The first flight of NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, which tests quiet sonic technology, is completed
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| An important milestone in silent supersonic flight is reached as NASA's X-59 plane passes over California |
Almost 30 years after it was initially conceived, NASA's experimental X-59 supersonic plane has finally taken to the sky. Though in a little less advanced version than what we will eventually witness flying over American cities. To bring us here, Lockheed Martin and others built the groundwork for many of today's "sonic boom" rules via decades of innovative innovation. In an approximately one-hour test flight, the needle-nosed aircraft took off over Palmdale Regional Airport in California at 10:13 a.m. EDT (1413 GMT) on October 28. The X-59 might provide regular supersonic travel on land, but it is specifically made to break through the sound barrier without disturbing the tranquility with loud roars known as sonic booms. For example, since 1973, travel from New York to Los Angeles has been prohibited within the United States.
Following its historic flight, NASA's X-59 enters its next testing phase with the goal of demonstrating quiet supersonic travel
The X-59 reportedly flew over Edwards Air Force Base, home of NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, after taking off from the U.S. Air Force's Plant 42 facility, according to a Space.com story. The jet completed oval-shaped "racetrack" patterns for more than an hour before to landing, according to aircraft tracker data. Despite photographs and videos taken by spotters confirming the incident, NASA has yet to issue an official comment, maybe because of the continuing U.S. government shutdown.The X-59, which was designed by NASA and constructed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, is the result of ten years of work to reduce the noisy shockwaves associated with supersonic travel. The jet's enlarged nose and specialized airframe were designed by engineers to transform loud sonic booms into a gentle "thump" that would be hardly noticeable on the ground.
NASA will examine shockwaves during X-59 testing at its Armstrong Center to assess safety issues associated with silent supersonic travel. According to experts, the X-59 might help revive supersonic flight by reducing flying time and highlighting NASA's goals for less intrusive, sustainable aircraft.
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