Avoiding the sonic boom: X-59

All over the world aircraft designers focus on reducing the environmental effects of flying. Electric power, nitrogen propulsion, and lowering the fuel consumption of the more conventional aircraft are just a few of the possible solutions for more sustainable aviation.

In full contrast, NASA is still researching the future use of supersonic aircraft. One of the research aircraft is the X-59. This design is known as the QueSST, or Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft.

The type has an exterior that looks like an Starfighter stretched to the extreme. The X-59 is shaped to reduce the loudness of a sonic boom reaching the ground to that of a gentle thump, if it is heard at all.

The X-59 prototype was until recently ground tested at Fort Worth (TX). After structural and fuel calibration tests it has now returned to the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale (CA).

There final assembly and integration of the airplane’s systems – including an innovative cockpit eXternal Visibility System – will be completed (originally targeted for late 2020). Components yet to be installed include the aircraft’s engine and cockpit displays.

The X-59 is tentatively slated for its first flight late this year with the goal of beginning demonstration flights over communities in the U.S. beginning in 2024. These flights will generate data from sensors and people on the ground in order to gauge public perception. That data will help regulators establish new rules to enable commercial supersonic air travel over land.

Source: NASA