THE VAUTOUR PAGES - APPENDIX 3
SPEED OF SOUND AT DIFFERENT ALTITUDES
The speed of sound in dry air is given approximately by the formula :
S = ~~ 331.4 + 0.6 x T(celsius) ( in meter/second )
| ALTITUDE (ft) |
ALTITUDE (m) |
TEMP. (c) (*) |
MPH |
KNOTS |
KM/H |
| 0 {sea level} | 0 {sea level} | +15 | 761.6 |
660 | 1,223 |
| 10,000 | 3,281 | -4.8 | 734.9 | 638 |
1,182 |
| 15,000 | 4,921 | -14.7 | 721.2 | 627 |
1,161 |
| 20,000 | 6,562 | -24.6 | 707.3 | 614 |
1,138 |
| 25,000 | 8,202 | -34.5 | 693.1 | 602 |
1,116 |
| 30,000 | 9,843 | -44.4 | 678.5 | 590 |
1,093 |
| 35,000 | 11,483 | -54.3 | 663.7 | 577 |
1,069 |
| 40,000 | 13,213 | (-60?) | 659.7 | 572.6 |
1,061 |
| Over 40,000 | Over 13,213 | (-60?-colder?) | Remains |
ca. = | 1,060 |
(*) Assumed as standard temperature for the specified height.
1 Mile = 1,609.3 m.
1 Knot (Nautical) = 1,853 m/h.
Source of formula, the page enables interactive calculations:
[ Speed of Sound ]
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