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NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Jet Set for Maiden Flight

The X-59's first flight is here. This historic event could change supersonic travel forever.

In this image, we can see a person sitting on chair inside an airplane. There is a control panel at...
In this image, we can see a person sitting on chair inside an airplane. There is a control panel at the top of the image. There are some speedometers at the bottom of the image.

NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Jet Set for Maiden Flight

NASA's X-59, a revolutionary quiet supersonic aircraft, is on the brink of its maiden flight. This historic event marks the first step towards verifying the plane's airworthiness and paving the way for quieter supersonic travel.

The X-59, the centrepiece of NASA's Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) mission, aims to demonstrate that supersonic flight can be achieved with minimal sonic boom. The initial flight will see the aircraft reach speeds of around 240 mph at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet.

This flight is a crucial milestone in the project, led by Lockheed Martin. It will provide the first data to prove the X-59's airworthiness, a key requirement for U.S. and international regulators. Before this, final ground tests, including medium- and high-speed taxi tests, are scheduled to ensure the aircraft's readiness for flight.

The X-59's initial flight is set to revolutionise supersonic flight, making it quieter and more accessible. The data gathered from this flight will be instrumental in shaping the future of supersonic travel regulations.

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