CONCORDE @ London School of Economics: Environmental Impact of Supersonic Flight, Scientific Conference.
The New CONCORDE High-Altitude Supersonic Aviation Flights and Ozone Regeneration: A Case Study of the Environmental Sustainability Creed of the New CONCORDE Supersonic Aircraft.
The introduction of this White Paper as an Academic Journal Submission to NASA, fto NOAA, and to the various Universities around the World by the Author, on behalf of the Environmental Parliamentt, on behalf of AoSAM, the Association of Supersonic Aircraft manufacturers, and on behalf of the CONCORDE co, is being shared in this high Level Conference.
Title: High-Altitude Supersonic Aviation and Ozone Regeneration: A Case Study for the Environmental impacts of the new Supersonic Aircraft in the Stratosphere, and the positive effects of the specific science pathway that only the CONCORDE Supersonic High Altitude Flights produce, when flying in a specific altitude in the Stratosphere, for INCREASED OZONE PRODUCTION, thus contributing to the protection of the OZONE LAYER, and Oxygen Regeneration.
Author: Dr Pano Churchill
Affiliation: CONCORDE co, Aerospace Environmental Division - Director
Association of Supersonic Aircraft Manufacturers "AoSAM" -- President
Environmental Parliament -- Honorary President
Corresponding Author Email: DrChurchill [at] Fly-Concorde.com
Abstract
Supersonic aviation has traditionally been considered environmentally detrimental due to its emission of ozone-depleting substances & EMISSIONS in the lower stratosphere.
This paper presents a counter-hypothesis based on the New CONCORDE aircraft’s clean-burning, low-NOx propulsion system operating at 55,000 feet (16.5 km).
We evaluate the aircraft’s potential to stimulate local ozone regeneration via favorable photochemical interactions in the lower stratosphere, and advanced technology in the engines of the Concorde aircraft — that intentionally create additional Ozone.
The research proposes a new trajectory for supersonic aircraft in the age of sustainable aviation.
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1. Introduction
The deployment of commercial aircraft in the stratosphere necessitates rigorous examination of their atmospheric interactions. While historic models have emphasized ozone depletion from high-altitude NOx emissions, innovations in propulsion systems and emissions control warrant a re-evaluation. The New CONCORDE’s flight profile and emission characteristics make it a compelling subject for ozone-impact modeling.
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2. Ozone Chemistry and Altitude-Specific Reactions
Ozone is created via photolysis of molecular oxygen in the presence of UV radiation. Key reactions include:
O₂ + hν → 2O
O + O₂ + M → O₃ + M
Emissions of NOx can catalyze ozone destruction through:
NO + O₃ → NO₂ + O₂
NO₂ + O → NO + O₂
However, emissions can also potentially seed ozone creation under specific atmospheric conditions if NOx levels are minimized and water vapor or oxygen radicals are introduced without disturbing the photolytic balance. As noted by Brasseur et al. (1996), “aircraft emissions near the tropopause can result in net ozone production due to increased photochemical activity and radical propagation.”
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3. Aircraft and Emissions Profile
Engine: High-efficiency hydrogen-enriched turbofans
Emissions: NOx minimized via staged combustion and optimized temperature profiles
Water vapor, CO₂, and O emissions tracked in real time
Grewe et al. (2007) highlight that “operational strategies such as optimized routing and fleet distribution can significantly reduce the ozone depletion and climate impact of SSTs.”
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4. Proposed Positive Atmospheric Effects
We hypothesize:
Emissions may marginally enhance ozone concentrations in certain regions
Real-time flight path optimization could direct emissions to ozone-depleted zones
Long-term operations could contribute to ozone layer reinforcement, especially in southern hemisphere corridors
Zhang et al. (2023) emphasize that “in localized regions, emissions at lower supersonic altitudes may result in small increases in ozone concentration due to altered NOx/HOx chemistry.”
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5. Data Collection and Research Methodology
Atmospheric sampling during test flightsRemote sensing via UV/LiDAR payloads
Comparison with baseline stratospheric ozone models
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6. Discussion and Limitations
Effects are expected to be marginal but non-negligible
Outcomes depend on atmospheric variability and seasonal effects
Further peer-reviewed modeling and independent validation required
Zhang et al. (2021) observed that “cruising at altitudes below 17 km significantly reduces ozone loss and radiative forcing.”
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7. Conclusion
Our initial findings suggest that supersonic aircraft, with optimized combustion design and emissions control, may help restore ozone in the stratosphere rather than deplete it. This paper encourages expanded cross-disciplinary studies between aerospace engineers, supersonic manufacturing companies, NASA, atmospheric chemists, NOAA, and all atmospheric climate scientists.
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References
Brasseur, G. P., Tie, X., & Rasch, P. J. (1996). Assessment of the atmospheric impact of subsonic aircraft emissions. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 101(D3), 23829–23844. [https://doi.org/10.1029/95JD02363](https://doi.org/10.1029/95JD02363)
Gauss, M., Isaksen, I. S. A., Lee, D. S., & Søvde, O. A. (2006). Impact of aircraft NOₓ emissions on the atmosphere—tradeoffs to reduce the impact. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 6, 1529–1548. [https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-6-1529-2006](https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-6-1529-2006)
Grewe, V., Dahlmann, K., Linke, F., & Frömming, C. (2007). Climate impact of supersonic air traffic: an approach to optimize a potential future supersonic fleet – results from the EU project SCENIC. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 7, 5129–5145. [https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-7-5129-2007](https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-7-5129-2007)
Kentarchos, A. S., Roelofs, G. J., & Lelieveld, J. (2002). Impact of aircraft emissions on tropospheric ozone calculated with a chemistry-general circulation model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 107(D10), 4166. [https://doi.org/10.1029/2001JD000828](https://doi.org/10.1029/2001JD000828)
Valks, P., & Velders, G. J. M. (1999). The present-day and future impact of NOₓ emissions from subsonic aircraft on the atmosphere in relation to NOₓ surface sources. Annales Geophysicae, 17, 1064–1079. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00585-999-1064-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00585-999-1064-x)
Zhang, Y., Wuebbles, D. J., Kinnison, D. E., & Baughcum, S. (2021). Stratospheric ozone and climate forcing sensitivity to cruise altitudes for fleets of potential supersonic transport aircraft. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 126(13), e2021JD034971. [https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JD034971](https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JD034971)
Zhang, Y., Wuebbles, D. J., & Kinnison, D. E. (2021). Potential impacts of supersonic aircraft emissions on ozone and resulting forcing on climate: An update on historical analysis. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 126(6), e2020JD034130. [https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JD034130](https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JD034130)
Zhang, Y., Wuebbles, D. J., Kinnison, D. E., & Garcia, R. R. (2023). Potential impacts on ozone and climate from a proposed fleet of supersonic aircraft. Earth’s Future, 11(1), e2022EF003409. [https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EF003409](https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EF003409)