Subsonic and Mach Speeds, what are the differences?

[erikiksaz]

I've been reading about the types of weaponry we're using against the Terrorists and i'm interested in the planes that they're using. I see that most fighter jets have a Mach rating of 1.7+, whereas the bombers such as the B-52 and B-2's fly at "high subsonic" speeds. Can anyone tell me what the difference or if there's a relation between Mach ratings and the "subsonic" stuff?

 

subsonic is under the speed of sound.

 

[Random Variable]

Mach 1 is the speed of sound

EDIT: The speed of sound is not a constant because it depends on altitude (and the medium). At sea level the speed of sound in air is 761.6 MPH.

 

Mach 1 = speed of sound
Mach 2 =twice the speed of sound

subsonic = slower than the speed of sound

 

[GasX]

Mach 3 = overpirced razor

 

[Cyberian]

The speed of sound in air, or Mach I, is about 750 MPH at sea level.
It varies slightly with temperature.

Sonic basically means 'sound'.

 

[erikiksaz]

oooh, i see now. thanks guys, now i can actually kind of relate to the speeds at which those planes fly.