Which type of wing design allows an aircraft to achieve supersonic speeds?

Delta wings are specifically designed to allow an aircraft to achieve supersonic speeds due to their unique aerodynamic properties. The triangular shape of delta wings enables effective airflow at high velocities, minimizing drag and maintaining stability during flight. This design helps in managing shockwaves that occur as an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, facilitating smoother transition into and operation in the supersonic regime.

While swept wings can also be effective for high-speed flight, delta wings provide superior performance in supersonic conditions due to their reduced cross-sectional area and increased structural integrity at high speeds. Straight wings and low-aspect ratio wings are more suited for subsonic flight, as they produce higher drag and are less efficient when managing the airflow at supersonic performances. Hence, delta wings are the ideal choice for supersonic aircraft designs.