Comac C949: A Revolutionary Supersonic Aircraft with Enhanced Range and Reduced Noise

The Chinese aerospace company Comac is currently developing a new supersonic passenger aircraft, the Comac C949, which aims to reach speeds of Mach 1.6. This innovative aircraft is designed to have a significantly longer flight range compared to the now-retired Concorde.

Recent reports indicate that the engineers have outlined several key specifications for the C949. Notably, it is expected to achieve a range of approximately 6,800 miles, which represents a 50% increase over the Concorde's maximum distance of 4,500 miles. In addition to enhanced range, the C949 will be engineered to operate at a noise level 95% lower than that of the Concorde, targeting a sound pressure level of around 83.9 dB, similar to that of a standard hairdryer.

According to the South China Morning Post, the details of the aircraft have been documented in the journal Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica. The reduced noise levels are crucial as they aim to comply with regulatory standards that currently restrict supersonic flights over land due to noise concerns, permitting such flights only over water.

The design of the Comac C949 includes a variable geometry fuselage featuring a curved midsection, which is intended to mitigate shockwaves that typically create the sonic boom associated with breaking the sound barrier. The aircraft's elongated, needle-like nose will help distribute the shockwave into three softer impulses, thereby reducing the intensity of the sonic boom. Additionally, aerodynamic modifications near the engines will assist in dispersing exhaust turbulence to further dampen noise levels during flight.

The C949 will utilize a fly-by-wire control system powered by artificial intelligence (AI), enabling the aircraft to manage stability in extreme conditions effectively. The designers are also incorporating a movable fuel system capable of holding up to 42,000 kg of fuel. This innovative feature will allow the aircraft to adjust its center of gravity in flight based on fuel consumption.

Targeted for a capacity of 28 to 48 passengers, the C949 is designed to be more streamlined than the Concorde, which accommodated up to 128 passengers. The increased range and reduced size aim to enhance operational efficiency, allowing for longer flights beyond the transatlantic routes previously serviced by the Concorde, such as those between Paris and New York or London and New York. With these advancements, the C949 could potentially cover the distance from Shanghai to Los Angeles in approximately five hours.