China Nears Completion of Supersonic Business Jet TMS-10 Capable of Mach 2 Speeds

Advancements in China’s Supersonic TMS-10 Aircraft

According to НВ — Техно: On September 21, 2023, at 17:32, China’s TMS-10 supersonic demonstrator entered its final assembly phase. This passenger jet, developed by the Tianmushan Laboratory with support from Beihang University, aims to deliver a quieter and more practical supersonic aircraft. The TMS-10 is designed for business travel, seating 10 to 15 passengers, and is expected to reach cruising speeds of up to Mach 2. A test flight is scheduled before the end of 2026.

Earlier, in June 2025, a 1:18 scale model of the TMS-10 completed its maiden flight from Dingzhou Airport in Hebei province, reaching speeds below Mach 0.2 during that initial test. The Tianmushan team identified a variable cycle engine as critical for efficient operation across both subsonic and supersonic regimes. Once operational, the TMS-10 could slash travel time between Beijing and Shanghai from roughly two hours to around 30 minutes, dramatically improving business travel efficiency.

Progress with NASA’s Supersonic X-59 Aircraft

In related news, NASA’s X-59 supersonic aircraft recently completed 25 successful test flights. This experimental plane achieved speeds of Mach 1.2 at altitudes near 14,935 meters, validating predictions about its stability, flight characteristics, and structural durability. NASA plans to begin measuring the aircraft’s sonic boom signature later in 2024, a crucial step toward quieter supersonic flight.

These developments with China’s TMS-10 and NASA’s X-59 highlight significant strides in supersonic passenger aviation, promising faster travel times and enhanced passenger comfort.

Both projects exemplify global efforts to pioneer advanced aviation technologies that not only improve speed but also focus on reducing noise pollution and increasing flight efficiency, shaping the future of air travel.

The advancements in supersonic technology are not limited to China's TMS-10. For instance, NASA's recent successful test flights of the X-59 further validate the capabilities of next-generation supersonic aircraft. These developments underscore a global commitment to revolutionizing air travel with quieter and faster options for passengers.