Flight regimes: A supersonic aircraft flies at what relative speed? Describe its speed in relation to the local speed of sound (Mach number concept). Choose the correct option.

Q: Flight regimes: A supersonic aircraft flies at what relative speed? Describe its speed in relation to the local speed of sound (Mach number concept). Choose the correct option.

Definition Supersonic: Mach number > 1, i.e., aircraft speed exceeds local speed of sound (≈ 343 m/s at sea level, 20°C). Final Answer Greater than the speed of sound (Mach > 1)

Difficulty: Easy

Less than the speed of sound (Mach < 1)
Equal to the speed of sound (Mach = 1)
Greater than the speed of sound (Mach > 1)
Zero airspeed (hover)

Correct Answer: Greater than the speed of sound (Mach > 1)

Explanation:

Definition
Supersonic: Mach number > 1, i.e., aircraft speed exceeds local speed of sound (≈ 343 m/s at sea level, 20°C).

Final Answer
Greater than the speed of sound (Mach > 1)

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