Emission Measurements of the Concorde Supersonic Aircraft in the Lower Stratosphere

Abstract

Emission indices of reactive gases and particles were determined from measurements in the exhaust plume of a Concorde aircraft cruising at supersonic speeds in the stratosphere. Values for NO x (sum of NO and NO 2 ) agree well with ground-based estimates. Measurements of NO x and HO x indicate a limited role for nitric acid in the plume. The large number of submicrometer particles measured implies efficient conversion of fuel sulfur to sulfuric acid in the engine or at emission. A new fleet of supersonic aircraft with similar particle emissions would significantly increase stratospheric aerosol surface areas and may increase ozone loss above that expected for NO x emissions alone.