Industry
NASA's X-59 'frankenjet' tests supersonic flight without the sonic boom
NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft completed its first supersonic flight on June 5, 2026, marking the first time the aircraft exceeded the speed of sound. The X-59 is designed to fly at su
NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft completed its first supersonic flight on June 5, 2026, marking the first time the aircraft exceeded the speed of sound. The X-59 is designed to fly at supersonic speeds while creating only a quiet thump instead of a loud sonic boom. NASA will share data with U.S. and international regulators to help establish new data-driven noise standards to enable a future viable market for supersonic commercial flight over land.
Source: Ars Technica | 2026-06-29