QSP

Description: The QSP (Quiet Supersonic Platform) program seeks a new technological approach for a long-range, supersonic military aircraft. This program, currently in the phase II, emphasizes on reduced sonic boom associated with the supersonic flight.

The Lockheed-Martin and the Northrop-Grumman corporations are separately developing concepts for the QSP program managed by the DARPA.

The QSP program objective is to field a supersonic vehicle with an initial shock pressure rise of no greater than 0.3 pound per square foot (1.46 kg per square meter). A typical supersonic aircraft has an initial shock pressure rise of 3 pound per square foot. The final QSP vehicle would weigh at the take-off about 100,000 pounds with a payload of 20,000 pounds, a cruise speed between Mach 2.0 and 2.4, and an unrefueled range of 6,000 nm.

Specifications
Weights: Max Weight 45,360 kg (100,000 lb), Payload 9,100 kg (20,062 lb)

Performance: Cruise Speed 797 mps (Mach 2.40), Max Range 11,112 km (6,000 nm)