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, defined as exceeding Mach 1 (the speed of sound), creates a "sonic boom" and was first officially achieved by Chuck Yeager in 1947.
Key milestones in supersonic flight include Jacqueline Cochran becoming the first woman to break the sound barrier in 1953, and the introduction of commercial supersonic passenger travel with the Concorde in 1976.
Pilots flying at supersonic speeds experience unique aerodynamic phenomena like "Mach tuck," and the term "sound barrier" refers to the early challenges rather than a physical obstacle.
Supersonic speeds have been achieved beyond traditional aircraft, with Felix Baumgartner reaching Mach 1.25 in a free-fall, while the SR-71 Blackbird remains the fastest manned air-breathing aircraft, capable of sustained speeds over Mach 3.

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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).