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Russia is moving forward with plans to revive supersonic passenger air travel, with a prototype aircraft already under development as part of a broader effort to create a next-generation commercial jet capable of flying faster than the speed of sound.
The project is being led by the United Aircraft Corporation in collaboration with the Zhukovsky Research Center. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha said the work has progressed beyond the design stage and is now being carried out in hardware, with engineers actively involved in developing a working prototype, according to TASS.
The aircraft is intended to combine supersonic speeds with modern safety, efficiency, and environmental requirements. While the company has not disclosed a timeline for commercial deployment, the development of a physical prototype represents a significant milestone in Russia’s attempt to re-enter the field of high-speed passenger aviation.
Interest in supersonic travel has grown in recent years as aerospace companies search for ways to dramatically reduce long-haul flight times. A successful commercial supersonic aircraft could appeal to premium travelers and business passengers willing to pay for faster journeys between major global destinations.
One of the most persistent obstacles facing supersonic aviation is the sonic boom generated when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound. In April, the Zhukovsky Research Center patented a design for a future passenger aircraft aimed at reducing the intensity of sonic booms while also lowering noise levels around airports, addressing two of the industry’s biggest regulatory and environmental challenges.
The effort echoes a broader international push to revive a market that largely disappeared after the retirement of the Concorde in 2003. Advances in aerodynamics, materials science, and engine technology have renewed hopes that a new generation of aircraft could make high-speed commercial travel economically viable.
If successful, Russia’s program could position the country among a small group of nations competing to define the future of premium long-distance air travel. For now, the focus remains on proving the technology through prototype testing before any transition toward commercial airline operations.
