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Beijing, Oct. 31 — China’s Space Transportation, a firm focused on advancing aerospace technology, recently tested a prototype for a hypersonic passenger plane that aims to achieve speeds up to Mach 4, or roughly 3,000 mph. If successful, this speed would more than double that of the retired Concorde, which last flew in 2003, potentially reducing long-haul travel times significantly. The recent test marks a crucial step for the Yunxing plane, as the firm prepares for comprehensive engine tests scheduled for November and anticipates a full-scale launch of the craft by 2027.
Operating under the name Lingkong Tianxing Technology, Space Transportation has garnered attention in the aerospace sector as part of a wave of companies attempting to revive supersonic commercial travel. According to reports, the Yunxing plane’s projected capabilities would allow flights from London to New York in under 1.5 hours—compared to the Concorde’s fastest time of 2 hours and 53 minutes, and the current commercial flight duration of around eight hours.
The development reflects a broader trend in aerospace innovation, as other international companies pursue similar goals. U.S.-based Venus Aerospace is working on a jet engine that could reach speeds of Mach 6, with hopes of enabling the so-called “hypersonic economy.” Meanwhile, industry figures like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have shared concepts of alternative high-speed, energy-efficient designs, though Musk has paused development due to other business priorities. His ideas focus on electric-powered, vertically launching jets, which he believes could operate at higher altitudes with lower energy demands.
While Space Transportation’s hypersonic ambitions are still in the experimental phase, the prototype’s successful test flight adds momentum to the race to reintroduce supersonic travel, which faded after Concorde’s retirement. Since then, advancements in materials, propulsion, and energy efficiency have made hypersonic travel increasingly feasible for commercial use. If the technology proves viable, it could reshape long-distance travel, offering new options for travelers and potentially transforming global business and tourism.
As the Yunxing project progresses, the aerospace industry and regulators alike are monitoring the developments closely, particularly for impacts on air traffic infrastructure, fuel efficiency, and environmental considerations. The test marks a step forward, yet significant technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges remain before the vision of hypersonic passenger flights can become a commercial reality.
