Fastest civil aircraft in the world after Concorde

During 2021 tests, the Global 8000 exceeded the speed of sound, reaching a top speed of Mach 1,015. However, when in operation, the Global 8000 will only fly at a speed of Mach 0.94 (1,152km/h). Since Concorde's last flight in 2003, no airliner has traveled that fast. Concorde had a maximum speed twice the speed of sound, reaching Mach 2.04.

Global 8000 has a capacity of 19 passengers and an operating range of about 14,800 km. In addition to its impressive speed and range, the aircraft is also designed to provide a luxurious experience for passengers. It has four living spaces, two bathrooms and a crew rest area. The aircraft's main stateroom has a king-size bed and an optional shower.

Bombardier currently has more than 5,000 jets in operation. The company's newest model in service, the Global 7500, flies at Mach 0.925 (982 km/h).

Global 8000 has many innovative design changes. The curved Smooth Flex Wing provides high speed and great lift. This helps reduce turbulence, while maintaining performance in adverse weather conditions.

According to Emmanuel Bornand, Bombardier's vice president of international sales, Concorde was a source of inspiration for Bombardier's designers. "You can fly from New York to London at speeds that no one has experienced since Concorde," said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier's senior vice president of engineering and product development.

However, unlike Concorde, Global 8000 does not require a longer runway. Instead, the Smooth Flex Wing design allows aircraft to take off from shorter runways at more remote airports. According to Bombardier, flying from less busy airports will save passengers time. The company claims the Global 8000 can fly to about 2,000 more airports than its closest competitor.

The Global 8000 is being manufactured at Bombardier's facilities in Canada, the US and Mexico. The company also has service centers in China and Singapore.

Bombardier is not the only company developing high-speed civil aircraft. American company Boom Supersonic is looking to bring back commercial supersonic flight and has broken the sound barrier in recent test flights. Boom Supersonic's Overture airliner is expected to enter service later this decade.

Thu Thao (According to Interesting Engineering)