Real-time sonic boom prediction with flight guidance

Supersonic flight over land will require pilots to understand and manage sonic boom noise in real-time. For humans to understand the complex relationships of shock wave propagation in the atmosphere and where it impacts terrain, a perspective display of this information is a natural extension of current efforts using synthetic vision displays. In previous research a NASA developed algorithm was used to calculate sonic boom prediction, Mach cut-off, and sound pressure levels for current and modified flights plans. The algorithm information was transformed into georeferenced objects, presented on navigation and guidance displays and integrated with synthetic vision. We conducted a usability demonstration with experienced pilots to assess their ability to use the display to determine whether the flight plan avoids the generation of a sonic boom in noise-sensitive areas, their ability to modify their flight plan to resolve impact issues, and reviewed the implementation of a real-time guidance capability. This paper provides an overview of the usability demonstration and discusses the additional capability of providing a pilot alerting mechanism and automated impact evaluations.