NASA X-59 Supersonic Jet Prepares for Quiet Barrier Flight
TL;DR. NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft prepares for its first supersonic flights to test quiet sonic boom technology. - The Lockheed Martin-built jet will fly faster than sound this month without typical loud sonic booms. - Initial tests involved subsonic flights, now accelerating towards Mach 1.4 at high altitudes. - NASA aims to gather public feedback on the X-59's quiet sonic "thump" for future supersonic travel.
- NASA's X-59 jet is ready for its first supersonic flights in June.
- The aircraft is designed to eliminate loud sonic booms when breaking the sound barrier.
- Tests will involve flying up to Mach 1.4 at 55,000 feet.
- NASA will collect public data on the X-59's quieter sonic signature.