Emission Measurements of the Concorde Supersonic Aircraft in the Lower Stratosphere

D. W. Fahey, E. R. Keim, K. A. Boering, C. A. Brock, J. C. Wilson, H. H. Jonsson, S. Anthony, T. F. Hanisco,

P. O. Wennberg, R. C. Miake-Lye, R. J. Salawitch, N. Louisnard, E. L. Woodbridge, R. S. Gao, S. G. Donnelly,

R. C. Wamsley, L. A. Del Negro, S. Solomon, B. C. Daube, S. C. Wofsy, C. R. Webster, R. D. May, K. K.

Kelly, M. Loewenstein, and J. R. Podolske

Science, 270, 70-74, 1995

Abstract

Emission indices of reactive gases and particles were determined from measurements in the exhaust plume of a Concorde

aircraft cruising at supersonic speeds in the stratosphere. Values for NO_x (sum of NO and NO₂) agree well with

ground-based estimates. Measurements of NO_x and HO_x indicate a limited role for nitric acid in the plume. The

large number of submicrometer particles measured implies efficient conversion of fuel sulfur to sulfuric acid in the engine or

at emission. A new fleet of supersonic aircraft with similar particle emissions would significantly increase stratospheric

aerosol surface areas and may increase ozone loss above that expected for NO emissions alone