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NASA is creating a plane that flies at 1,4 times the speed of sound and is 1000 times quieter, promising to change the future of aviation
NASA recently announced new advances in development of the X-59 supersonic aircraft, which is part of its Quest mission. The goal of this mission is to revolutionize supersonic flights, making them quieter and thus viable for commercial use on land routes.
The X-59 promises to fly at an impressive 1,4 times the speed of sound, which corresponds to about 925 miles per hour (1500 km/h). In addition, the plane is designed to be 1000 times quieter than current supersonic aircraft, reducing the nuisance of sonic booms.
The X-59 is a central piece of NASA's strategy to provide data to help regulators reconsider bans on commercial supersonic flights over land. For more than 50 years, such flights have been prohibited in the United States. United States and in several other nations, due to the negative impact of sonic booms on communities. However, with the promise of a much softer “sonic boom,” the X-59 could pave a new path for supersonic aviation.
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What changes with the X-59
Commercial flights today are extremely fast compared to the past. If you look back at the 1950s and 1960s, it could take almost a week to fly from England to Australia. Today, the trip can be made in less than a day. However, in recent decades, the speed of commercial aircraft has stagnated, mainly due to the problem of sonic booms.
When an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound, it creates shock waves that result in a sonic boom. These booms are more than just annoying noises. They can cause damage to buildings, break windows, and even disturb wildlife. To avoid these problems, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the United States has imposed strict rules restricting supersonic flights over land areas.
As a result, commercial supersonic flights are limited to routes over the ocean, where booms do not affect populated areas. However, with the success of the X-59, this reality could change, allowing supersonic flights to operate freely over land, transforming the future of aviation.
X-59 aircraft changes plane with supersonic flights
NASA's Quest mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of quiet supersonic flight. NASA partner Lockheed Martin unveiled the X-59's innovative design in January 2024. The plane features a long, narrow fuselage, an elongated nose and wings designed to minimize the fusion of shock waves, avoiding the typical sonic boom.
Instead of a loud bang, the X-59 is expected to produce a sound similar to a distant thud, likened to the sound of a car door slamming. This new “sonic boom” has the potential to change perceptions and regulations about supersonic flight.
Bob Pearce, NASA's associate administrator for aeronautics research, highlighted the importance of this mission: “NASA will share the data and technology we generate from this unique mission with regulators and industry. By demonstrating the possibility of quiet commercial supersonic travel over land, we aim to open new commercial markets for U.S. companies and benefit travelers around the world.".
NASA's Technological Advances
NASA is still conducting rigorous testing to ensure the X-59 meets its goals. These tests are critical to verifying the aircraft’s structural soundness and how it will perform in flight. Walt Silva, senior research scientist at NASA’s Langley Research Center, explains: “The tests tell us how structurally sound the aircraft is and what kind of forces it can withstand when in the air.".
The aircraft’s main components, such as flaps, rudders and ailerons, have already undergone intensive testing. In 2022, engineers conducted a proof test, and this year, they installed and tested the ejection seat, a crucial safety measure for test pilots.
Measuring 30 meters long and with a wingspan of 9 meters, the X-59's design incorporates technological innovations that will enable silent supersonic flight. The plane's conical nose, which accounts for almost a third of its length, is designed to break up shock waves, preventing a sonic boom.
Another innovative aspect of the X-59 is the absence of a front window in the cockpit. Instead, pilots will have access to the eXternal Vision System, which uses high-resolution cameras to transmit images to a 4K monitor inside the cockpit. This allows for a clear view of the outside even without the traditional front window.
With the X-59, NASA is poised to redefine supersonic aviation. If the Quest mission achieves its goals, we could see the emergence of fast, quiet, supersonic commercial flights over land. This would not only revolutionize the aviation industry, but also benefit millions of travelers around the world.
