To date, the fastest Concorde flight between New York City and London took only 2 hours and 53 minutes, less than half the time it takes a subsonic passenger jet. The implications are noteworthy, as a supersonic flight from New York City to Los Angeles that currently takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes could be reduced to about 2 hours and 30 minutes or even less. However, a mixture of noise pollution, running costs, and high-profile accidents ultimately doomed this incredible aircraft.
The X-59 aircraft is testing a technology that aims to dampen the loud sound of the sonic boom when breaking the sound barrier. By reducing the noise to a more subdued "sonic thump," this technology could allow supersonic passenger flights over the continental US, previously prohibited due to noise pollution regulations.that the X-59 had been relocated from the construction site to the flight line, marking a significant milestone in preparation for its first and subsequent flights.
NASA will conduct a test flight of the X-59 at supersonic speed across different communities to gauge their response to the sonic thump created during the high-speed flight. The test results will be shared with US and international regulators, which may pave the way for commercial supersonic flights over land."The X-59 will be used to collect community response data on the acceptability of a quiet sonic boom generated by the unique design of the aircraft.
The X-59 has the potential to create numerous faster routes, not only within the United States but also globally. However, the affordability of a seat remains uncertain.