Approaching the Speed of Sound is one of the “High Speed Flight” films made by the Shell Oil Company in the 1950s. Directed by Peter de Normanville, the movie features many early British and American jet aircraft. The film features a basic demonstration of how sound is produced and how it travels through air. The inter-relationships between the speed of an aircraft and the speed of sound is established. The term mach number is defined and shock-wave formation around an aircraft wing is illustrated. Some of the planes featured include Comets, Meteors, Canberras, and more. The film includes footage of aircraft approaching Mach 1, including turbulence and instability as seen by the pilots. Wind tunnel tests are also shown as part of the demonstration, producing shock waves and control troubles.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com