The X-59, an experimental quiet supersonic aircraft jointly developed by NASA and Lockheed Martin, completed its maiden flight in California on Tuesday (October 28). The X-59 aims to overcome the noise limitations currently restricting supersonic commercial aircraft from flying over land, paving the way for faster commercial air travel.
Lockheed Martin stated that this is a major aviation milestone. The X-59 is approximately 30 meters long, has a wingspan of about nine meters, and is designed to cruise at 1490 kilometers per hour (Mach 1.4). It flies at an altitude of 16,764 meters, more than twice the altitude and nearly twice the speed of conventional passenger aircraft. It features a unique shape and noise reduction design that significantly reduces the sonic boom transmitted to the ground. (Reuters)
Further Reading
