Case for Small Supersonic Civil Aircraft

Abstract

Civil aviation progress in the last 40 years has included a significant expansion of the small civil aircraft market involving regional jets, business jets, and the emerging personal jets. A significant factor in the growth of the small civil aircraft market is the value of time. Recognition of the ever-increasing value of time has lead to increased interest in the feasibility of a small supersonic civil aircraft. The step to supersonic speeds offers the potential of a dramatic decrease in travel time. Feasibility studies of a small quiet supersonic jet (QSJ) have been conducted. Market research, environmental concerns, program and design requirements, and vehicle characteristics are summarized. Areas for concentrated future supersonic aeronautics research and development efforts are highlighted.