The "sound barrier" is the point at which an aircraft reaches the speed of sound, Mach 1 — roughly 1,225 km/h (761 mph) at sea level. Approaching it, aircraft meet a sharp rise in drag and turbulence that early engineers feared was an impenetrable barrier, until it was first broken in 1947.

Schlieren photography is a technique that makes differences in air density visible, allowing otherwise invisible shockwaves around fast-moving objects to be photographed. NASA used an advanced air-to-air version to capture supersonic shockwaves streaming off jets in flight.

NASA used schlieren imaging to photograph two T-38 jets from the US Air Force Test Pilot School flying about 30 feet apart at supersonic speed. The result showed how the shockwaves from the two aircraft interact — data that helps engineers design quieter supersonic planes.

A sonic boom is the loud, thunder-like sound created when an aircraft travels faster than sound, as its shockwaves reach the ground. Reducing this boom is a major goal of modern supersonic research, which is why visualising shockwaves, as in NASA's images, matters so much.

Visualising shockwaves shows exactly how pressure waves form and merge around an aircraft, guiding designs that produce softer booms. This research could one day allow overland supersonic flight, reviving an ambition not seen since fast jets like the SR-71 Blackbird.

The Bell X-1, piloted by Chuck Yeager, became the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight on 14 October 1947. That milestone opened the supersonic age and led to research machines like the rocket-powered X-15.

On MiGFlug's High Altitude (Edge of Space) flights, the MiG-29 climbs to a guaranteed 17 km and often reaches 18 or even 19 km. In the past, altitudes above 20 km were possible, but a current speed limit of Mach 1.7, down from Mach 1.9, has lowered the practical ceiling.

The colder months, October through April, are best, with winter (November to February) ideal. Cold air lets the MiG-29's engines produce more thrust, so the jet climbs higher. The MiG-29 Fulcrum Edge of Space experience reaches its peak altitudes in winter conditions.

Yes. From around 17 to 19 km, near the edge of space, the sky turns dark and the curvature of the Earth becomes clearly visible. This is the signature view of the MiG-29 Edge of Space flight, a height few aircraft reach but still below the absolute altitude records set by specialised jets.

The MiG-29's top speed on these flights is currently capped at Mach 1.7, lower than the Mach 1.9 reached previously, because sustained higher speeds wore out the engines too quickly. Since speed and altitude are linked, this cap also slightly lowers the maximum height the jet can reach.

Cold air is denser and helps a jet engine generate more thrust, allowing the aircraft to climb higher. That is why MiG-29 Edge of Space flights reach their greatest altitudes in winter, and why operators recommend booking between November and February for the best chance at peak height.

Yes. Companies like MiGFlug let civilians fly in a MiG-29 without any pilot's licence. You ride in the back seat of a two-seat MiG-29UB while a professional pilot flies, and you can take the controls during parts of the flight. Almost anyone in reasonable health can book the experience.

Booking a MiG-29 flight involves choosing a flight program, submitting a questionnaire and passport scan for airbase clearance, picking a date, paying a deposit or full amount, and arranging travel and a visa with help from a specialist. The MiG-29 is operated by Russia's state-owned Sokol plant, which builds the two-seat MiG-29UB you fly in.

Over 90% of customers choose the Edge of Space flight, which climbs the MiG-29 to the upper edge of the atmosphere. The MiG-29 Fulcrum Edge of Space experience offers views of the Earth's curvature and a dark sky, making it the signature MiG-29 program.

MiG-29 flights normally take place Monday through Thursday, with Fridays sometimes possible by exception. The schedule is set by the Russian airbase that operates the jets, so dates must be coordinated and cleared in advance along with the necessary paperwork and visa.

Yes. Flying a MiG-29 in Russia requires a visa, and your passport details are forwarded to the airbase for clearance before the flight. A specialist helps arrange travel and the visa process as part of booking, since the jets operate from a Russian military facility.

A MiG-29 flight is the premium end of civilian fighter jet experiences, with the Edge of Space flight as the flagship option; current pricing is listed on MiGFlug's MiG-29 flight page. For comparison, more affordable rides such as the L-39 Albatros start around 2,500 euros, while the MiG-29 sits well above that.

No. Flights in legendary jets like the MiG-25, MiG-31, and Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker are no longer available. The MiG-29 remains the fighter jet still bookable for civilians who want the Edge of Space experience.

The MiG-29's speed on Edge of Space flights is currently limited to Mach 1.7, down from the Mach 1.9 reached in the past, because the engines wore out too quickly at higher speeds. This cap also lowers the maximum altitude, which used to reach about 22 km.

Customers typically experience around 7.5g on a MiG-29 flight, though it depends on the individual and how well they tolerate G-forces. The record reached so far is 9.2g, but passengers are not pushed that hard. A G-suit helps the body cope with the load.

Aerobatic MiG-29 programs are limited to 12 km altitude because the customer wears only a standard G-suit. Going higher requires a high-altitude flight suit, used on the dedicated Edge of Space flight that climbs to around 17 to 19 km.