The X-59 Supersonic
NASA's Bold Leap into the
Future of High-Speed Flight
By Sherwood Lewis
Copyright © 2024 Sherwood Lewis
All rights reserved.
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Table of Content
Introduction ........................................... 4
Chapter One: the Thrilling World of
Supersonic Flight .................................... 7
What Travels at Supersonic Speeds .... 11
Chapter Two: The Epic Tale of the
Concorde's Journey .............................. 13
Breaking down the Concorde Features 17
Concorde Highlights: Key Features: . 18
Chapter Three: Concorde Constraints:
What are Its Limitations ........................ 25
Here are more limitations; ............... 28
Chapter
Four:
NASA's
Renaissance:
Bringing Back Supersonic Aircraft ......... 33
The X-59 ........................................... 36
Chapter Five: Are We really Ready for
Supersonic Flight? ................................ 41
Introduction
Years ago, I witnessed a Concorde fly over
Oshkosh, and it was truly awe-inspiring.
The takeoff was accompanied by the loudest
continuous roar I had ever heard, creating
a sense of terror. Even attempting to muffle
the noise by covering my ears didn't provide
much relief. If all goes according to plan for
Boom Supersonic, we might witness some
supersonic flights by the year 2030.
The Concorde had another distinct feature
– it was three or four times louder than any
other airliner during takeoff. From my
residence in Somerville, Massachusetts,
where planes took off and landed at Logan
Airport, the noise as the Concorde
proceeded
down
the
runway
was
breathtaking, even from a distance as far as
Davis Square, about six miles away. The
sound resembled being at the end of the
runway rather than in town.
Now, with Boom Supersonic on the horizon,
there's anticipation mixed with skepticism,
as evident from the impending comments
claiming that Boom may never take off.
Nevertheless,
experiencing
supersonic
flight has made its way onto my bucket list.
Flying on the Concorde from London to New
York in the 1990s marked the pinnacle of
my life. Sharing the plane with certain
celebrities and well-known personalities in
its tight quarters and compact aisles was an
unforgettable experience. Despite being the
world's fastest jet, the interior was
surprisingly quiet, making it easy to forget
you were on a supersonic aircraft. The
memory of this joyous journey with my
former employer and colleagues remains
etched in my mind, a source of enduring
happiness.
One of the unique features of the Concorde
was its drooping snoot, a solution devised
by engineers to address the visibility issue
for pilots during landing.
Supersonic travel across the Atlantic
became a thing of the past after the
Concorde's retirement in 2003. Flights from
London to New York now take around eight
hours, and flights from New York to London
take about seven hours. The current record,
just under five hours from New York to
London, benefited from a favorable
jetstream.
However,
NASA
has
reignited
the
conversation around supersonic travel,
envisioning a future where a journey from
New York to London could take as little as
90 minutes. This has sparked discussions,
as evident from the comments mentioned
earlier.
The fundamental questions now center
around the nature of supersonic planes, the
reasons
for
discontinuing
their
construction after the Concorde, and the
possibility of rebuilding such aircraft.
Chapter One: the
Thrilling World of
Supersonic Flight
In the world of aviation, breaking the sound
barrier was a groundbreaking achievement.
Picture this: the American Bell X-1, an
experimental plane, made history as the
first aircraft to achieve supersonic speed in
level flight. How? It had a powerful 6,000pound thrust rocket fueled by a mix of
liquid oxygen and ethyl alcohol.
Before this milestone, supersonic flight was
mainly associated with military and
experimental aircraft. In the chaos of World
War II, there were claims of breaking the
sound barrier as rocket and jet-powered
planes emerged. However, it wasn't until
October 14, 1947, that a manned aircraft
officially accomplished controlled level flight
at speeds exceeding the sound barrier. The
man behind the controls was Chuck Yeager,
flying the Bell X-1 research rocket aircraft.
Fast forward to the F-86 Canadair Sabre,
which became the first production aircraft
to break the sound barrier. Adding to the
historical moment, Jacqueline Cochran, a
trailblazing pilot, took the reins as the first
female to achieve supersonic flight. These
events marked pivotal moments in aviation,
pushing the boundaries of what was once
thought impossible.
David Masters and the DFS 346 prototype.
This aircraft, taken by the Soviets in
Germany, was released from a B-29 at a
high altitude of 32,800 feet. Piloted by
Wolfgang Ziese, it soared to a speed of 683
mph in late 1951, possibly hitting Mach 1
at that height.
