The Sight of Sound

National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON, July 16, 1999 – Navy Lt. Ron Candiloro's F/A-18 Hornet creates a shock wave as he breaks the sound barrier July 7. The shock wave is visible as a large cloud of condensation formed by the cooling of the air. A smaller shock wave can be seen forming on top of the canopy.

It is possible for a skilled pilot to work the plane's throttle to move the shock wave forward or aft.