Next-Gen Air Travel: Supersonic X-59 Plane Set To Connect London-New York In Just 3.5 Hours
NASA and Lockheed Martin presented the X-59 on January 12. The plane is one-of-a-kind, created as part of NASA's effort to construct 'silent' aircraft.
A supersonic aircraft capable of flying between London and New York in under four hours has been unveiled.
When was the plane ready?
NASA and Lockheed Martin presented the X-59 on January 12 | Image: AFP
According to the New York Post, NASA and Lockheed Martin presented the X-59 on January 12, with the jet being nicknamed the 'son of Concorde.'
Why is this aircraft special?
The plane is one-of-a-kind, created as part of NASA's effort to construct 'silent' supersonic aircraft | Image: NASA
The plane is one-of-a-kind, created as part of NASA's effort to construct 'silent' supersonic aircraft.
With a massive nose that takes up a third of the aircraft's length and blocks the pilot's view, those in command rely on a screen to see what's ahead of them.
This has all been done to accelerate the supersonic plane and test how to avoid the noisy portion of breaching the sound barrier.
It's part of an effort to circumvent a 1973 US restriction on civilian supersonic aircraft operating in their territory, and the large nose is expected to help significantly.
What happens if the 'silent' supersonic travel can be mastered?
If 'silent' supersonic travel can be mastered, technological advancements may open up a variety of new prospects, but there are several 'ifs' in place right now.
Anyone wishing to fly the X-59 as a passenger will be disappointed, because, while some refer to it as the "son of Concorde," it is nothing like as capable as the passenger jet designed and built by British and French engineers decades ago.
How much speed can it attain?
The X-59 is planned to reach speeds of 925 mph | Image: File
The X-59 is planned to reach speeds of 925 mph, but the Concorde was capable of reaching 1,350 mph and carrying passengers, while the 'son of Concorde' is simply intended to test the sound.
The X-59 is scheduled to make its debut flight later this year, after which it will fly over many US cities to measure public opinion on the sound it produces while flying over them.
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