NASA, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, has recently unveiled the X-59 Quesst, an experimental aircraft designed to break the sound barrier while producing a noise footprint markedly lower than that of other supersonic planes. This groundbreaking project aims to transform the realm of supersonic aviation and pave the way for commercial flights over populated areas.
The X-59 Quesst. Image by Lockheed Martin.
Developed at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works research and development facility in Palmdale, California, the X-59 Quesst ("Quiet SuperSonic Technology") was showcased before an audience of approximately 150 individuals.
The X-59's design, including the lack of a front window and an elongated nose reminiscent of a beak, plays a crucial role in mitigating the characteristic sonic "boom" associated with supersonic flight. Instead, the aircraft creates a muffled noise, likened to the sound of a car door closing when heard from the inside. This attribute is the culmination of years of research and advanced manufacturing techniques.
A major innovation of the X-59 is its External Vision System (XVS), an alternative to traditional windshield windows. This system, consisting of a camera and a display mounted in the cockpit, provides pilots with an augmented reality view of the aircraft's forward environment. This feature represents a significant advancement in aircraft design, breaking through the usual visibility barriers.
The X-59 Quesst. Image by Lockheed Martin. NASA and Lockheed Martin aren't alone in the pursuit of commercial supersonic flight. Boom Supersonic, based in Colorado, is also developing a supersonic passenger jet, the XB-1, with its inaugural flight scheduled for 2027.
The ultimate goal of the X-59 is to gather data from multiple flights over residential areas in the United States to assess the ground-level human response to the softened sonic "booms." These insights will be crucial in securing approval for overland commercial supersonic flights from regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).