Supersonic vs. Hypersonic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Supersonic refers to speeds greater than the speed of sound (Mach 1) but less than Mach 5. Hypersonic pertains to speeds from Mach 5 to Mach 25.
Difference Between Supersonic and Hypersonic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Supersonic speeds are those that exceed the speed of sound in air, ranging from just above Mach 1 to less than Mach 5. Hypersonic speeds, on the other hand, start from Mach 5 and can go up to Mach 25. Both are classifications of speeds that objects can achieve, often measured in terms of Mach numbers.
Supersonic technology is well-established and commonly found in military jets and some commercial planes like the Concorde. Hypersonic technology is less mature and currently being developed, mostly for military applications like missiles and reconnaissance.
In supersonic speeds, the main challenge is overcoming the sound barrier, which can cause a sonic boom. In hypersonic speeds, the challenges are more complex, including extreme heat and pressure, which require advanced materials and cooling systems.
Supersonic flight is generally suborbital or occurs within Earth's atmosphere. Hypersonic flight, however, could potentially be used for space travel as it reaches speeds that could achieve orbital velocity.
Comparison Chart
Speed Range
Mach 1 to Mach 5
Mach 5 to Mach 25
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Applications
Commercial aviation, military jets
Mostly military, space exploration
Technological Maturity
Well-established
In development
Challenges
Sonic boom, drag
Extreme heat, pressure
Usage
Suborbital, within Earth's atmosphere
Orbital, potentially for space travel
Compare with Definitions
Supersonic
Of, relating to, or capable of achieving speeds that surpass the speed of sound.
Supersonic planes are designed to break the sound barrier.
Hypersonic
Pertaining to speeds from Mach 5 to Mach 25.
Hypersonic missiles are incredibly difficult to intercept.
Supersonic
Indicative of phenomena that occur when an object exceeds the speed of sound.
The supersonic boom startled the entire town.
Hypersonic
Indicative of technology designed for travel or objects moving at extremely high speeds.
Hypersonic flight could revolutionize space travel.
Supersonic
Describing technology designed for travel faster than the speed of sound.
Supersonic aircraft are carefully engineered to handle high speeds.
Hypersonic
Relating to extremely high speeds that far exceed the speed of sound.
Hypersonic technology is still in its experimental phase.
Supersonic
Extremely fast or quick.
His reaction time was practically supersonic.
Hypersonic
Exceedingly fast or rapid.
The hypersonic data transfer was done in seconds.
Supersonic
Relating to speeds greater than Mach 1.
The jet flew at a supersonic speed.
Hypersonic
Descriptive of phenomena that happen when an object travels faster than Mach 5.
The hypersonic object reentered Earth's atmosphere without burning up.
Supersonic
Having, caused by, or relating to a speed greater than the speed of sound in a given medium, especially air.
Hypersonic
Equal to, or greater than, or capable of achieving, five times the speed of sound.
Supersonic
Of or relating to sound waves with a frequency above the range audible to the human ear; ultrasonic.
Hypersonic
Far enough above the speed of sound as to cause significant differences in behaviour due to chemical reactions or dissociation of the air.
Supersonic
Involving or denoting a speed greater than that of sound
The tip speed of the upwind blade becomes supersonic
Supersonic aircraft
Hypersonic
Of, relating to, or capable of speed equal to or exceeding five times the speed of sound.
Supersonic
(of a speed) Greater than the speed of sound (in the same medium, and at the same temperature and pressure).
Hypersonic
Pertaining to or moving at a speed greatly in excess of the speed of sound, usually meaning greater than mach 5. All speeds in excess of the speed of sound are supersonic, but to be hypersonic requires even higher speed.
Supersonic
Ultrasonic, having a frequency too high to be audible.
Supersonic
An aircraft that can travel at the speed of sound.
Supersonic
Moving at a speed greater than the speed of sound in air; - this speed varies with altitude, since the speed of sound varies with altitude, as well as with temperature and humidity, being approximately 1129 feet per second at sea level and 984 feet per second at 16 miles altitude.
Supersonic
Capable of moving at speeds higher than the speed of sound; - of aircraft.
Supersonic
(of speed) greater than the speed of sound in a given medium (especially air);
A supersonic bomber flies so fast that it must release its bombs while the target is still over the horizon
Aircraft flying at subsonic speeds
Supersonic
Having frequencies above those of audible sound
Common Curiosities
What is the speed range for hypersonic?
Hypersonic speeds range from Mach 5 to Mach 25.
Is supersonic technology mature?
Yes, supersonic technology is well-established.
Is hypersonic technology mature?
No, hypersonic technology is still in development.
Is supersonic travel suborbital?
Generally, yes, supersonic travel occurs within Earth's atmosphere.
What is the speed range for supersonic?
Supersonic speeds range from just above Mach 1 to less than Mach 5.
What are common applications for supersonic speeds?
Military jets and some commercial planes use supersonic speeds.
Can you hear a supersonic object?
Yes, supersonic objects typically produce a sonic boom.
What challenges are faced at hypersonic speeds?
Extreme heat and pressure are major challenges.
What challenges are faced at supersonic speeds?
Sonic booms and aerodynamic drag are common challenges.
Can you hear a hypersonic object?
It is less likely due to the extreme speeds involved.
Are supersonic and hypersonic speeds both faster than sound?
Yes, both are faster than the speed of sound.
What's the biggest difference between supersonic and hypersonic?
The biggest difference is the speed range, with hypersonic being much faster.
What are common applications for hypersonic speeds?
Mainly military applications, and potentially space exploration.
Is supersonic faster than hypersonic?
No, hypersonic is faster than supersonic.
Is hypersonic travel orbital?
Potentially, hypersonic speeds could be used for space travel.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
