What term describes flying faster than the speed of sound?

The term that describes flying faster than the speed of sound is "supersonic." When an object travels at speeds greater than the speed of sound in air (approximately 343 meters per second or 1,125 feet per second at sea level and standard conditions), it is categorized as supersonic. Supersonic flight involves producing shock waves, which can create a sonic boom when the aircraft passes through the sound barrier.

In contrast, transonic refers to speeds that are at or near the speed of sound, typically ranging from Mach 0.8 to Mach 1.2, where the aircraft experiences both subsonic and supersonic flow over different parts. Subsonic describes speeds below the speed of sound, characterized by smooth airflow without shock waves. Hypersonic, on the other hand, refers to speeds that are much greater than supersonic, typically defined as speeds over Mach 5.

Understanding these terms helps clarify the distinctions between different speed regimes in aerodynamics and aviation.