NASA and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works have revealed the X-59 experimental aircraft, crafted to mitigate the loud sonic boom linked to supersonic flight, transforming it into a subdued sonic thump. As the X-59 progresses toward its inaugural flight, it marks a significant stride in paving the way for widespread commercial supersonic flight over land.
The researchers on NASA’s Quesst mission will assess public responses to the X-59’s thump, providing valuable data to regulators for potential formulation of new sound-based regulations, with the aim of lifting the ban on commercial supersonic flight over land.