{"id":20655,"date":"2024-01-15T07:18:15","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T05:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=20655"},"modified":"2024-01-15T12:16:32","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T10:16:32","slug":"revolutionizing-supersonic-flight-nasa-and-lockheed-martin-unveil-game-changing-x-59-aircraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/revolutionizing-supersonic-flight-nasa-and-lockheed-martin-unveil-game-changing-x-59-aircraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Revolutionizing supersonic flight: NASA and Lockheed Martin unveil game-changing X-59 aircraft"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>NASA and Lockheed Martin have introduced the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft with a mission to revolutionize air travel and pave the way for commercial supersonic flights over cities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The X-59 supersonic aircraft made its debut on January 12, 2024, at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, where the plane was designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This one-of-a-kind experimental airplane will help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/tag\/nasa\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ac0707\" class=\"has-inline-color\">NASA<\/mark><\/a> gather data that has the potential to set the stage for a new era of commercial aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is a major accomplishment made possible only through the hard work and ingenuity from NASA and the entire X-59 team,\u201d said NASA\u2019s Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. \u201cIn just a few short years we\u2019ve gone from an ambitious concept to reality. NASA\u2019s X-59 will help change the way we travel, bringing us closer together in much less time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Together with <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LockheedMartin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@LockheedMartin<\/a>, we&#39;ve unveiled our new X-59 supersonic plane. The X-59 will fly later this year on the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Quesst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Quesst<\/a> mission to test quieter sonic booms. <br><br>What we learn could reopen the skies to commercial supersonic air travel: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/RjK3CGoFWy\">https:\/\/t.co\/RjK3CGoFWy<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/028hjyUNDU\">pic.twitter.com\/028hjyUNDU<\/a><\/p>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NASA\/status\/1745930121893024193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 12, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e803352d87a00283d2f2b05578cc33ca\"><br><br><strong>Why is NASA building a quieter supersonic aircraft?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this aircraft, NASA aims to solve the challenge of supersonic flight \u2013 the sonic boom. The X-59 has been designed to fly at supersonic speed without the disruptive sonic booms that are as&nbsp;loud&nbsp;as thunder or an explosion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sonic booms have long intrigued the aerospace industry. A sonic boom is the loud sound produced when an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound, approximately 750 mph (1,200 kph) at sea level. This rapid movement creates shock waves that are heard as a loud, booming noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the last 50 years, commercial supersonic travel over land has been banned by aviation regulators to protect people and buildings from sound and shock waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To address this issue with better engineering, NASA designed the X-59 to achieve faster speeds quietly. The aircraft will reduce the loudness of sonic booms to a gentle thump that is barely audible. The aircraft achieves this by separating the shock waves responsible for sonic booms, resulting in a quieter experience.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/X59.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/X59.jpg?resize=900%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"NASA and Lockheed Martin formally rolled out the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft\" class=\"wp-image-20642\" style=\"width:849px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/X59.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/X59.jpg?resize=300%2C167&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/X59.jpg?resize=768%2C427&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>NASA and Lockheed Martin formally rolled out the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft on January 12, 2024, during a ceremony hosted by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Skunk Works at its Palmdale, California facility. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin\/Garry Tice)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>John Clark, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, said that his team was thrilled to take on this challenge alongside NASA to develop a quiet supersonic technology mission that \u201cwill have lasting, transformational impacts for people around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a6226928f51b9d5e1a6ba4203fe344fa\"><br><strong>Key Features of X-59 Aircraft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aerodynamics: <\/strong>With dimensions of 99.7 feet in length and 29.5 feet in width, the X-59&#8217;s shape and technological advancements enable quiet supersonic flight. The thin, tapered nose, comprising almost one-third of the aircraft&#8217;s length, breaks up shock waves, preventing traditional sonic booms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cockpit Innovation:<\/strong> The cockpit, located almost halfway down the aircraft&#8217;s length, does not have a forward-facing window. Instead, it features the eXternal Vision System, utilizing high-resolution cameras transmitting visuals to a 4K monitor within the cockpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reducing loud sonic boom: <\/strong>The