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Emission Measurements of the Concorde Supersonic Aircraft in the Lower...
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, (sum of NO and NO2) agree well with ground-based estimates. Measurements of NO, and HO, 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.