- The challenge of determining ideal inlet geometries for variable pitot aero engine inlets in transonic and supersonic civil aviation is presented. The trade-off in inlet design and the geometric inlet parameters are introduced. By means of a parametric design study, feasible inlet geometries for variable inlets are identified and the potential aerodynamic benefit of using variable pitot inlets for flight speeds from Mach 0.95, 1.3 up to 1.6 is examined. After considering the additional weight of variable inlets, for instance due to required actuators, a remaining range benefit of over 20% at a flight speed of Mach 1.6 is determined.