This short paper is confined to a discussion on one aspect of the Structural Design of Supersonic Transports. It is chosen because it covers the area in which the impact of supersonics is probably most critical from the structural point of view, i.e. kinetic heating.

It is of utmost importance that the significance of kinetic heating is not exaggerated. Adequate attention must be paid to assessing the degree to which past experience is relevant if excess weight is to be avoided.

It is in this direction that the discussion is aimed.

In view of the need to keep the paper short, attention is concentrated on the Mach 2 class of aeroplane constructed largely of aluminium alloy. Much of what is said will also have relevance to the Mach 3 class of aeroplane.