Introducing the X-59: The “Son of Concorde” that could potentially revolutionize supersonic passenger flights. Designed by NASA, this research jet is capable of reaching speeds of up to 925mph, which means it could potentially travel from London to New York in under four hours. However, the real breakthrough lies in NASA’s technology aimed at reducing the noise produced by the sonic boom when breaking the sound barrier. If successful, this could open the doors for private companies to develop commercial supersonic flights that meet the noise requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Unlike previous generations of supersonic aircraft, which caused window-rattling noises, the X-59 is specifically shaped to separate the shocks and expansions associated with supersonic flight, decreasing the sonic boom to a more subdued “sonic thump” comparable to the sound of a car door closing. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, has been working on this project for over 20 years, aiming to achieve a sonic boom that is 60 dBA lower than previous supersonic aircraft, such as the Concorde.
Newly released footage showcases the X-59 being transported from its construction site to the flight line, marking a significant milestone in the project. This will allow for various ground tests to ensure that the aircraft is ready for its first flight next year. NASA plans to fly the X-59 over several communities to gather data on how humans respond to the sound generated during supersonic flight. This data will be shared with regulatory agencies, potentially paving the way for commercial supersonic flights over land.
Sonic booms occur when shock waves merge together before reaching the ground, creating a loud noise comparable to an explosion or thunderclap. The Concorde, known for its unsettling sonic booms, was limited to transatlantic flights due to public concerns about noise. The X-59, on the other hand, aims to prevent the merging of shockwaves by carefully managing air particles, effectively minimizing the sonic boom. With a cruising speed of Mach 1.4 and an altitude of 55,000 feet, this supersonic aircraft could significantly reduce flight times. For example, the journey from New York to London could be completed in approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, compared to the current average of 7 hours and 55 minutes.
The X-59’s design is not only focused on reducing noise but also features innovative elements such as a lack of cockpit windows. Instead, the cockpit is equipped with high-resolution monitors that display camera feeds providing a clear forward view for the pilots. Lockheed Martin secured the $247.5 million contract to build the X-59, making it NASA’s first large experimental plane in three decades.
Once NASA completes its test flights above select US cities in the coming year, residents will be invited to share their responses to the sonic boom produced by the X-59. This data will then be shared with regulators in 2027, marking the end of the Quesst mission. It’s worth noting that the Concorde, the world’s first supersonic airliner, retired in 2003 due to various reasons, including high fuel costs, noise concerns, and a preference for affordable fares over speed.
With the X-59, inspired by its predecessor, NASA aims to overcome these challenges and bring back the era of supersonic travel. By dampening the noise of the sonic boom, this revolutionary aircraft could make faster-than-sound commercial flights a reality once again. The future of supersonic air travel looks promising, thanks to the innovative research and development efforts of NASA and its partners.
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