Book Description

This paper presents a short history of sonic boom research and related operational considerations in the development of a commercial supersonic transport (SST). The most intensive public reaction research program to date was conducted at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. An intensive research program to determine structural reaction to sonic booms was conducted at the White Sands Missile Range. These two programs are discussed and a brief summary of the findings of the programs is presented. The paper concludes that although much has been learned about the sonic boom phenomena through past flight and research activities, additional research and theoretical studies are warranted.