Can Propeller-Driven Planes Fly At Supersonic Speeds?

Summary Propeller aircraft cannot achieve supersonic speeds due to design limitations of blades. Aerodynamic effects and excessive heat must be managed to reach supersonic flight. Noise levels and structural risks limit the use of propeller-driven aircraft at supersonic speeds.

All supersonic aircraft are jet (or rocket) propelled aircraft - but can a propeller-driven aircraft reach supersonic speeds? The short answer is no - at least no propeller (including turboprop) aircraft are designed to fly at supersonic speeds. Propeller aircraft are absent from all supersonic designs. While the retirement of the Concorde ended the age of commercial supersonic travel , aircraft in development like Boom's Overture are promising to bring back supersonic travel .

Jet aircraft did not fully replace propeller-driven aircraft, with numerous commercial passenger (normally short-haul) and military aircraft being turboprops, as propellers have some advantages over jet engines. Supersonic flight A supersonic flight is achieved when the aircraft's speed exceeds the speed of sound (768 miles per hour at sea level). To achieve supersonic speed, the airframe must withstand adverse aerodynamic effects due to the transonic aerodynamic effects of the transonic movement of air.

The aerodynamic drag significantly increases as the flow shifts from subsonic to supersonic. Additionally, the aircraft undergoes turbulence, excessive heat due to friction, and shockwaves. A supersonic flight is achieved after .