NASA's X-59 Supersonic Aircraft Overview

The speed of an object that is faster than the speed of sound, typically around 768 mph (1,236 km/h).

The loud noise created when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier, often described as a booming sound.

NASA's X-59 is a prototype aircraft designed to achieve supersonic flight without creating a loud sonic boom.

NASA's mission to develop technologies for quieter supersonic aircraft, with the goal of making supersonic travel safer and more acceptable over land.

The shock waves created by an aircraft breaking the sound barrier are reduced by the X-59's design, resulting in a significantly quieter sonic boom.

The X-59's design includes removing the forward-facing cockpit window, relying on advanced cameras instead. This contributes to reducing the sonic boom.

The X-59 is expected to be tested over select US cities to gather feedback on the noise it produces. This is a step towards potential changes in regulations.

NASA aims to pave the way for new commercial cargo and passenger supersonic aircraft by 2030, if the X-59 proves successful.

A loud noise created when an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound, generating a shock wave that reaches the ground.

The X-59's design features a long, slender fuselage with a specially shaped nose and a 'quiet' engine. These elements work together to reduce the intensity of the shock waves and result in a quieter sonic boom.

The X-59 utilizes a 'XVS' (External Vision System) which includes a monitor displaying a four-K high definition feed from externally mounted cameras, replacing traditional forward-facing windows.

NASA is aiming to change regulations for supersonic flight over land by making sonic booms much quieter. If successful, this could make faster, supersonic travel more accessible.

Extensive testing with the X-59 is planned, including flight tests over various locations, including San Diego, to collect data on the aircraft's performance and the noise levels it generates.

The X-59's first flight is scheduled for 2024, with commercial supersonic flight expected to start sometime after 2035. This could revolutionize air travel by significantly reducing travel times.

The project's total cost is an estimated $630 million, exceeding the initial budget. Critics argue that the demand for commercial supersonic flight may not be sufficient to justify the investment.

NASA is conducting research involving extreme-dive maneuvers to study the impact of supersonic booms on the ground.

A feature unique to supersonic aircraft, extending the nose to control the shockwaves generated during supersonic flight.

Small, fixed wings located ahead of the main wings, used to provide lift at low speeds and help with nose-up trimming for supersonic flight.

A single-piece design of the wing's outer skin, enhancing structural strength and efficient stress distribution, improving the aircraft's overall performance and durability.

A small, T-shaped tailplane positioned near the top of the fuselage, used to control the aircraft during transonic and supersonic flight to reduce the impact of shockwaves.

A feature combining aspects of a conventional tail and a T-tail plane, designed to manage shock impact and ensure stability at both supersonic and subsonic speeds.