In an era of aerospace marvels, the supersonic transport (SST)stood out. By the mid-1960s, multiple nations were pursuing the goal ofan SST passenger jet. Imagine traveling from New York to L.A. in lessthan two hours – it was the verge of a revolution in airtravel! But there were problems. Budget overruns and projections ofenormous operating costs were limiting the passenger SST’sappeal. But the real death knell to an international fleet of SSTs wasthe excessive sound – these super-fast jets were simply toonoisy.

The SST’s thunderous “sonicbooms” – faster-than-sound shock waves –were dangerously loud. So loud that SST activity over the continentalUS was banned, with other nations following suit. Eventually,supersonic flights were limited to ocean routes. Most nations droppedtheir SST projects and a single model, jointly developed by England andFrance, was produced in very limited numbers. In the end, therevolution never came.

Fast forward to today. After decades of test flights andanalysis, a solution may finally be at hand: The Low-Boom SST. Byadjusting critical aspects of aircraft features like nose shape,fuselage length, wing surface area, engine output, etc., the durationand power of the sonic boom can be minimized.“Low-boom” supersonic test aircraft are now beingflown successfully, and passenger jet designs are in the works.

Estes is looking ahead with its own Low-Boom SST – asleek, 30-inch long, delta-winged model rocket of the next generationof quiet, super-fast passenger jets. This Expert level kit is loadedwith features, including intricate, balsa-constructed, underwing enginepods and a large sheet of detailed water-slide decals to complete thescale-like look. Launch and watch as the Low-Boom SST climbs to 400feet on a C6-3, engine and gently returns under a large 15inch parachute. The SST revolution might be on its way afterall!