; such aircraft are designed to withstand the aerodynamic pressures associated with breaking the sound barrier.

Supersonic aircraft have the capability to fly faster than the speed of sound, which is approximately 767 miles per hour or 1,235 kilometers per hour at sea level. These aircraft are designed with aerodynamic features that allow them to effectively manage the shock waves and high-pressure areas that occur when breaking the sound barrier.

Supersonic flight revolutionized the field of aviation by allowing aircraft to travel at speeds previously thought impossible. The first supersonic flight was achieved by the Bell X-1 aircraft in 1947, piloted by Chuck Yeager. Since then, various military and commercial aircraft have been developed to operate at supersonic speeds, such as the Concorde commercial airliner.

Overall, supersonic aircraft play a crucial role in modern aviation, enabling faster travel times and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aeronautical engineering.