Supersonic vs. Transonic — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Supersonic speed refers to velocities that exceed the speed of sound, typically above Mach 1, while transonic speed ranges from approximately Mach 0.8 to Mach 1.2, involving complex airflow phenomena.
Difference Between Supersonic and Transonic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Supersonic speed is defined by travel faster than the speed of sound in air, which is about 343 meters per second at sea level, equating to approximately Mach 1. On the other hand, transonic speed occurs when an object moves near the speed of sound, involving both subsonic and supersonic airflow around the object, leading to unique aerodynamic challenges such as shock waves and airflow separation.
When an object moves at supersonic speed, it typically creates a shock wave, resulting in a sonic boom, a phenomenon not generally associated with transonic speeds. Whereas, transonic flight is characterized by the onset of these shock waves but not necessarily with the full development seen in supersonic conditions, which makes it a critical speed range for aeronautical design.
In terms of applications, supersonic speeds are primarily utilized in military jets, some commercial airliners (historically), and spacecraft. On the other hand, transonic speeds are crucial during the takeoff and landing phases of faster-than-sound aircraft and in designing high-speed commercial jets that operate efficiently just below or at the speed of sound.
Supersonic aircraft are specifically engineered to handle the pressures and temperatures associated with breaking the sound barrier and maintaining speeds above it. Conversely, transonic aircraft require designs that can cope with both high-speed and near-speed-of-sound conditions, often involving sophisticated wing and fuselage shaping to minimize drag and avoid instability.
The study and understanding of supersonic flight have led to advancements in aerodynamics, such as swept wings and specialized materials. Meanwhile, transonic research has been pivotal in improving airframe designs to safely and efficiently manage the critical transitions through the sound barrier.
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Comparison Chart
Speed Range
Above Mach 1
Approximately Mach 0.8 to Mach 1.2
Aerodynamic Features
Shock waves, sonic booms
Onset of shock waves, airflow separation
Applications
Military jets, spacecraft
High-speed commercial jets
Engineering Focus
High-speed stability, heat resistance
Efficient transition through sound barrier
Common Phenomena
Sonic booms
Buffeting, partial supersonic flow
Compare with Definitions
Supersonic
Related to phenomena occurring at speeds above Mach 1.
Supersonic flight is often accompanied by a sonic boom.
Transonic
Involving airflow that transitions between subsonic and supersonic conditions around an object.
Transonic designs are critical for modern high-speed aircraft.
Supersonic
Pertaining to speeds greater than the speed of sound.
The fighter jet flew at supersonic speeds to intercept the incoming missile.
Transonic
Related to the onset of aerodynamic phenomena such as shock waves.
Transonic testing helps ensure aircraft stability through varying flight speeds.
Supersonic
Describing objects or conditions moving faster than sound waves can propagate in a given medium.
Certain bullets are designed to travel at supersonic speeds.
Transonic
Referring to the critical speed range around Mach 1 where airflow becomes complex.
Engineers must carefully design aircraft surfaces to handle transonic effects.
Supersonic
Involving or capable of exceeding the speed of sound.
Supersonic travel requires aircraft to be highly aerodynamic.
Transonic
Pertaining to speeds close to but not exceeding the speed of sound.
The commercial jet entered transonic speeds during its descent.
Supersonic
Used in aerospace to describe speeds and conditions faster than sound.
Supersonic aircraft are equipped with engines that can handle extreme air resistance and temperatures.
Transonic
Describing conditions or speeds that include both subsonic and supersonic characteristics.
Transonic flight regimes are challenging due to the mixed nature of the airflow.
Supersonic
Involving or denoting a speed greater than that of sound
The tip speed of the upwind blade becomes supersonic
Supersonic aircraft
Transonic
Transonic (or transsonic) flow is air flowing around an object at a speed that generates regions of both subsonic and supersonic airflow around that object. The exact range of speeds depends on the object's critical Mach number, but transonic flow is seen at flight speeds close to the speed of sound (343 m/s at sea level), typically between Mach 0.8 and 1.2.The issue of transonic speed (or transonic regime) first appeared during World War II. Pilots found as they approached the sound barrier the airflow caused aircraft to become unsteady.
Supersonic
Having, caused by, or relating to a speed greater than the speed of sound in a given medium, especially air.
Transonic
Of or relating to aerodynamic flow or flight conditions at speeds near the speed of sound.
Supersonic
Of or relating to sound waves with a frequency above the range audible to the human ear; ultrasonic.
Transonic
Just below, or just above the speed of sound (0.8 < Ma < 1.2 approximately).
Supersonic
(of a speed) Greater than the speed of sound (in the same medium, and at the same temperature and pressure).
Transonic
Passing from subsonic to supersonic, or vice versa.
Supersonic
Ultrasonic, having a frequency too high to be audible.
Transonic
Travelling through a fluid (commonly air) at a speed where regions of supersonic and subsonic flow coexist simultaneously over different portions of the surface of the moving object in question.
Supersonic
An aircraft that can travel at the speed of sound.
Transonic
(of speed) having or caused by speed approximately equal to that of sound in air at sea level;
A sonic boom
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
Can commercial aircraft reach supersonic speeds?
Historically, some commercial aircraft like the Concorde have reached supersonic speeds, but it is not common due to noise and efficiency challenges.
Why is transonic speed significant in aircraft design?
Transonic speed is significant because it presents critical aerodynamic challenges that need to be managed to ensure aircraft efficiency and safety.
What is unique about transonic speed?
Transonic speed is unique because it involves complex airflow dynamics, including both subsonic and supersonic characteristics, around the speed of sound.
What defines supersonic speed?
Supersonic speed is defined as any speed greater than the speed of sound, typically above Mach 1.
What phenomena are associated with supersonic flight?
Supersonic flight is often associated with phenomena like shock waves and sonic booms.
What are the challenges of flying at transonic speeds?
The challenges include managing sudden changes in air pressure, potential buffeting, and efficiency loss.
Are there any commercial uses of supersonic travel?
Currently, commercial supersonic travel is limited, mainly due to environmental and economic factors.
What materials are used in supersonic aircraft?
Supersonic aircraft often use advanced materials that can withstand high temperatures and pressures.
Is there ongoing research in supersonic transportation?
Yes, there is ongoing research aimed at making supersonic transportation more feasible and environmentally friendly.
What engineering innovations have been inspired by transonic studies?
Transonic studies have inspired innovations such as area-ruled fuselages and advanced wing designs to minimize drag.
How do transonic and supersonic speeds affect aircraft performance?
These speeds affect performance by altering aerodynamic forces on the aircraft, requiring different design and engineering strategies.
How do pilots handle transonic speeds?
Pilots must be trained to handle the unique handling characteristics and potential instabilities that occur at transonic speeds.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
