NASA's X-59 Jet Achieves Supersonic Flight Milestone
NASA's experimental X-59 jet successfully broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.1. This flight, part of the QUESST mission, aims to develop quieter supersonic aircraft, potentially enabling overland supersonic passenger travel by transforming sonic booms into thumps. The test, conducted by Lockheed Martin, is a step towards regulatory changes for faster air travel.
Key points
- NASA's experimental X-59 jet, designed by Lockheed Martin, broke the sound barrier on Friday, June 5.
- The aircraft reached Mach 1.1 (approximately 713 mph) at an altitude of 43,400 feet.
- This test is part of NASA's QUESST mission to enable quieter supersonic flight over land.
- The X-59 is designed to reduce sonic booms to a quieter 'thump', potentially lifting current bans on overland supersonic flights.
- The data gathered aims to provide evidence for regulators and the airline industry regarding the feasibility of quiet supersonic transport.
NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft has successfully achieved supersonic flight, breaking the sound barrier for the first time. The sleek, needle-nosed jet reached a speed of Mach 1.1, equivalent to about 713 miles per hour, during a test flight on Friday, June 5. This milestone marks a significant step in NASA's Quiet Supersonic Technology (QUESST) mission.
The X-59, a joint effort between NASA and its contractor Lockheed Martin, is designed to mitigate the disruptive sonic boom associated with supersonic flight. Current regulations in many countries, including the U.S., prohibit supersonic travel over populated land areas due to the noise. The QUESST mission aims to prove that the X-59 can transform the loud sonic boom into a much quieter "thump."
During the recent test, piloted by NASA test pilot Jim "Clue" Less, the aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California and maintained its supersonic speed at an altitude of 43,400 feet. The data collected from this flight, observed from a chase plane, is crucial for providing regulators and the aviation industry with the evidence needed to potentially revise rules and permit faster overland passenger flights in the future. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson commented on the achievement, emphasizing the rebuilding of NASA's X-plane program for flight testing new technologies.
Sources
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