NASA's X-59 "frankenjet" tests supersonic flight without the sonic boom
NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft, designed to fly supersonic while producing only a low sonic thump instead of a loud boom, has completed initial flight tests. The "frankenjet" aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic technology that could eventually lead to lifting the ban on commercial supersonic flight over land.
Background
- The X-59 is NASA's experimental supersonic aircraft, part of the QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) program. Its goal is to fly faster than sound (supersonic) while producing only a quiet "thump" instead of a disruptive sonic boom.
- Supersonic commercial flight has been banned over land in the US and many countries since the 1970s, largely due to noise complaints from sonic booms. This ban was the primary reason the Concorde (the only supersonic passenger jet) was limited to transoceanic routes and eventually retired in 2003.
- NASA is working with Lockheed Martin to design and build the X-59, a uniquely shaped aircraft with a long, pointed nose and a top-mounted engine to redirect shockwaves that normally cause booms. The article is likely covering its first or early flight tests gathering data on how quiet it really is.
- If successful, the X-59's data could be used to convince regulators like the FAA to lift the land-based supersonic ban, potentially opening the door for a new generation of commercial supersonic aircraft from startups like Boom Supersonic or established players.