NASA has unveiled a new supersonic aircraft, the X-59, which aims to address the issue of noise disturbance caused by sonic booms. This problem has plagued previous supersonic aircraft, such as the Concorde, leading to a ban on commercial usage for over 50 years.
The X-59, developed by Lockheed Martin, can reach speeds of 925 miles per hour, which is 1.4 times the speed of sound. To mitigate noise disturbance, the aircraft’s design focuses on reducing sonic impacts on the surrounding environment.
NASA’s Quesst mission will conduct test flights of the X-59 this year. These flights will include general, supersonic, and overland supersonic operations to gather data on noise impact and people’s reactions in the areas where the X-59 flies. This data will support aviation agencies like the FAA in making informed decisions.
TLDR: NASA has introduced the X-59, a new supersonic aircraft designed to minimize noise disturbance. Test flights as part of the Quesst mission will collect data on noise impact and human reactions, which will inform aviation agencies like the FAA.
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