Experience the World in 7 Hours with China’s Mach 16
For years, China has aimed to break into the global weapons market, which is currently dominated by the U.S., France, and Israel. But when it comes to cutting-edge technology, China is making significant strides. After advancing in hypersonic missile development, the country is now working on a hypersonic plane that could revolutionize air travel.
This futuristic aircraft is being developed by a Beijing-based company called Space Transportation. Their prototype, the Yunxing, has already undergone successful testing. Designed for commercial use, the plane can fly at Mach 4—four times the speed of sound—and could eventually circumnavigate the globe in just seven hours. That means travel between distant continents could take less time than a typical workday.
Hypersonic Plane Speed
China’s upcoming hypersonic plane is expected to reach a speed of 3,069 miles per hour, or approximately 5,000 km/h. This makes it one of the fastest aircraft ever developed—nearly matching and surpassing the speed of the now-retired Concorde, which flew at around 2,000 km/h, more than twice the speed of sound.
According to several media reports, this next-generation aircraft could reduce long-haul flights dramatically, cutting the travel time from London to New York to just 1.5 to 2 hours.
Which Company Is Making the Hypersonic Plane?
Beijing-based Lingkong Tianxing Technology is leading the development of the hypersonic aircraft. The company recently reported a successful test flight of its Yunxing prototype. With more engine tests planned for November, the team is pushing ahead with high ambitions. The project aims to launch a full-sized supersonic passenger jet by 2027, which is expected to reach speeds of Mach 4—four times the speed of sound.
Paris to Beijing in Just One Hour
The company claims its hypersonic aircraft will be capable of completing the journey from Paris to Beijing in just one hour, and Beijing to New York in two hours. If successful, this groundbreaking innovation could dramatically reduce international travel times. It would also mark the first supersonic passenger jet developed by China in over 25 years, following the retirement of the Concorde in 2003.