NASA's X-59 Quesst experimental aircraft has successfully begun supersonic test flights, aiming to replace traditional sonic booms with a quiet 'thump.' This milestone supports ongoing legislative efforts to lift the 1973 ban on overland supersonic commercial flight in the United States. The program includes community outreach flights to gather public feedback on the reduced noise levels.
Background
The X-59 Quesst is part of NASA's effort to develop technologies for quiet supersonic flight, potentially paving the way for faster commercial air travel over land. Its success could lead to regulatory changes allowing supersonic airliners to operate domestically, reversing decades-old restrictions based on noise concerns.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jun 29, 2026 at 06:30 PM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10