A vision of the next era of supersonic flight

Concorde was decommissioned in 2003, ending civil supersonic aircraft operations in the world. However, today there is continued interest by proponents/developers of supersonic aircraft that believe by utilizing advanced technologies, new supersonic aircraft can be economically viable, safe, reliable, and significantly quieter than the Concorde. In 2004, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s formed a Supersonic (noise) Task Group to monitor whether supersonic research and developments could revive lost high-speed capabilities and support commercially viable, environmentally responsible global aviation operations. Since then, the United States has been focused on progressing work related to the need for a landing and takeoff noise standard for supersonic aircraft, and an en-route sonic boom standard. This presentation briefly highlights achievements to date that intend on opening the new era of supersonic flight ahead.