New supersonic business jet takes shape

TheQSST's (QuietSupersonic Transport) broad nose should cause the shock wave to compress while rest ofplane's fuselage makes it expand. The result ought to be a significantreduction in the volume of the jet's sonic signature.

Windtunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics simulations suggest theQSST should produce a sonic boom with sound pressure levels 20 decibelsquieter than that of Concorde. Every 3 decibels represents a halving ofthe audible sound volume. The company has not said whether the lowfrequency vibration generated by the sonic boom will also be reduced.This vibration can cause structures on the ground to rattle as theplane travels overhead.

Source: newscientisttech.comAdded: 28 July 2006