The NASA X-59 has successfully achieved significant speed and altitude benchmarks, essential for its upcoming operations over U.S. communities. In a recent test flight, the aircraft reached a speed of Mach 1.4, which is approximately 924 mph, and an altitude of 55,000 feet. This follows its previous flight on June 5, where it attained Mach 1.1.
Designed to minimize noise pollution, the X-59 aims to replace the disruptive sonic boom with a quieter "sonic thump." For the time being, it conducts tests alongside another aircraft that generates a sonic boom to mask its noise during evaluations. NASA described this latest flight as a crucial advancement as the X-59 prepares for its Quesst mission.
Expected to commence in the coming months, the Quesst mission will involve flying over populated areas to collect public feedback on the acoustic experience of the sonic thump. Prior to this, an acoustic validation phase will be conducted to ensure the X-59's performance meets the goal of breaking the sound barrier without the traditional sonic boom.