Subsonic vs. Supersonic: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
Subsonic refers to speeds less than the speed of sound, while supersonic refers to speeds greater than the speed of sound, creating sonic booms.
Key Differences
Subsonic speeds are those that are lower than the speed of sound (Mach 1). Supersonic speeds exceed this threshold, navigating beyond the sonic barrier and typically generating sonic booms, which are powerful shockwaves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Subsonic flight takes place at a speed where air molecules can adjust (or move out of the way) smoothly, maintaining typical aerodynamic flow. Conversely, supersonic flight disrupts this flow, leading to shockwaves as it transitions through the sound barrier.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Subsonic travel might not create sonic booms, but it does offer quieter, often more energy-efficient transit. Supersonic speeds provide rapid transit, cutting travel times significantly but usually at the expense of higher energy consumption and noise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
While subsonic speeds are common for general aviation and transport, supersonic speeds have typically been associated with military jets and specialized commercial travel, given the specific engineering and energy demands involved.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Subsonic air travel is widely accessible and tends to be more economical and environmentally friendly due to lower fuel consumption. On the other hand, supersonic travel is often associated with luxury, speed, and, historically, higher costs and fuel use.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
General aviation and transport
Military and specialized transport
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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Subsonic and Supersonic Definitions
Subsonic
Subsonic refers to speeds slower than sound.
Most commercial airplanes travel at subsonic speeds to enhance fuel efficiency.
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Oct 05, 2023
Supersonic
Supersonic refers to speeds that exceed the speed of sound (Mach 1).
The Concorde was a famous supersonic passenger aircraft.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Subsonic
Subsonic can signify a deliberate focus on energy-efficient and accessible travel.
Subsonic flight choices remain popular among environmentally conscious travelers.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Supersonic
Supersonic can allude to phenomena that generate sonic booms.
Supersonic jets often create noticeable sonic booms as they traverse the sky.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Subsonic
Subsonic can relate to aspects engineered for optimal performance below Mach 1.
Subsonic aircraft are designed to minimize noise during flight.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
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Supersonic
Supersonic may denote engineering and designs optimized for high-speed travel.
Supersonic aircraft feature specially designed wings to manage shockwaves.
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Oct 05, 2023
Subsonic
Subsonic also pertains to frequencies below the range of human hearing.
Subsonic frequencies can often be felt as vibrations rather than heard.
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Oct 05, 2023
Supersonic
Supersonic is often utilized in contexts requiring rapid transit.
Supersonic missiles are used for swift strike capabilities.
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Oct 05, 2023
Subsonic
Subsonic may indicate a quiet or reduced noise operation.
Subsonic ammunition is developed to operate with less acoustic intensity.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Supersonic
Supersonic occasionally implies a premium, fast-travel context.
Supersonic travel is sometimes associated with high-end, rapid transit experiences.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Supersonic
Having, caused by, or relating to a speed greater than the speed of sound in a given medium, especially air.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Supersonic
Of or relating to sound waves with a frequency above the range audible to the human ear; ultrasonic.
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Nov 28, 2022
Supersonic
(of a speed) Greater than the speed of sound (in the same medium, and at the same temperature and pressure).
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Nov 28, 2022
Subsonic
(of a sound, literary) very quiet, almost inaudible
The noise of the ship was all around her. The faint subsonic rumble of the reactor and drive. (Leviathan Wakes, James S. A. Corey)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Subsonic
(of a speed) (aviation) less than the speed of sound (in the same medium, and at the same temperature and pressure)
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Nov 28, 2022
Subsonic
With a Mach number such that 0.3 < Ma < 0.8 (approximately - the exact limits vary between sources)
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Nov 28, 2022
Supersonic
Moving at a speed greater than the speed of sound in air; - this speed varies with altitude, since the speed of sound varies with altitude, as well as with temperature and humidity, being approximately 1129 feet per second at sea level and 984 feet per second at 16 miles altitude.
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Nov 28, 2022
Supersonic
Capable of moving at speeds higher than the speed of sound; - of aircraft.
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Nov 28, 2022
Subsonic
(of speed) less than that of sound in a designated medium;
Aircraft flying at subsonic speeds
A supersonic bomber flies so fast that it must release its bombs while the target is still over the horizon
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Supersonic
(of speed) greater than the speed of sound in a given medium (especially air);
A supersonic bomber flies so fast that it must release its bombs while the target is still over the horizon
Aircraft flying at subsonic speeds
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
FAQs
Can subsonic speeds create a sonic boom?
No, sonic booms are not produced at subsonic speeds.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can subsonic be used to describe sound waves?
Yes, subsonic can describe sound waves that are below the frequency audible to the human ear.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
What does subsonic mean?
Subsonic refers to speeds below the speed of sound (under Mach 1).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What is a sonic boom and does it relate to supersonic speed?
A sonic boom is a loud explosive noise caused by the shockwave generated by an object traveling at supersonic speed.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
What defines supersonic speed?
Supersonic speed is when an object travels faster than the speed of sound (exceeds Mach 1).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Are subsonic flights quieter?
Yes, subsonic flights are generally quieter and don’t produce sonic booms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Why are subsonic speeds prevalent in commercial air travel?
Predominantly for reasons related to fuel efficiency, noise reduction, and general aviation regulations.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Is supersonic flight faster than subsonic flight?
Yes, supersonic flight is faster due to speeds exceeding the speed of sound.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Are there commercial flights available that travel at supersonic speed?
Historically, yes, like the Concorde. Currently, some companies are developing new supersonic commercial jets.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is subsonic flight more energy-efficient?
Typically, yes. Subsonic flights often consume less fuel than supersonic flights.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What challenges do engineers face when designing supersonic aircraft as compared to subsonic?
Engineers must address issues like sonic booms, heat management, and structural integrity for supersonic aircraft.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can both subsonic and supersonic flights be used for international travel?
Yes, though subsonic is standard for commercial international travel due to its practicality and efficiency.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Does supersonic travel consume more fuel than subsonic travel?
Generally, yes. Supersonic travel often demands more energy and, thus, more fuel.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Why is supersonic flight not common in commercial aviation?
Due to factors like sonic booms, high energy consumption, and engineering complexities.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Is it possible for sound to travel at supersonic speed?
Sound travels at a set speed in a medium (e.g., 343 m/s in air at sea level), objects traveling faster than this speed are supersonic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is there a notable size difference between subsonic and supersonic aircraft?
Not necessarily. Size varies based on the specific design and intended use of the aircraft.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What materials are typically used in the construction of supersonic aircraft to withstand the conditions?
Materials like titanium and composites that can endure high temperatures and pressures are often used in supersonic aircraft.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Are there speeds higher than supersonic?
Yes, speeds above Mach 5 are termed "hypersonic."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can both subsonic and supersonic speeds be achieved by the same aircraft?
Yes, some aircraft, particularly military jets, can operate at both subsonic and supersonic speeds.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Do pilots require special training to fly at supersonic speeds?
Yes, flying at supersonic speeds necessitates understanding and managing phenomena like sonic booms and high-speed aerodynamics.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
