Reviving Supersonic Flight: NASA and Lockheed Martin’s X-59 Questt Project Tackles Sonic Booms
Supersonic flight is on the horizon, with many companies in the industry working to build faster-than-sound aircraft. The X-59 Questt (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) project, a partnership between NASA and Lockheed Martin, aims to reduce noise and revive commercial supersonic flight. Sonic booms remain a major hurdle in aircraft development, but the X-59 project is designed to minimize their impact.
The X-59 features an elongated fuselage design with the cockpit placed above the fuselage, giving it a smooth underbelly that prevents sonic booms from appearing behind the aircraft. Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947 and sonic booms were first observed during this event. However, supersonic flight over land was banned globally in 1973 due to public backlash caused by sonic booms causing broken windows and vibrations.
The Concorde, the world’s first commercial supersonic aircraft, faced similar challenges and was eventually retired in 2003. The X-59 project began in 2018 with a budget of $248 million and is designed to fly at Mach 1.4. Extensive testing is being conducted to reduce the intensity of sonic booms and ensure safe operation.
The unique cockpit configuration of the X-59 features high-resolution cameras instead of front windows, allowing pilots to see clearly while flying at supersonic speeds. Safety testing and acoustic evaluations will be conducted before test flights in cities to gather feedback on noise levels. NASA hopes that data collected will help lawmakers reconsider regulations on supersonic flights over land and pave the way for a new era of fast travel for passengers.
