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SW-User
It's a pressure wave generated as the plane approaches the speed of sound.
swirlie · 31-35, F
@SW-User
That is correct! The plane is only 'approaching' the speed of sound but has not yet crossed that threshold. This is evidenced by the tailplane still being located behind the shock wave and not ahead of it like the forward part of the fuselage obviously is.
The aircraft has not actually exceeded the sound barrier at this precise moment within the photograph though! And in fact, there would be no sonic BOOM heard at this precise moment the photograph was taken. The sonic boom will not occur until that shock wave moves aft of the tailplane section.
That is correct! The plane is only 'approaching' the speed of sound but has not yet crossed that threshold. This is evidenced by the tailplane still being located behind the shock wave and not ahead of it like the forward part of the fuselage obviously is.
The aircraft has not actually exceeded the sound barrier at this precise moment within the photograph though! And in fact, there would be no sonic BOOM heard at this precise moment the photograph was taken. The sonic boom will not occur until that shock wave moves aft of the tailplane section.
SW-User
What's happening is that as the aircraft approaches the speed of sound a pressure wave builds up in front of the fuselage.. creating areas of high and low pressure as indicated..
The low pressure behind the wave wall caused the air to condense forming this cloud effect..
When the aircraft exceeds the speed of sound the wave form flattens out and the area of condensation dissipates almost instantly.