Importance of Air Induction System Design to Supersonic Aircraft

Fundamental information presented herein illustrates the increase in importance and complexity of an air induction system designed for high supersonic speeds. An insight is given into several choices of available basic geometries and aerodynamic design approaches. Certain specific areas, recently shown to warrant increased emphasis, are discussed. It is concluded that the engineering development and design effort required to provide a satisfactory air induction system increase rapidly with increasing flight speeds.