China Developing Mach-16 Jet That Could Circle the Globe in 7 Hours

China is developing a revolutionary Mach-16 aircraft that could fly around the planet in just seven hours—an achievement that would redefine the future of long-haul travel. The hypersonic jet, designed by Beijing-based Lingkong Tianxing, promises speeds that push current aviation technology into science-fiction territory. But just how fast will it be, and when might travelers finally step aboard? Here’s what we know.

China’s proposed hypersonic passenger jet has drawn comparisons to the Concorde, but at nearly eight times the speed. Lingkong Tianxing is already demonstrating measurable progress. The company has successfully flown its Yunxing prototype at Mach 4—around 3,069 mph—and is now conducting advanced engine tests aimed at reaching hypersonic velocities far beyond anything previously achieved by civilian aircraft.

If the technology performs as planned, the aircraft could reduce a London–New York flight to an astonishing 90 minutes. That would dwarf the roughly eight hours required today and even surpass the Concorde’s best time of just under three hours.

Lingkong Tianxing confirmed that the Yunxing prototype completed a major test flight in October, with additional propulsion trials scheduled for November. Each test brings the company closer to its goal: a next-generation hypersonic passenger jet capable of connecting continents in record time.

What Are The Challenges?

Developing a Mach‑16 passenger jet faces enormous challenges. At such speeds, the aerothermal environment becomes extreme, with air compressing into plasma around the aircraft and generating temperatures that can exceed 2,000°C. Conventional aerospace metals would fail almost instantly, making structural integrity a critical issue. The dynamic pressures at hypersonic speeds exert crushing forces on the fuselage and control surfaces, meaning even minor flaws could cause catastrophic failure.

Propulsion is another hurdle, as traditional scramjets struggle beyond Mach‑6. Sustaining Mach‑16 requires advanced engines such as oblique detonation engines, which use shockwaves to ignite fuel efficiently at extreme speeds. Passenger safety also presents unresolved challenges, including cabin pressurization, radiation exposure at near‑space altitudes, and emergency procedures. On top of this, manufacturing methods must evolve to produce aircraft capable of withstanding repeated cycles of extreme heat and stress.

To overcome these issues, engineers will need breakthroughs in propulsion, thermal protection, and materials. Oblique detonation engines and hybrid systems that combine air‑breathing engines with rocket‑like boosters are among the most promising propulsion technologies. Thermal protection systems, borrowed from spacecraft, will be essential, using ablative or reusable coatings and active cooling systems to prevent material failure. Flight control will likely depend on AI‑driven systems to manage stability in turbulent hypersonic regimes and precision navigation to handle global routes at near‑orbital speeds.

Materials science will play a central role, with refractory alloys such as niobium, molybdenum, and tungsten needed for structural components, while ultra‑high‑temperature ceramics and carbon‑carbon composites will protect leading edges and nose cones. Multifunctional materials that balance strength, heat resistance, and lightweight properties will be critical, supported by advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing and smart coatings. Without these innovations, sustained hypersonic passenger travel at Mach‑16 will remain out of reach.

Legacy Western Supersonic and Hypersonic Jets

The story naturally evokes comparisons to the Concorde, the iconic supersonic airliner jointly developed by British Airways and Air France. Capable of cruising at Mach 2—around 1,350 mph—the Concorde cut transatlantic travel times in half, offering passengers a three-and-a-half-hour New York to London experience unmatched in commercial aviation.

First flown in 1969 and entering service in 1976, the Concorde carried between 92 and 128 passengers in a luxurious cabin that embodied aviation’s most advanced engineering. But despite its technological brilliance, the plane struggled financially. Operating costs were enormous: fuel consumption was high, maintenance was expensive, and sonic booms severely restricted over-land routes. After a tragic crash in 2000 and declining demand in the early 2000s, both operators retired the Concorde in 2003.

Yet its legacy is powering a new era of supersonic and hypersonic innovation. Around the world, companies and agencies are racing to build the next generation of ultra-fast aircraft. Visionary designers such as Oscar Viñals have proposed concepts like the A•HyM, an aircraft engineered to fly more than five times the speed of sound. NASA has pursued its own breakthroughs with the sleek X-59 Quiet Supersonic Transport. American firm Venus Aerospace is developing a hypersonic jet that could make the London–New York trip in just one hour. And in China, aerospace start-ups such as Cormac are working on jets that could be quieter than a car even while flying at Mach 1.

Together, these developments indicate that the long-awaited return of high-speed passenger travel is within reach. With its ambitious Mach-16 concept and rapidly advancing Yunxing prototype, China is positioning itself at the forefront of an aviation revolution—one that could soon allow passengers to circle the globe at speeds once thought impossible.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, aeronewsjournal.com