

Speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) are often referred to as hypersonic. For objects traveling in dry air of a temperature of 20 ☌ (68 ☏) at sea level, this speed is approximately 343.2 m/s (1,126 ft/s 768 mph 667.1 kn 1,236 km/h). Supersonic speed is the speed of an object that exceeds the speed of sound ( Mach 1). The white cloud forms as a result of the supersonic expansion fans dropping the air temperature below the dew point. Navy F/A-18 approaching the sound barrier.
