# China's TMS-10 Supersonic Aircraft Enters Final Assembly Phase Experimental plane aims for Mach 2 speeds with innovative sonic boom reduction. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-09-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ec50606a-2e37-46f5-8c32-728c93a20f9e ## China's supersonic ambitions China's TMS-10 experimental aircraft has entered final assembly, targeting a test flight by year-end. Developed by Tianmushan Laboratory with Beihang University, this follows successful 1:18 scale prototype tests in June 2025. The full-scale version represents significant progress beyond the sub-Mach 0.2 low-speed tests that validated basic flight capabilities. Unlike NASA's X-59 which focuses on boom suppression, the TMS-10 employs a canard wing and T-tail configuration to disrupt shockwave formation. The design aims to prevent merging of shock waves from different surfaces that typically create louder sonic booms. ## Technical specifications The TMS-10 targets Mach 2 cruising speeds (1,300 mph) for business-class travel with 10-15 passengers. It will also support subsonic flights at Mach 0.95 (730 mph). Such speeds could reduce Beijing-Shanghai flight time from 2 hours to 30 minutes. The aircraft's forward canard wing and rear features work synergistically to redirect and weaken soundwaves. This differs fundamentally from NASA's X-59 approach that transforms booms into quieter 'bumps'. Engineers must still finalize the engine core and validate exhaust/inlet systems, with multiple scaled model tests remaining before design finalization. ## Design challenges Supersonic passenger aircraft require solutions for extreme heat generation at high speeds while maintaining passenger comfort. The TMS-10 team must ensure structural durability against sustained thermal stress. Current development follows successful low-speed prototype tests that evaluated takeoff, stability, control and landing characteristics. However, transitioning from sub-Mach 0.2 to supersonic regimes presents new aerodynamic challenges. The Global Times reports engineers are still working on critical propulsion systems. These technical hurdles contrast with NASA's X-59, which already achieved Mach 1.5 in testing this year. ## Competitive landscape China's supersonic program trails NASA's X-59, which reached Mach 1.5 (990 mph) at 55,000 feet this year. The TMS-10 project represents China's bid to enter the supersonic passenger market currently dominated by Western research. While NASA focuses on boomless technology for overland flight, China's approach prioritizes speed with mitigated (but not eliminated) sonic effects. The divergent design philosophies reflect different regulatory environments and market priorities. China's progress suggests potential for future competition in high-speed business travel, though significant testing remains before commercial viability. ## Market implications Successful TMS-10 development could create a new niche in business aviation for time-sensitive travelers. The 10-15 seat configuration targets premium customers willing to pay for dramatic time savings. Potential routes like Beijing-Shanghai demonstrate the value proposition for dense business corridors. However, operational costs and ticket pricing remain uncertain factors. The aircraft's dual-speed capability (subsonic and supersonic) offers routing flexibility where sonic booms are restricted. This contrasts with pure supersonic designs that face more operational limitations due to noise regulations. ## Technical differentiation The TMS-10's canard wing placement ahead of the main wing creates controlled vortices that disrupt shockwave formation. Combined with the T-tail configuration, this prevents merging of nose and wing shockwaves into a single loud boom. Rear aerodynamic features further scatter and weaken remaining soundwaves. This approach differs from NASA's elongated nose design that prevents shockwave coalescence through geometry. Chinese engineers claim their method maintains better high-speed performance while still reducing ground noise impact compared to traditional supersonic designs. ## Development timeline Following June 2025's successful subscale tests, the full-scale TMS-10 now enters final assembly. First flight tests will evaluate the aircraft's transition to supersonic speeds and boom mitigation effectiveness. Engineers must still complete engine core development and validate inlet/exhaust systems - critical for thermal management at Mach 2. Additional scaled model tests will refine the design before finalization. This phased approach mirrors aerospace best practices but suggests commercial deployment remains several years away, especially compared to NASA's more advanced X-59 program. ## Strategic significance The TMS-10 represents China's growing capability in advanced aerospace technologies beyond military applications. Success would demonstrate indigenous innovation in supersonic transport, a field long dominated by Western manufacturers. The project also tests China's ability to overcome technical challenges like thermal management and noise reduction that have hindered previous supersonic passenger efforts. While playing catch-up to NASA, the distinct design approach could yield competitive advantages if proven effective. The program signals China's ambitions to lead in next-generation aviation technologies. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/technology/china-supersonic-plane-test-tms-10/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. 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