Elon Musk has revolutionized electric vehicles, space travel, and artificial intelligence, but could he be working on the next breakthrough in aviation? Speculation is growing around the idea of a Tesla or SpaceX-developed hypersonic jet—a concept that could shrink global travel times dramatically.
However, let’s set the record straight: Reaching the speed of light with a hypersonic jet is impossible and defies the laws of physics. Even the most advanced hypersonic aircraft today only aim for speeds of Mach 5 to Mach 10—far from the speed of light.
So, what’s fact, and what’s fiction? Let’s dive into the potential, challenges, and realities of Musk’s hypersonic jet concept.
What Is a Hypersonic Jet?
A hypersonic jet is an aircraft designed to fly at speeds above Mach 5 (over 3,800 mph or 6,200 km/h). For comparison:
- Commercial jets (Boeing 747, Airbus A380): Travel at around Mach 0.85 (570 mph / 920 km/h).
- Concorde (Retired Supersonic Jet): Flew at Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph / 2,180 km/h).
- SR-71 Blackbird (Fastest Manned Jet Ever): Reached Mach 3.2 (2,455 mph / 3,950 km/h).
- Hypersonic Jets (Future Tech): Could exceed Mach 5 to Mach 10, significantly cutting flight times.
If developed, a hypersonic jet from Tesla or SpaceX could make it possible to:
- Fly from New York to London in under an hour.
- Reach Sydney from Los Angeles in 2-3 hours.
- Make intercontinental travel as fast as regional flights today.
Elon Musk and Hypersonic Jets: What Has He Said?
Elon Musk has publicly teased the idea of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) supersonic or hypersonic aircraft. His vision involves an electric-powered jet capable of breaking speed barriers while maintaining efficiency.
In a 2019 interview, Musk stated:
“I have a design for a supersonic jet, but I think my brain would explode if I tried to develop it right now.”
In a 2021 Clubhouse discussion, he said:
“A VTOL supersonic electric jet is technically possible but has challenges.”
While Musk hasn’t officially announced plans for a hypersonic aircraft, his companies Tesla and SpaceX both have the technology and expertise needed to attempt such a project.
Challenges to Hypersonic Jet Development
While the idea of hypersonic passenger flights is thrilling, there are several major hurdles:
1. The Heat Problem
- Traveling at Mach 5+ generates extreme heat due to air friction.
- Current materials and cooling systems struggle to withstand these temperatures.
- Special heat-resistant alloys and ceramics are needed to prevent meltdown at high speeds.
2. Fuel and Energy Efficiency
- Traditional jet fuel struggles to support hypersonic speeds.
- Electric propulsion is more efficient but lacks the power for sustained hypersonic travel.
- Hydrogen-based engines could be an alternative, but storage and infrastructure are major challenges.
3. Cost and Accessibility
- Developing a hypersonic passenger jet would cost billions of dollars.
- Tickets would likely be extremely expensive at first, limiting access to ultra-wealthy travelers.
- Airlines and manufacturers need massive investment and demand to make it feasible.
4. Sonic Boom and Regulations
- Supersonic and hypersonic jets create sonic booms, which can disturb cities and ecosystems.
- Current aviation laws restrict supersonic flight over land, which would limit routes.
- A hypersonic jet would need new air traffic control regulations and safe air corridors.
Is SpaceX’s Starship the Real Future of Hypersonic Travel?
While a hypersonic jet faces massive challenges, SpaceX is already working on an alternative—orbital space travel.
Starship, SpaceX’s fully reusable spacecraft, could offer suborbital flights for Earth travel. Instead of flying through the atmosphere, Starship would:
Launch passengers into space for ultra-fast intercontinental travel.
Fly from New York to Tokyo in under 1 hour.
Bypass air traffic restrictions and sonic boom concerns.
Unlike a traditional hypersonic jet, Starship could use Earth’s orbit for travel, cutting flight times drastically while avoiding the heat and drag issues of atmospheric flight.
However, space-based travel comes with its own set of challenges, such as high costs, G-force exposure, and launch infrastructure.
How Close Are We to a Hypersonic Jet?
While Elon Musk hasn’t officially announced a hypersonic aircraft project, many aerospace companies are working on similar concepts.
Boeing Hypersonic Jet Concept – Boeing has proposed a Mach 5+ passenger aircraft for the future.
Hermeus’ Quarterhorse – A startup working on a Mach 5 hypersonic aircraft with military backing.
NASA X-59 QueSST – A quieter supersonic jet designed to reduce the impact of sonic booms.
While these projects are promising, most experts believe hypersonic passenger jets won’t become a reality until the 2040s or later.
The Verdict: Will Elon Musk Build a Hypersonic Jet?
Is it possible? Yes—but it’s extremely difficult and expensive.
Will Elon Musk do it? Maybe—but not anytime soon.
What’s more likely? SpaceX’s Starship being used for ultra-fast suborbital travel.
While a Tesla or SpaceX hypersonic jet would be an engineering marvel, the technology, regulations, and economic factors make it unlikely in the near future.
For now, commercial hypersonic flights remain science fiction, but with advancements in materials, fuel, and aerodynamics, we might one day see a hypersonic future.
