Decades ago, commercial aircraft were prohibited from traveling at supersonic speed over the U.S. to avoid the dramatic, jarring shock waves created when a plane exceeds the speed of sound (about 767 mph), an event fittingly dubbed sonic booms. If you've never heard one, they're analogous to the sound of a blast, as explained by NASA.
NASA is now dedicated to mitigating these booms. The long-anticipated X-59 aircraft was unveiled on January 12. This experimental craft, nearly 100 feet in length, will streak through the skies at 925 mph over various American regions. The craft is designed to fly at elevations of 55,000 feet, far higher than the average 35,000 feet that most commercial airlines operate. Rather than generating a sonic boom, experts aim to limit the noise produced by this specially-built craft to a barely perceptible thump, akin to a car door closing.
This innovation in aeronautics could potentially halve flight durations across the U.S. or even globally. Of course, doubts regarding the economic feasibility of supersonic flight persist. However, imagine the convenience of a flight from Los Angeles to New York City in just two and a half hours.
"Today marks a historic moment as we present the X-59," said John Clark, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' Vice President for Engineering and Technology, during the unveiling at Palmdale, California.
Five years prior, NASA granted Lockheed Martin, a major aerospace corporation and producer of U.S. fighter jets, a $247.5 million contract to manufacture the X-59 aircraft. Originally set to take flight in 2022, the plane has now made its debut from its hanger in the Californian desert. This broader initiative is known as QueSST or Quiet SuperSonic Technology.
Under the supervision of the reputable space and aeronautics agency, the possibility of significant sonic boom reduction seems plausible.
"NASA pursues important work consistently," says Bob van der Linden, an aviation specialist and supervising curator at the Aeronautics Department of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.
Van der Linden, unassociated with the X-plane project, added, "Commendation to NASA for taking up this challenge. They're working towards a practical solution."
At the unveiling on the Lockheed Martin stage, NASA's Deputy Administrator and ex-Air Force aircraft commander and test pilot, Pam Melroy, expressed admiration for the impressive X-59.
How NASA's X-plane seeks to muffle sonic booms
Engineers implemented innovative design features on the X-59 to mitigate the noise generated by breaking the sound barrier:
Aerodynamic Shape: The aircraft's sleek, elongated form, equipped with an extended nose, aims to disperse shockwaves produced in the impact with atmospheric molecules. The goal is for the aircraft to emit softer shockwaves instead of disturbing sonic booms, reducing noise down to a soft 'sonic thump', or perhaps nothing at all, as NASA points out.
Engine Placement: The positioning of the plane's single, potent engine is on its top, ensuring noise is not directed towards Earth's surface.
Cockpit/Windscreen Design: Because of the X-59's slimness, the pilot's visibility will be limited. The cockpit, located significantly far back on the plane, permits a restricted frontal view. Thankfully, NASA's eXternal Vision System (XVS) provides the pilot with a high-definition display...
