Aircraft
Paper Airplanes: Billions Needed For New Super/Hyper-sonic Designs
Bringing a new multi-Mach bizjet to market will require innovative design and deep pockets.
Supersonic business aircraft such as this concept from Spike Aerospace could 
be carrying passengers on transoceanic routes within six to eight years.
Supersonic business aircraft such as this concept from Spike Aerospace could be carrying passengers on transoceanic routes within six to eight years.

After Sir Richard Branson launches the first passenger flight of his Virgin Galactic space venture, possibly later this year, he’s indicated that he will turn his attention to developing a supersonic commercial aircraft that can transit from New York to Tokyo (10,800 km; 5,800 nm) in “less than an hour.” He envisions an orbital aircraft, which could reach speeds up to 30,000 kph (16,200 knots).