December 27th 2024.
Imagine being able to travel from London to New York in just under two hours. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, it might become a reality sooner than we think. A company called Space Transportation, based in Beijing, is currently working on a supersonic jet that could potentially rival NASA's famous 'Son of Concorde'.
Recent tests have shown that this jet, named the 'somersault cloud' after a classic Chinese novel, can reach speeds of up to 3,045mph – that's four times the speed of sound! This is a huge milestone in the development of the Yunxing supersonic civilian jet, which is set to revolutionize air travel. The company believes that this engine has enormous commercial potential, especially for high-speed flights in near-space environments.
Their goal is to have the aircraft ready for its first flight by 2027, and they are well on their way to achieving this. In fact, the jet has already completed its first test flight in northwestern China. According to Space Transportation, this flight provided crucial data on the engine's performance, confirming its stability and reliability. This is a major step towards turning the prototype into a fully functional product.
One of the key features of this supersonic jet is its ability to perform vertical takeoffs and landings, making it possible to ascend and descend in tighter spaces. It's also designed to withstand extreme aerodynamic heating, thanks to its lightweight and high-strength materials. But while Space Transportation is making great strides, they may face competition from NASA's newly unveiled supersonic X-59 plane, which can reach speeds of up to 937 miles per hour.
However, the Chinese company is not just limited to passenger travel. They have also developed a super long-range fighter jet that is believed to have the capability to fly on the edge of space and reach the US. The War Zone, a military website, reported that if this jet were to be procured by the Chinese air force, it would have the ability to fly long distances without the need for tanker support. This could potentially give China an advantage in terms of military capabilities.
It's an exciting time in the world of aviation, with groundbreaking developments being made in supersonic technology. Who knows, in the near future, we may be able to travel to faraway destinations in a fraction of the time it takes now. And it's all thanks to the hard work and innovation of companies like Space Transportation.
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