China advances TMS-10 supersonic demonstrator aircraft

China is advancing its supersonic aviation research with the TMS-10, a technology demonstrator aircraft currently entering its final assembly phase. Developed by the Tianmushan Laboratory with support from Beihang University, the project aims to pave the way for a new generation of quieter supersonic aircraft.

The TMS-10 is designed to test technologies capable of reducing the sonic boom, a major historical barrier to supersonic flight. Its aerodynamic configuration utilizes a three-surface design, incorporating forward canards and a T-tail to prevent shockwaves from merging, thereby minimizing noise on the ground. While the demonstrator is a test vehicle, the ultimate goal is to develop a supersonic business jet capable of carrying 10 to 15 passengers at speeds of Mach 2.

Successful implementation of this technology could drastically reduce travel times, such as cutting a flight between Beijing and Shanghai from two hours to approximately 30 minutes. A 1:18 scale model has already undergone low-speed testing, and the full-scale TMS-10 is expected to attempt its first supersonic flight by the end of 2026.