X-59 is a unique experimental plane expected to fly at the speed of Mach 1.4 or 925 mph. Despite its supersonic flight (faster than the speed of sound), its design and innovative technology will allow the aircraft to achieve high speeds while generating a quieter sonic thump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Data Collection:<\/strong> The X-59 will soon fly over several cities across the U.S., collecting public feedback on the aircraft&#8217;s sound and perception. NASA will then share that data with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and international regulators to determine if supersonic commercial aviation over land should be legalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unlocking commercial supersonic flights: <\/strong>The X-59, which is the centerpiece of NASA\u2019s Quesst mission, aims to provide data for regulators to reconsider rules restricting commercial supersonic flight over land. NASA intends to share the mission\u2019s data and technology, showcasing the potential for quiet commercial supersonic travel to open new opportunities and benefit global travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Experience the making of an X-59 plane in just 60 seconds! \ud83d\ude80<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@NASA<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LockheedMartin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@LockheedMartin<\/a> rolled out the X-59, designed to quiet the sonic boom and revolutionize supersonic flight\ud83d\ude80\ud83d\udd07 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/6inRVqOAaq\">pic.twitter.com\/6inRVqOAaq<\/a><\/p>&mdash; IRIA (@IRIA_Research) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/IRIA_Research\/status\/1746225208258855301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 13, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The X-59 is set to fly over U.S. cities later in 2024, followed by its inaugural flight. Flight tests will begin at Skunk Works before transitioning to NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, which will serve as the operational base. During the test flights, NASA aims to gather public perception data, advancing the prospect of quiet supersonic travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dfd4194f2a30b73d206a2071182f1146\"><br><strong>X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology to minimize the sonic booms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explaining the configurations at the launch event, Pam Melroy said that the decision to make the aircraft quieter is an important step towards advancing aviation technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs we unveil this technological marvel, it\u2019s really important to understand the profound impact the X-59 holds for the aviation industry,\u201d Melroy said. \u201cToday, supersonic flight brings a thunderous boom. It is restricted across populated areas for good reason. And the X-59 is going to break that barrier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The X-59 plays a key role in NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/quesst\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ac0707\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Quesst<\/mark><\/a> (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) mission, dedicated to gathering data for regulators to reconsider rules preventing commercial planes from going faster than the speed of sound over land and potentially open doors for efficient and noise-reduced supersonic commercial travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sharing the details and ambition behind the Quesst project, Bob Pearce, associate administrator for aeronautics research at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said: \u201cNASA will share the data and technology we generate from this one-of-a-kind mission with regulators and with industry. By demonstrating the possibility of quiet commercial supersonic travel over land, we seek to open new commercial markets for U.S. companies and benefit travelers around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/X-59-SuperSonic-Aircraft.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/X-59-SuperSonic-Aircraft.jpg?resize=1016%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Artist illustration of the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft, which will soon take skies as NASA\u2019s first purpose-built, supersonic experimental plane in decades. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)\" class=\"wp-image-7977\" style=\"width:836px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/X-59-SuperSonic-Aircraft.jpg?resize=1024%2C673&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/X-59-SuperSonic-Aircraft.jpg?resize=300%2C197&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/X-59-SuperSonic-Aircraft.jpg?resize=768%2C505&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/X-59-SuperSonic-Aircraft.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Artist illustration of the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft, which will soon take skies as NASA\u2019s first purpose-built, supersonic experimental plane in decades. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NASA and Lockheed Martin have introduced the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft with a mission to revolutionize air travel and pave the way for commercial supersonic flights. The aircraft made its debut at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20640,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1,125],"tags":[256,250,324,244,235,7,790],"class_list":["post-20655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-united-states","tag-aircraft","tag-aviation","tag-lockheed-martin","tag-nasa","tag-technology","tag-u-s","tag-x-59"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/NASA-X-59.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-5n9","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20655"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25885,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20655\/revisions\/25885"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}