What characterizes transonic flight?

Transonic flight is characterized by airflow that is partially subsonic and partially supersonic. This phase of flight occurs at speeds close to the speed of sound, typically defined as around Mach 0.8 to Mach 1.2. As an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, the airflow over different parts of the aircraft begins to vary significantly—some sections may experience subsonic airflow while others experience supersonic conditions. This mixture of airflow types creates unique aerodynamic challenges, such as shock waves, which can affect the stability and control of the aircraft. In contrast, airflow that is completely subsonic or entirely supersonic does not reflect the complexities of transonic flight, nor does constraining the flight to Mach 1 alone capture the full spectrum of speeds involved in this transitional phase. Thus, recognizing that transonic conditions involve both subsonic and supersonic flows is crucial in understanding aircraft performance at these critical speeds.