Docking port drive can't break sound barrier!

[Hatsune]

Is there wave drag in this game? I can't go above mach 1 with docking port drives. I need SRB for that instead, but I see matt Lowne goes through that easily.

[bewing]

The aero model has an artificially built-in "sound barrier" of enhanced drag, right around the speed of sound. It is empirical -- not based on any particular physics model. But yes, whatever form of thrust that you use needs to be able to push through that sound barrier in a convincing way, or you probably won't make it at all.

[camacju]

Increasing thrust is a lot less important than reducing drag. Parts inside fairings or cargo bays don't produce drag, so try to keep as many parts hidden as possible. Minimize wing area to further reduce drag, use nose cones on any open nodes on the craft, etc. You'll find that you'll be able to break the sound barrier much more easily.