The X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Technology) is a NASA project that aims to develop a supersonic aircraft capable of significantly reducing the noise caused by breaking the sound barrier. The aircraft is designed to produce a "sonic boom" so soft that it would be almost indistinguishable from ordinary ambient noise.

The goal is to enable supersonic flight over land without disrupting communities below, potentially paving the way for a new era of commercial supersonic air transport. The X-59 is being developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and other companies, and flight testing is expected to begin in the next few years.

How does the X-59 avoid supersonic boom?

The X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Technology) is designed to minimize the “sonic boom” associated with breaking the sound barrier, which is the sonic boom caused when a supersonic aircraft passes the speed of sound. Here are some of the key techniques employed by the X-59 to reduce this boom:

1. **Aerodynamic Design:** The X-59 features a specialized aerodynamic design to reduce the impact of the shock wave generated when it reaches supersonic speed. The shape of the aircraft is carefully designed to minimize the formation of intense shock waves.

2. **Nose Profile:** The nose of the aircraft is designed to reduce the concentration of shock waves. This can be achieved through a combination of shapes and materials that help smooth pressure transitions around the aircraft.

3. **Advanced Propulsion:** The X-59 is equipped with engines and propulsion systems optimized to reduce noise and improve efficiency during supersonic flight.

4. **Power Distribution:** Distributing power more evenly throughout the aircraft can help reduce the impact of the sonic boom by dispersing the energy over a larger area.

5. **Specific Flight Profile:** The X-59 will be operated at specific altitudes and speeds to minimize the impact of the sonic boom on the Earth's surface. This may involve flying at higher altitudes or adjusting the flight path to reduce the intensity of the sonic boom felt on the ground.

These and other techniques are being implemented to enable the X-59 to perform supersonic flights with greatly reduced impact on the terrestrial sound environment.

Inaugural flight in 2024

It’s exciting to see the X-59’s maiden flight approaching! Flying over pre-selected residential areas in the U.S. will allow NASA and its partners to collect valuable data on the impact of aircraft noise and how it is perceived by the public.

The target of achieving noise levels of around 75 decibels is a significant milestone, as it represents a significantly lower noise level than that produced by conventional supersonic aircraft. If test results confirm that this noise level is acceptable and minimally disruptive to communities, it could pave the way for changes to current regulations on supersonic flights over populated areas.

Analysis of the data collected during the maiden flight will be crucial in determining the next steps for the project. Hopefully, the results will be promising and will contribute to the advancement of supersonic aviation in a more environmentally and community-friendly way.