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Supersonic for the people

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    Well, I'd imagine they are going to learn a lot from the XB-1 prototype, as it's powered by a GE engine that was designed for an afterburner, but not sustained supersonic flight. It was used in things like the F-5 and the T-38 variant.

    Intake ramps are the key to managing airflow into the engine, the prototype might get them more real world data than is practicable in the wind tunnel.

    They might be able to create a spec for an engine that is clearer is currently the case, de-risking it for a manufacturer to come in at a later date.

    Fingers crossed!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,007 ✭✭✭✭AMKC
    Ms


    If they hire the right people it could be possible. Say they get some brilliant engineers, technicians etc from Rolls Royce, Boeing and Airbus etc. It could be possible they could build a brilliant engine that will do it.

    I hope they succeed. It's long overdue a Commercial SST plane in the skies.

    Live long and Prosper

    Peace and long life.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    The Boom XB-1 prototype tested some new features in its 8th scheduled test flight, reaching speeds of Mach 0.8.

    boom-xb-1-flying[1].jpeg

    Read more: SimpleFlying.

    They also did some stability testing which all bodes well for crossing into trans-sonic flight envelope, and on to its design spec.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,110 ✭✭✭✭banie01


    The Boom prototype and even more so the early concepts are all very, very reminiscent of the Douglas X-3 Stiletto research aircraft of the early 1950's.

    The high mounted intaktes, fuselage design and on the early concepts at least, the tail design all strikingly similar. The wing planform in the Boom design being Delta is a big difference versus the X-3's Starfighter style lifting blades.

    It's to my mind, a very interesting illustration of the truth that in aerodynamics, the right answers are often the same even when separated by 70yrs of progress in engine tech.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    The XB-1 successfully goes into the trans-sonic speed range with a Mach 0.95 flight.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,990 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    @Lorddrakul

    Well, I'd imagine they are going to learn a lot from the XB-1 prototype, as it's powered by a GE engine that was designed for an afterburner, but not sustained supersonic flight. It was used in things like the F-5 and the T-38 variant.

    Intake ramps are the key to managing airflow into the engine, the prototype might get them more real world data than is practicable in the wind tunnel.

    They might be able to create a spec for an engine that is clearer is currently the case, de-risking it for a manufacturer to come in at a later date.

    Fingers crossed!

    One of the big differences between the Concorde prototypes and production models was the intake ramps and a great deal of time and effort went into them. The tailpipes / reversers were redesigned also.

    The intake ramps were the first system on an airliner to be controlled by a digital computer.

    This was essential to achieve efficient supercruise. Any clown can do Mach 2 with the burners on, and then glide into the mid-Atlantic out of fuel 😁

    I'm partial to your abracadabra,

    I'm raptured by the joy of it all.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,990 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    The X-3 was designed with hopes of exceeding 2,000MPH but failed to go supersonic in level flight!

    I'm partial to your abracadabra,

    I'm raptured by the joy of it all.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,110 ✭✭✭✭banie01


    That wasn't completely the fault of the airframe in fairness. Westinghouse and their planned j46 engine was a disaster and the X3 ended up using the J34 instead which led to about a 30% reduction in available power and lot of transonic issues that couldn't be overcome at the lower available thrust.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,829 ✭✭✭✭Larbre34


    Who needs a swept wing?

    Regular heavies have been achieving Mach 1.1 over the North Atlantic lately!



  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 10,125 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tenger


    Might break that tonight.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 942 ✭✭✭Boardnashea


    Might, but I wouldn't fancy being on it tonight!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    Well, outside of extraordinarily energised jetstreams, there was also…

    I Was There: When the DC-8 Went Supersonic

    The day a Douglas DC-8 busted Mach 1

    Boeing_will_never_try_it_1_GALL[1].jpg

    😁



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    Tomorrow is the 12th flight as part of the Boom XB-1 prototype test programme and the first that will see it go supersonic.

    flyby-xb-1-flight-test-live-blog-flight-11-1440x810.jpg

    Having previously reach Mach 0.95 at altitudes up to 34,000 feet, Flight 12 will push up to Mach 1.1 range for flight pressures and stability tests.

    XB-1_flight-test-infographic-flyby-4-1440x810[1].jpg


    There will be a live stream, and it is scheduled for around 16:00 GMT on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

    I will be waiting with bated breath and popcorn.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    And there she goes!

    golxwr[1].jpg

    The XB-1 goes supersonic!

    A wonderful achievement!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    More data is emerging from the XB-2 flight tests, including this beautiful shockwaves picture:

    Boom_XB-1_Schlieren_crop[1].jpg

    More importantly,:

    "NASA teams also collected data on XB-1’s acoustic signature at one location on the flight route. Boom analysis found that no audible sonic boom reached the ground as the jet flew at supersonic speeds."

    This is a most excellent result as low or no boom was a desirable but not primary design characteristic. To have achieved it is admirable. Along with the data that will be gathered form the QuietSST programme, the X-59, it could pave the way for overland supersonic transport in the near future.



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