Many aircraft that were not designed for flight above the sound barrier, have either intentionally or un-intentionally exceed the speed of sound. The German ME-262 for example.Originally Posted by N320AW
When you said " survive " I took that to mean the structural integrity of the aircraft was at issue. The problem which most aircraft have in approaching and transitioning above the speed of sound (transonic) is one of possible un-controlability. Buffeting is frequently encountered, but the biggest problem is the AC's tendency to nose down, sometimes to the point of the pilot not being able to recover from the dive.
Some aircraft today have what is known as a mach trim system. This system will automatically introduce the proper amount of elevator trim to compensate for the aircraft's nose down characteristics when at high speed.
By the way, the B757 has the system . . . the B767 does not!
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