Martin/Garry Tice
Martin/Martin Tice
NASA’s experimental X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) plane is preparing for its inaugural test flight later this year.
The X-59 is designed to reduce the loud sonic boom produced when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier, potentially enabling supersonic passenger flights over the continental U.S. that were previously prohibited due to noise pollution regulations. The plane’s technology aims to transform the boom into a quieter “sonic thump.”
Recently, NASA released images of the X-59 on the “flight line,” the space between the hangar and the runway at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California.
“The move from its construction site to the flight line is one of several milestones that will prepare the X-59 for its first flight,” NASA stated. The team will now conduct essential ground tests to ensure the aircraft is ready for its maiden voyage.
One notable test flight will involve flying the X-59 at supersonic speed over various communities to evaluate residents’ response to the sonic thump. NASA will share its findings with U.S. and international regulators, which could potentially lead to the approval of commercial supersonic flights over land.
Developed since 2016, the X-59 is built to operate at 55,000 feet (16,765 meters) and cruise at a speed of Mach 1.42 (937 mph/1,508 kph). This is nearly twice the speed of a conventional passenger jet and could significantly reduce travel times between destinations. For example, the fastest Concorde flight between New York City and London took only 2 hours and 53 minutes, less than half the time of a subsonic passenger jet. A supersonic flight from New York City to Los Angeles, currently taking around 5 hours and 30 minutes, could be shortened to approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes or less.
Unlike the Concorde, which flew only between the U.S. and Europe, the X-59 could potentially open up numerous new and faster routes globally. However, the affordability of seats remains uncertain.
Editors’ Recommendations
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
