DISTINGUISH BETWEEN SUBSONIC AND SUPERSONIC AIRPLANES

 Subsonic and supersonic airplanes differ primarily in the speed at which they travel.

Subsonic airplanes are designed to fly at speeds below the speed of sound, which is approximately 767 miles per hour (1234 kilometers per hour) at sea level. Most commercial airliners, such as the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380, are subsonic airplanes. They typically have a cruising speed of around 550-600 miles per hour (885-965 kilometers per hour).

Supersonic airplanes, on the other hand, are designed to travel faster than the speed of sound. They can reach speeds of up to 1,500 miles per hour (2414 kilometers per hour) or more. Examples of supersonic airplanes include the Concorde, which had a top speed of around 1,350 miles per hour (2172 kilometers per hour), and the upcoming Boom Overture, which is designed to travel at a speed of Mach 2.2 (around 1,700 miles per hour or 2735 kilometers per hour).

The aerodynamics of subsonic and supersonic airplanes are also different. Subsonic airplanes typically have wings that are larger and more curved, which helps generate lift at lower speeds. Supersonic airplanes, in contrast, have wings that are smaller and less curved, which reduces drag and helps them travel faster.

Supersonic airplanes also experience unique phenomena such as shock waves and sonic booms, which can cause noise pollution and other challenges. Due to these challenges, supersonic airplanes are typically used for military purposes or high-end business travel, rather than commercial passenger flights.