NASA’s X-59 jet, also known as the “son of Concorde,” is making progress towards its maiden voyage after successfully completing a taxi test on a California runway. The experimental aircraft taxied at low speed using its own power for the first time on July 10, marking the final series of trials before takeoff.
The X-59 jet, which is part of NASA’s QueSST mission to produce a quieter sonic boom, could potentially slash flight times between New York and London in half. The aircraft’s innovative design aims to reduce noise levels by breaking up shock waves that cause high-speed roars on conventional planes.
Taxi tests are underway at the US Air Force’s Plant 42 in Palmdale, with officials gradually increasing speed leading up to a high-speed taxi test that will take the aircraft just short of takeoff. The X-59 jet is expected to produce a quiet “thump” sound as it reaches speeds of up to 925 miles per hour.
Supersonic flights have been banned in the US for over half a century due to the noise generated by exceeding the speed of sound. However, NASA’s innovation could pave the way for faster and quieter commercial flights, with potential flight times reduced from six hours to just three hours between New York and London.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/07/18/business/nasas-supersonic-x-59-jet-that-could-slash-nyc-london-flight-time-in-half-taxis-closer-to-take-off