Overview
- The Tianmushan Laboratory says the full‑scale TMS‑10 has moved into final assembly and is scheduled to attempt a supersonic test before the end of 2026 to cross Mach 1 and record ground‑level sonic‑boom signatures.
- The demonstrator uses a three‑surface layout with a forward canard and T‑tail to reshape shock waves and aims for cruise speeds near Mach 2 while retaining subsonic capability around Mach 0.95.
- A 1:18‑scale prototype first flew in June 2025 and remained below Mach 0.2 to validate low‑speed takeoff, landing, stability and control before the program moved to wind‑tunnel work and flight‑control design.
- Researchers warn major engineering challenges remain, especially engines and air intakes, exhaust design, thermal heating and structural durability, and the program will need larger demonstrators and long endurance testing before any commercial aircraft is possible.
- The project sits alongside international low‑boom research such as NASA’s X‑59 and has prompted state media to offer aspirational claims like Beijing–Shanghai in about 30 minutes that depend on long‑term technical, regulatory and economic progress.