NASA is highly anticipated X-59 aircraft As we get closer to its first flight, decades after Concorde was retired, attention is beginning to be paid to the future of supersonic passenger travel.
The experimental jet, often referred to as a “potential successor to Concorde,” is currently undergoing final safety checks before its first test flight, Mirror America reported. If successful, the plane could one day significantly shorten travel times between London and New York.
How fast is NASA’s X-59?
The X-59 is designed to reach speeds of Mach 1.5, or approximately 990 mph (1,590 km/h). At this speed, the aircraft could theoretically complete a non-stop journey from London to New York in approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes.
This is much faster than traditional commercial flights, which typically take around seven to eight hours on the same route.
The aircraft is part of NASA’s broader effort to reinvigorate supersonic air travel in a way that is quieter and more commercially viable than the iconic supersonic airliner Concorde, which was retired in 2003.
How is the X-59 different from Concorde?
One of the biggest problems with Concorde was the sonic boom the plane produced when it exceeded the speed of sound. The loud noise limits the flight range of aircraft and ultimately becomes one of the major obstacles to widespread supersonic travel.
NASA’s X-59 is designed to solve this problem.
According to the American Mirror, the aircraft was designed to produce only a gentle “thump” rather than the destructive sonic boom typically produced by supersonic jets.
The aircraft is currently based at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, californiathe team conducts an extensive assessment of its systems and safety features before takeoff.
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What happens during your first flight?
NASA’s first test flight is expected to remain relatively controlled and cautious. The aircraft will reportedly perform low-altitude loops at approximately 240 mph to verify that onboard systems are functioning properly and that the aircraft is ready for more advanced testing.
Future flights will gradually push the X-59 to higher altitudes and faster speeds, eventually surpassing the sound barrier.
NASA Armstrong recently shared an update on the project, saying: “As NASA’s one-of-a-kind X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft nears its first flight, its team is mapping every step from taxi and takeoff to cruise and landing, with their decisions guided by safety.”
