Break the sound barrier
Meaning
To travel faster than the speed of sound, especially in an aircraft, or to achieve a significant breakthrough or overcome a major obstacle.
Origin
For decades, aviators and engineers spoke of an invisible, formidable "sound barrier," a point at Mach 1 where conventional aircraft would succumb to violent buffeting and instability, making supersonic flight seem impossible. This perceived wall of air was a daunting challenge, often leading to tragic failures as planes approached the speed of sound. The barrier was finally shattered on October 14, 1947, by American test pilot Chuck Yeager, who, in the rocket-powered Bell X-1 named "Glamorous Glennis," punched through Mach 1 over the Mojave Desert. His iconic flight proved that humans could indeed exceed the speed of sound, transforming aviation from a world of limitations to one of limitless speed.
Examples
- Chuck Yeager was the first person officially confirmed to break the sound barrier in a manned aircraft.
- The research team hopes their new experimental engine will allow them to finally break the sound barrier in sustainable travel.