Yes, it is possible to design an airplane that can fly faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1) without creating a sonic boom. The loud sonic boom produced by supersonic aircraft is a result of the shock waves generated as the aircraft exceeds the speed of sound. However, advancements in aerospace technology and research have led to the development of aircraft designs that aim to reduce or eliminate sonic booms.
One such concept is the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) being developed by NASA in collaboration with industry partners. The QueSST design incorporates a shape that minimizes the generation of shock waves, resulting in a softer, more manageable sonic thump instead of a loud boom. This technology is being developed to potentially enable supersonic flight over land without causing significant noise disturbances.
Another approach is the use of aerodynamic shaping and other design techniques to reduce the strength and impact of the shock waves. By carefully shaping the aircraft's body, wings, and other components, it's possible to spread out the pressure disturbances and minimize the intensity of the resulting sonic boom.
In recent years, there have been efforts to develop supersonic business jets (SSBJs) that prioritize reduced sonic boom signatures. These aircraft aim to provide a comfortable and relatively quiet supersonic travel experience. However, it's important to note that while advancements are being made in this area, developing practical supersonic aircraft without sonic booms remains a complex engineering challenge.
It's worth mentioning that regulations and restrictions also play a role in determining where and how supersonic aircraft can operate. Various organizations and authorities are working on defining standards and guidelines to address noise concerns associated with supersonic flight over land.
In summary, while it is theoretically possible to build an airplane capable of flying faster than Mach 1 without producing a sonic boom, achieving this goal involves sophisticated design considerations and ongoing research and development in the field of supersonic aviation.