Since the Concord stopped flying on October 24, 2003, the world lost its only option for traveling faster than the speed of sound. But a new Chinese supersonic plane is about to change all that: a “radical” aircraft that not only promises to outperform its predecessor, but also introduces innovations such as vertical takeoff and flight altitudes never before achieved by commercial aircraft. The race to reclaim the supersonic skies is officially on.
A new era of fast flights from China
The Chinese company Lingkong Tianxing Technology, also known as Space Transportation, announced a project that could redefine the future of air travel. Their new supersonic airliner promises to reach speeds of Mach 4, about 4.900 kilometers per hour, more than double that of the legendary Concorde.
The most striking feature of this new aircraft is its ability to cover the Beijing-New York route in just two hours. An extraordinary result if we consider that today's supersonic civil aircraft they take about 13 hours for the same journey.
The project represents a significant technological leap in commercial aviation. We are not just talking about speed: this aircraft will also be able to take off and land vertically, a feature never seen before in a commercial aircraft of this size.
New Supersonic Aircraft: Cutting-Edge Technology for Exceptional Performance
One of the most interesting innovations concerns the operational quota. The new Chinese aircraft It will be able to fly up to 20 kilometers in altitude, well above traditional airliners that operate around 13 kilometers. This feature allows to reduce atmospheric resistance and optimize consumption.
Space Transportation is no stranger to ambitious undertakings. Founded in 2018, the company has already distinguished itself by developing cost-effective space transportation solutions. A major success was achieved in 2022 with the mission Yao-10 of the rocket Tianxing I. Preliminary tests of the prototype have yielded promising results, confirming the effectiveness of the aerodynamic design, control systems and the resistance of the composite materials to high temperatures.
The future of fast flights is closer than we think
The entry into service is scheduled for 2027, an ambitious goal that could mark the beginning of a new era in air transport. This project is part of a broader context of development of commercial supersonic aircraft, such as theOverture of the American Supersonic boom.
The return of commercial supersonic flights could have a significant impact on trade and culture between continents. The ability to cross the ocean in a matter of hours would make the world even more interconnected. The main challenge will be to balance performance and economic sustainability, an aspect that was crucial in the decline of Concorde. But with modern technologies and advanced materials, the prospects seem more promising than ever.
