HOLLOMAN AFB, N.M. -- Residents in the communities surrounding Holloman Air Force Base may notice a periodic sonic boom starting now through the end of April in preparation for the F-22 arrival. Holloman AFB is expecting its first two F-22 aircraft in June 2008.
The 49th Fighter Wing has developed a plan using T-38 aircraft to conduct supersonic flights to familiarize the local communities to sonic boom noise caused by supersonic flights. During the month of March, the T-38s will be flying three supersonic flights a week over Alamogordo, Tularosa, and Carrizozo. During the month of April, supersonic flights will begin over Cloud Croft and Ruidoso.
A sonic boom is an impulsive noise similar to thunder. It is caused by an object moving faster than sound, about 750 miles per hour at sea level. An aircraft traveling through the atmosphere continuously produces air-pressure waves similar to the water waves caused by a ship's bow. When the aircraft exceeds the speed of sound, these pressure waves combine and form shock waves which travel forward from the generation or "release" point thus creating the loud noise.
Flying tactics of the F-22 will cause an increase in the number of sonic booms heard in the local flying area. The Raptor's balanced design of maneuverable stealth, super cruise, and integrated avionics, allow it to go in virtually unnoticed and take out high-value targets both in the air and on the ground.
The F-22 gives us the ability to dominate in the air. Dominance in the air enables everything else that we do -- on land, at sea, or in the air.
If you have any questions on the sonic boom flights, contact the 49 FW Public Affairs office at 575-572-7381.