FAA approves newrules to test supersonic jets
New regulations for testing the next generation of ultra-fast jets were finalized by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, an attempt to streamline the development of supersonic flight.
The FAA on Wednesday announced the regulations as several companies work on prototypes of aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound.
The move is an attempt to make it easier to receive permission from FAA for conducting supersonic test flights. U.S. rules prohibit routine flights beyond the speed of sound — about 660 miles per hour at high altitudes — over land.
Companies including Aerion Corp. and Boom Technology Inc. are attempting to design business aircraft capable of flying at speeds far faster than existing models, but concerns remain over sonic booms and other environmental issues.