Super jets capable of reaching speeds up to six times the speed of sound are no longer just science fiction. As a result, it is now less challenging to witness the breathtaking sight of these aircraft breaking through the “sound barrier.”
When an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound, it creates a tremendous noise known as a sonic boom, accompanied by a stunning visual display of white vapor clouds that condense around the aircraft.
Below are images of the “sonic boom” created by the fastest airplanes in the world.
An F-22 from the U.S. Air Force glides through the skies above the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis CVN-74 at supersonic speed.
This moment captures an FA-18 flying at low altitude, exceeding the speed of sound. It serves as an ideal demonstration of the vapor condensation forming rings around the aircraft at the moment it produces a sonic boom.
An F/A-18F reaches the speed of sound directly above an aircraft carrier.
This impressive scene is from the famous movie “Stealth,” depicting a pilot accelerating his jet near the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson CVN-70.
As the boom sounds, vapor begins to condense on the wings of the aircraft. The image shows a fighter jet designated FA-18.
An F-16 breaks through the “sound barrier,” forming vapor clouds around its wings and tail. In the sunlight, these water droplets create a rainbow-like effect.
The B-1B, a strategic bomber, exceeds the speed of sound while banking. Following this, the B-1B performs spectacular aerobatic maneuvers.
A fighter jet accelerates past the “sound barrier” within a cloud of mist.
Looking at these images, one might think a tremendous explosion has occurred. In reality, before we hear the boom and capture these stunning visuals, the sonic barrier has already been broken.
