NASA presents its silent supersonic plane X59, which will fly this year

2024-01-12 23:32:03

MADRID, 12 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –

NASA has presented this January 12 its brand new silent supersonic aircraft X-59 Questst at the facilities in Palmdale, California, of the aeronautical giant Lockheed Martin, main contractor of the project.

Questt is NASA’s mission to demonstrate the capability of supersonic flight by exceeding the speed of sound while reducing the traditional sonic boom to a silent sonic boom. Its distinctive tapered, delta-wing design furthers this goal.

NASA plans to carry out flights of the X-59 starting in 2024 over populated areas to collect data on how people perceive the sound it produces. This data will be provided to US and international regulators in hopes of tightening rules that currently prohibit commercial supersonic flights over land.? These advances could enable new commercial passenger and cargo markets in air travel above the speed of sound.

Introducing the X-59, our experimental supersonic aircraft that aims to make sonic booms quieter, and help lift the ban on commercial supersonic flight. Your ears – and pets – will love it. Follow @NASAAero for #Quest mission updates. pic.twitter.com/lj3Di11Ek5

— NASA (@NASA) January 12, 2024

The X-59 Questst, a unique experimental aircraft of its kind. It incorporates new technology along with systems and components from various military jet aircraft, such as its landing gear from an F-16 and its life support system adapted from an F-15. The engine is that of the F18 Super Hornet, with 22,000 pounds of thrust.

This is not a render.

This is the X-59, a single-seat X-plane aiming to reduce the sound of the sonic boom to a mere thump. It opens the possibility for commercial supersonic flights over land, which has been prohibited since 1973. Be on the lookout for first flight! pic.twitter.com/7MZQZoyVjG

— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) January 12, 2024

It will fly at more than 18,000 meters at a speed of around 1,500 kilometers per hour, but will produce un sound as loud as a car door closing –75 decibels–instead of the sonic boom typical of airplanes flying above the speed of sound. It measures 29 meters long and has a wing area of ​​9 meters. It has capacity for only one pilot.