Ground Measurements of a Shaped Sonic Boom

Abstract

Minimization of sonic boom shock waves by shaping has long been recognized as the primary technology for reducing sonic boom loudness, but had never been demonstrated in actual atmospheric flight. The Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstrator is an F-5E aircraft whose forward fuselage has been modified according to shaping theory to generate a flat-top boom while in steady flight at Mach 1.4 and an altitude of 30,000 feet above ground level. Three demonstration flights were conducted in August 2003, under rather adverse (hot) weather conditions. These were followed by a larger series of flights in January 2004, under good (normal to cool) conditions. The persistence of shaping through the atmosphere was clearly demonstrated. This paper presents representative ground measurement results.