Breaking Sound Barriers: 7 Fun Facts

The sky’s the limit when it comes to surpassing the sound barrier.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 04:45 PM ET

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Crossing the sound barrier, also known as exceeding Mach 1, is the point at which an aircraft equals and surpasses the speed of sound. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Breaking the sound barrier (exceeding Mach 1), first achieved by Chuck Yeager, creates a "sonic boom" shock wave and presents aerodynamic challenges like "Mach tuck" for pilots.
Supersonic achievements extend beyond military pilots, with Jacqueline Cochran as the first woman to break the barrier and Felix Baumgartner accomplishing it during a freefall skydive.
The concept of the "sound barrier" stems from early aviation challenges, which have since been overcome to enable supersonic passenger travel (Concorde) and the creation of the world's fastest manned aircraft, the SR-71 Blackbird.

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The quest for speed has long topped the achievement list for aviators, and breaking the sound barrier stands as one of aviation’s most awe-inspiring feats. Going back to the pioneering exploits of Chuck Yeager, supersonic flight has shaped the course of aviation history.

Crossing the sound barrier, also known as exceeding Mach 1, is the point at which an aircraft equals and surpasses the speed of sound. As an aircraft approaches the barrier, increases in drag and other effects make it difficult to continue accelerating. At sea level and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the speed of sound is approximately 767 mph (343 meters per second).