No, a propeller-driven plane, also known as a prop plane, cannot exceed the sound barrier. The sound barrier refers to the speed of sound, approximately 343 meters per second (or 1,235 kilometers per hour) at sea level and under standard atmospheric conditions. It is commonly referred to as Mach 1.
Propeller-driven planes typically operate at subsonic speeds, meaning they fly at speeds slower than the speed of sound. The design and aerodynamics of prop planes are not optimized for supersonic flight. As an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, it encounters a phenomenon called compressibility effects, which can cause significant aerodynamic challenges.
When an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, the air around it starts to behave differently. Shockwaves form, resulting in a sudden increase in drag and aerodynamic forces. These shockwaves can have adverse effects on the aircraft's stability and control, potentially leading to instability and loss of control.
Supersonic flight requires specialized aircraft designs, such as jet engines with afterburners or rocket engines, and aerodynamic shapes that can effectively manage the increased drag and aerodynamic forces associated with flying at or beyond the speed of sound.
While there have been propeller-driven aircraft designed to approach or slightly exceed the speed of sound, such as the experimental X-1E aircraft in the 1950s, they were specifically designed and modified to explore the limits of supersonic flight and were not representative of typical propeller-driven planes.
In summary, while propeller-driven planes are excellent for subsonic flight and have their specific advantages, they are not capable of breaking the sound barrier due to the limitations of their design and aerodynamics.