China designs hypersonic jet bigger than Boeing 737 with wings like Concorde
- Researchers used aerodynamic model that contributed to China’s latest space missions
- Official timeline aims by 2035 to operate a fleet of hypersonic aircraft that can transport 10 passengers to anywhere on Earth within an hour
At 45 metres (148 feet), the plane would be nearly a third longer than a 737-700, with two air-breathing engines mounted on top of its main body. The design has a pair of delta wings similar to those of the Concorde, but with tips pointing up.
Such a complex design can bring multiple aerodynamic challenges when the aircraft goes hypersonic, or faster than five times the speed of sound.
The researchers used a new aerodynamic model that has been proven effective in China’s latest space missions to evaluate the plane’s performance at high altitudes.
01:02
China tests hypersonic aircraft Starry Sky-2
They found areas on the plane that required extra protection or strengthening, because these spots would be most likely to suffer sudden spikes of heat and pressure when the plane reaches Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound – 7,344km/h or 4,447mph).