NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft is making significant strides in its development, with the recent completion of another crucial phase of its taxi testing program. The X-59 aims to reduce flight times from London to New York to under four hours, cutting current travel time by more than half.
The X-59 is dubbed the “son of Concorde” due to its similarities with the legendary supersonic jet that was retired in 2003 after a tragic accident. However, unlike its predecessor, the X-59 incorporates new technology designed to minimize sonic booms and noise pollution.
During its taxi testing phase at the U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, the aircraft has achieved speeds of Mach 1.5 (approximately 990 mph or 1,590 km/h). This could potentially cut travel time between major cities like London and New York by nearly half.
The X-59’s innovation also extends to its ability to produce a quieter “thump” when flying supersonic, eliminating the need for sonic boom-reducing technology that will be evaluated under NASA’s Quiet Supersonic Technology (QST) mission. The findings from this study will be shared with U.S. and international regulators to set acceptable noise levels for commercial supersonic flight.
If successful, the X-59 could revolutionize the travel industry by providing faster, more efficient means of connecting major global cities. This would enable business travelers to spend twice as long in their destinations and half as much on traveling. For tourists, it would mean shorter travel times, allowing for a greater range of itinerary options.
However, there are challenges associated with supersonic air travel, including the need for updated airport infrastructure and air traffic management systems. The economics of supersonic flight also remain complex, requiring airlines to carefully assess the benefits of faster services against high development costs.
As the X-59 prepares for its first flight, the future of supersonic travel is becoming increasingly clear. If successful, it could redefine aviation in the 21st century and open up new possibilities for tourism and business travel.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/the-future-of-supersonic-travel-new-concorde-all-set-to-revolutionize-flight-times-between-london-and-new-york-here-is-what-you-need-to-know