The sonic explosion was one of the many reasons that led to the disappearance of the Concorde. The plane, which exceeded the speed of sound, was prohibited from flying over cities in the United States due to the noise pollution it generated. Now, this problem could come to an end thanks to a “silent” supersonic aircraft built by NASA and Lockheed Martin.
The Overture is among the first candidates to “succeed” the Concorde. However, in recent years a major player has emerged that could mark a before and after in supersonic aviation. It is the X-59 QueSST , an aircraft that promises to avoid the strident sonic boom.
A traditional sonic boom caused by an airplane can exceed 100 decibels. The X-59 from NASA and Lockheed Martin has an advanced design capable of reducing sound to about 75 perceived decibels . To contrast these numbers, a conversation is around 60dB, while a vacuum cleaner reaches 90dB.
NASA's X-59 could change supersonic aviation
Credit: NASA The X-59 QueSST project is developed under NASA's Low Boom Flight Demonstrator (LBFD) program, which, as its name suggests, seeks to demonstrate that it is possible to fly at supersonic speeds without the characteristic din. The aircraft is expected to fly at Mach 1.42 (1,510 km / h) without causing acoustic problems.
Engineers at NASA and Lockheed Martin have implemented a number of advanced design features, based on the basic principles of aerodynamics. The X-59 will be powered by a single high-power engine , similar to that of combat aircraft. This will be located at the top of the aircraft so that its noise is directed away from people on the ground.
The X-59 also debuts a completely redesigned exterior shape. Its lines are intended to “spread supersonic shock waves.” They contemplate a long and thin nose, something problematic for the visualization of the pilots. For this, NASA has thought of offering a combination of sensors and HD screens to replace traditional windows.
Credit: NASA The aircraft is 29.5 meters long and 9 meters wide , but it only carries one person. This is because it is an experimental model that, if successful, its design will serve to give rise to new commercial aircraft.
For now, NASA and Lockheed Martin are “testing” the plane in simulators, but the real test of jurisdiction will be when the actual flights begin. The project schedule estimates that this will occur in 2022, when the X-59 finishes being assembled .
Later, a second test sees the X-59 flying alongside an F-15 fighter jet that will act as an acoustic meter. A third test should be carried out in 2024. In this, the aircraft will fly over some cities in the United States.
