For the first time in decades, NASA is reviving the dream of commercial supersonic travel with the development of the X-59 supersonic jet. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, this cutting-edge aircraft has been designed to eliminate one of the biggest obstacles to supersonic travel: the deafening sonic boom. Instead, the X-59 generates a much quieter “sonic thump,” making it a potential game-changer for future aviation.
Between October 2023 and February 2024, NASA successfully fired up the X-59 for extensive testing. This single-engine jet, powered by a modified F414-GE-100 engine, is designed to travel at speeds of up to 1,489 km/h (Mach 1.12), comfortably exceeding the speed of sound (1,234 km/h). These tests mark a significant milestone in the push toward reintroducing supersonic commercial flights, which have been absent from the aviation industry since the retirement of the Concorde in 2003.
One of the major reasons for the discontinuation of the Concorde was the noise pollution caused by its sonic boom. When an aircraft surpasses the speed of sound, it generates shock waves that merge into a loud, disruptive boom. This not only startled residents but also, in some cases, caused damage such as shattered windows, leading to stringent regulations banning supersonic flight over land.
NASA’s X-59 aims to change this with a revolutionary design that reshapes the way shock waves form. Instead of a single loud boom, the X-59’s unique aerodynamics distribute the shock waves differently, creating a softer, less disruptive “sonic thump.” If successful, this technology could pave the way for regulatory changes allowing supersonic flights over populated areas, reducing travel times between distant cities dramatically.
The return of supersonic travel has long been a goal for the aviation industry, but past challenges high fuel consumption, noise, and environmental impact—have kept it out of reach. With the X-59, NASA is taking a step toward addressing these issues while working closely with aviation regulators to gather data that could redefine air travel policies.
Should the X-59’s noise-reduction technology prove successful, it could lead to a new generation of supersonic airliners, cutting flight times significantly and making high-speed air travel viable once again. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this innovative jet can fulfill its promise and usher in a new era of quiet supersonic aviation.
