Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For Hobbyists & Makers · Mach Cone

Mach Cone for a cargo aircraft

Built for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker. Simulate a cargo aircraft live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Mach Cone & Sonic BoomLive

supersonic shock geometry

Controls

Presets

Mach number

Below the speed of sound, pressure waves race ahead of an aircraft. At and above Mach 1 the aircraft outruns its own sound, and the waves pile into a cone-shaped shock — the sonic boom. The faster it flies, the more sharply swept the Mach cone: its half-angle is arcsin(1/M). This geometry governs supersonic and hypersonic vehicle design.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Mach2.0

Regimesupersonic

Cone half-angle30.0°

Governing equation

μ = arcsin \frac{1}{M} = arcsin \frac{a}{v} = arcsin \frac{1}{2.0} = 30. 0^{\circ}

Reading this result: At Mach 2.0 the half-angle is arcsin(1/M) = 30.0° — faster flight sweeps the Mach cone tighter around the flight path.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Students Researchers Educators Engineers K-12 Students First Responders General version →

More with Mach Cone

Mach Cone for a passenger jet wing Mach Cone for a rocket ascent Mach Cone for a drone quadcopter Mach Cone for a glider Mach Cone for a paper airplane Mach Cone for a Mars lander Mach Cone for a satellite reentry Mach Cone for a model rocket

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for hobbyists & makers?: Yes — this version of "Mach Cone for a cargo aircraft" is framed for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.