The future of supersonic flight is here
The future of supersonic flight is here :
Our X-59 aircraft, which will reduce sonic booms to quieter sonic “thumps,” has been unveiled. The X-59 now moves closer to its first flight and one step closer toward potentially making commercial supersonic flight over land a reality.
How it works: The aircraft’s sleek design means shock waves don’t merge to make a loud, disruptive sound. Instead, the waves stay separated and rapidly weaken. While the plane is not a prototype for future aircraft, manufacturers could apply its quiet supersonic technologies. After Lockheed Martin pilots conduct initial subsonic flight tests in 2024, NASA pilots will conduct supersonic flight tests over yet-to-be-selected communities across the United States. Surveys from these flyovers could inform regulators on how to reopen the skies to commercial supersonic flight. Visit nasa.gov/quesst for updates.
The X-59 was designed and built by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company at its Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. The aircraft’s #Quesst mission is managed by NASA.
Image descriptions:
1. The X-59 plane sits on a ramp. It’s painted in gray and white and is sleek and slender. It has an elongated nose and this angle shows NASA painted on its vertical stabilizer, or tail. A red engine covering says X-59 in white lettering.
2. The X-59 on a ramp as seen from behind. Its wing flaps are fully extended. Skies are clear.
Credits: NASA/Steve Freeman
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13 January 2024
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