Supersonic flight refers to the ability of an aircraft to travel faster than the speed of sound, which is approximately 1,125 feet per second or 767 miles per hour at sea level. This speed is known as Mach 1. Aircraft designed for supersonic flight, such as the Concorde and military jets, can achieve speeds that significantly reduce travel time over long distances.
The physics of supersonic flight involves complex aerodynamics, including shock waves that form as an aircraft approaches and exceeds the speed of sound. These shock waves can create a loud noise known as a sonic boom, which is often heard on the ground when a supersonic aircraft flies overhead.