NASA’s Quesst mission has successfully flown a supersonic jet that produces no boom, a significant breakthrough that could change the future of air travel.
The X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Technology) aircraft flew faster than the speed of sound over Edwards Air Force Base in California on Tuesday, October 11, 2024. The flight lasted for about 30 minutes and reached a maximum speed of Mach 1.015, or about 767 mph.
The X-59 is designed to fly at supersonic speeds without producing a sonic boom, which is the loud, thunder-like noise that occurs when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound. Sonic booms are caused by the shock waves that are created by the aircraft as it travels through the air.
The X-59’s unique design helps to reduce the intensity of the shock waves, resulting in a much quieter sound. The aircraft has a long, slender fuselage and a sharply pointed nose, which helps to reduce the pressure buildup in front of the aircraft. The X-59 also has a set of wings that are shaped like a W, which helps to reduce the noise generated by the aircraft’s engines.
The successful flight of the X-59 is a major step forward in the development of supersonic passenger aircraft. If the technology can be perfected, it could make it possible for commercial aircraft to travel at supersonic speeds without disturbing people on the ground.
NASA plans to continue testing the X-59 over the next several years. The agency will be looking to collect data on the aircraft’s performance and to further refine its design. If the tests are successful, NASA could begin developing a commercial supersonic passenger aircraft by the early 2030s.
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