NASA’s X-59 Plane: First Step Toward Quiet Supersonic Flight Over Land

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For decades, supersonic flights were banned in the U.S., but NASA’s X-59 aims to change that. This sleek plane is designed to create barely audible booms, allowing planes to fly over land and revolutionize aviation. Currently in testing with Lockheed Martin, the X-59 features a streamlined shape, an engine aimed away from Earth, and a special cockpit setup for viewing traffic ahead.

Testing will begin in 2025, followed by acoustic checks at NASA’s facilities, then planned flights over U.S. cities in 2026 and 2027. If successful, this could mean quieter supersonic travel, potentially reducing fuel use and costs—ideal for both passengers and airlines.

The X-59 represents a significant breakthrough, promising to transform how we fly, making supersonic flights faster, more efficient, and feasible over land.

Source: https://mashable.com/article/nasa-x-plane-image-flight-2025