Airplanes Breaking the Sound Barrier

[H.A.]

Supersonic speed is a rate of travel of an object that exceeds the speed of sound (Mach 1). For objects travelling in dry air of a temperature of 20 °C (68 °F) this speed is approximately 343 m/s, 1,125 ft/s, 768 mph or 1,235 km/h.

A sonic boom is the sound associated with the shock waves created by an object traveling through the air faster than the speed of sound. Sonic booms generate enormous amounts of sound energy, sounding much like an explosion. So that means that the sound source (in this case an airplane), will pass by a stationary observer (like yourself) before they actually hear the sound it creates. To help visualize this, check out the animated gif below:

Below you will find a gallery of incredibly fast and expensive airplanes breaking the sound barrier and thus travelling at supersonic speeds. That means they are going faster than 343 meters per second (1,125 ft per second). To enhance the gallery, just try and imagine the sound that would (eventually) accompany such a sighting. The vapor trails and moisture that appear around the airplanes also add a great touch to these amazing photos. Enjoy!

Pacific Ocean (Nov. 5, 2006) – An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VFA-102) completes a super-sonic flyby as part of an air power demonstration for visitors aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). VFA-102 is one of the nine squadrons and detachments assigned to Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) and embarked aboard Kitty Hawk. Kitty Hawk and CVW-5 is currently deployed off the coast of southern Japan on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge

 

[H.A.]

Off the coast of Pusan, South Korea, July 7, 1999 — An F/A-18 Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Five One (VFA-151) breaks the sound barrier in the skies over the Pacific Ocean. VFA-151 is deployed aboard USS Constellation (CVN 64). U.S. Navy photo by Ensign John Gay.

 

[H.A.]

GULF OF ALASKA (June 22, 2009) An Air Force F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise focusing on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. (U.S. Navy photo by Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Ronald Dejarnett)

 

[H.A.]

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 9, 2010) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 breaks the sound barrier during an air power demonstration above the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed as a part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bradley Evans)

 

[H.A.]

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 28, 2010) An F/A-18 Super Hornet breaks the sound barrier during a flight demonstration for Peruvian visitors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is supporting Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White)

 

[H.A.]

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 27, 2010) An F/A-18 Super Hornet embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) breaks the sound barrier during a flight demonstration for Peruvian visitors. Carl Vinson is underway off the coast of Peru supporting Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White/Released)

 

[H.A.]

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 17, 2008) Capt. Norbert "Smurf" Szarleta, commanding officer of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, breaks the sound barrier in an F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter during an air power demonstration aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) on 17April 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Yeoman Augustine Cooper

 

[H.A.]

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2007) – Two F/A-18C Hornets, assigned to the "Dambusters" of Strike Fighter Squadron 195, punch through a cloud of water vapor while breaking the sound barrier during an air power demonstration for friends and family of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jimmy C. Pan

 

[H.A.]

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 24, 2007) – An F/A-18C Hornet, from the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, breaks the sound barrier while making a high-speed pass close to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during an air power demonstration. The air power demonstration showed the capability of Stennis and Carrier Air Wing 9 to service members' family and friends who were invited to get underway with the ship. Stennis is returning to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment promoting peace, regional cooperation and stability and supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves

 

[H.A.]

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2007) – An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Wildcats" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 breaks the sound barrier during an aerial demonstration for the Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jon Dasbach

 

[H.A.]

NORFOLK, Virginia (June 2, 2007)- An F/A-18C Hornet attached to the "Raging Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 punches through a cloud of water vapor while breaking the sound barrier during an air power demonstration on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman Sailors brought over 4000 guests on board for a day-long Friends and Family Day cruise on June 2. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson

 

[H.A.]

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 3, 2007) – An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Fist of the Fleet" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, breaks the sound barrier while performing a supersonic flyby of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during an air power demonstration. The air power demonstration was performed by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 and featured participation from each of the eight squadrons assigned to CVW-14. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Burden

 

[H.A.]

San Diego (Oct. 15, 2006) – An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Screaming Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Two Two (VFA-122), flown by Lt. Matt Turner, pushes the limits of the sound barrier during a performance at the Miramar Air Show on board Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. This year's air show was themed "The Sound of Freedom: Celebrating the Blue Angels' 60th Anniversary", showcasing military and civilian aircraft and static displays. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Taylor

 

[H.A.]

East China Sea (Sept. 11, 2006) – An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing Five breaks the sound barrier during an air power demonstration practice aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Currently underway in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Wayne LeGrand

 

[H.A.]

Pacific Ocean (Aug. 17, 2005) – An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Golden Dragons" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Two (VFA-192), breaks the sound barrier near the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are currently returning to their homeport after a scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jonathan Chandler

 

[H.A.]

Philippine Sea (July 27, 2005) – An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VFA-102), breaks the sound barrier during a fly-by over the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are currently conducting operations in the Philippine Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jonathan Chandler

 

[Yusuf]

very old pics these husain.

 

[H.A.]

 

[H.A.]

Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 22, 2003) — An F-14B Tomcat assigned to the "Swordsmen" of Fighter Squadron Thirty Seven (VF-32) reaches the sound barrier during a low altitude super sonic fly by, during an air wing flight demonstration for the crew aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman and Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) are currently deployed conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Justin S. Osborne

 

[H.A.]

very old pics these husain.

You broke my rhythm ....its not the pics...its the data associated with it...thats the key