Patent ID: 8083171
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. A method for configuring and operating an aircraft for minimizing sonic boom effects at ground level during supersonic flight of the aircraft, said method comprising: configuring an aircraft and flying the aircraft at supersonic speed so that in said supersonic flight, a lower profile of the aircraft is presented and generally groundwardly directed; generating a plurality of different-magnitude pressure disturbances below the aircraft, and radiating therebelow, and controlling the plurality of different-magnitude pressure disturbances generated below the aircraft so that differentials thereamong are sufficiently minimized that ground level sonic boom effects are minimized during said supersonic flight; and configuring the lower profile of the aircraft so that no stronger pressure disturbances generated below the aircraft and behind a bow shock pressure disturbance caused by the apex of a nose portion of the aircraft propagate at angles sufficient to result in their coalescence with the bow shock prior to reaching ground level during said supersonic flight.