The FAA has proposed overturning a 53-year ban on commercial supersonic flights over US cities, contingent on aircraft meeting strict noise limits. The new rule requires sonic boom overpressure to stay below 0.11 pounds per square foot, a standard validated by Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrations. This move, driven by recent executive orders, signals a potential return of supersonic travel if manufacturers can mitigate ground-level noise.
Background
Commercial supersonic flight over land has been prohibited in the US since 1973 due to disruptive sonic booms experienced during military tests. Recent political shifts and technological advancements by startups like Boom Supersonic have renewed interest in lifting this restriction.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 3, 2026 at 01:29 AM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10