01-16-2017, 02:56 PM
(01-16-2017, 01:13 PM)SomeGuy Wrote:Warren Dew Wrote:Supersonic flight is not inherently less fuel efficient on a per mile basis, just on a per hour basis.
Yes, it is. Fuel use is largely a function drag, and drag is a function of speed. In addition, the drag coefficient increases significantly after about Mach 0.8, pushing up fuel consumption dramatically.
It's not that it is impossible to fly past the sound barrier, I just question whether it is possible to do so cheaply.
But what would I know?
The only model that's even reasonably fuel efficient is the semi-ballistic model, that involves near-space flight during most of the trip. Essentially shooting the vehicle into sub-orbit using a rail launcher, and more-or-less coasting in for a landing seems a bit extreme for all but the truly adventurous. I don't see it, but it seems possible.
Intelligence is not knowledge and knowledge is not wisdom, but they all play well together.