Now, fast forward to August 21, 1961, when
a Douglas DC-8-43 (registered as N9604Z)
made history at Edwards Air Force Base. In
a daring test flight, the crew, including
William Magruder as the pilot, deliberately
exceeded Mach 1 in a controlled descent.
This marked the first intentional supersonic
flight by a commercial airplane, and to this
day, it's the only one outside of the
Concorde or Tu-144. These events
showcase the relentless pursuit of pushing
the limits of what aircraft can achieve.
In the swinging 1960s and 1970s, there was
a buzz about creating supersonic airliners.
This excitement led to the introduction of
two types: the Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 in
1968 and the Anglo-French Concorde in
1969.
Unfortunately,
despite
their
potential, these sleek aircraft faced
roadblocks like political, environmental,
and economic issues. The Concorde, in
particular, suffered a tragic incident that
further hindered its commercial success.
Supersonic flight among four other fast
machines, often called flying regimes,
alongside
subsonic,
transonic,
and
hypersonic. Supersonic vehicles break the
sound barrier, zipping along faster than the
speed of sound, which is roughly 768 miles
per hour (1,236 kilometers per hour) at sea
level. We measure these speeds using Mach
numbers, comparing the aircraft's speed to
the speed of sound. It's a fascinating world
of
aviation,
with
different
regimes
representing different levels of speed and
innovation.
Back in 1947, the Bell X-1A marked a major
breakthrough in exploring supersonic
flight. It proved that humans could indeed
fly faster than the speed of sound, opening
up new possibilities in aviation. The lessons
learned from the aerodynamics of early
supersonic planes still influence today's
advanced supersonic combat fighters.
Now, when it comes to developing costeffective supersonic aircraft, there were
attempts like the Russian TU-144 and the
Concorde.
Unfortunately,
financial
challenges got in the way of these ambitious
projects.
Supersonic flight comes with a significant
drag, and that's why supersonic combat jets
like the F-14 are equipped with high-thrust
gas turbine engines. The F-14's smartly
designed swept wings help reduce drag, and
pilots can adjust the wing sweep to optimize
performance
at
different
speeds.
Interestingly, for speeds below Mach 2.5,
the frictional heating on the airframe is low
enough to allow the use of lightweight
aluminum in construction. It's a delicate
balance of engineering and design to tackle
the challenges of supersonic travel.
What Travels at Supersonic Speeds
Picture a bullet fired from a gun or military
combat jets tearing through the sky –
they're moving at supersonic speeds. Even
the space shuttle orbiter, on certain parts of
its journey, rockets through the air faster
than sound.
Now, think about the Concorde, the famous
passenger jet that stole the show in the
supersonic realm. This sleek aircraft could
reach speeds more than twice as fast as
sound itself. Imagine hopping on a flight
from London to New York and getting there
in under three and a half hours – that's
about half the time it takes a regular plane
to cover the same distance. The Concorde
was a marvel of its time, but it's no longer
in action; it took its final bow in 2003.
Chapter Two: The Epic
Tale of the Concorde's
Journey
The iconic Concorde, a Franco-British
marvel of supersonic aviation, emerged
from investigations that kicked off in 1954.
It was the result of a joint effort between
Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) and the
British Aircraft Corporation (BAC). The
collaboration formally took flight on
November 29, 1962, with a projected
program cost of £70 million (equivalent to
£1.39 billion in 2021). Construction of the
six prototypes began in February 1965, and
the inaugural flight happened on March 2,
1969, in Toulouse.
Distinctive in design, the Concorde featured
a sleek frame without a tail, a slender
fuselage accommodating 92 to 128
passengers in a four-abreast configuration,
an ogival delta wing, and a droop nose for
improved landing visibility. Powering this
supersonic marvel were four RollsRoyce/Snecma Olympus 593 turbojets,
equipped with variable engine intake ramps
and reheat for takeoff and supersonic
acceleration.
Notably ahead of its time, the Concorde was
the pioneer in airliner technology with its
incorporation of analogue fly-by-wire flight
controls. It could achieve a supercruise up
to Mach 2.04 at an altitude of 60,000 ft,
setting a high standard in the world of
aviation.
Despite the initial excitement and a
projected market for 350 aircraft, Concorde
faced challenges, including delays and cost
overruns that pushed the program cost to
£1.5-2.1 billion in 1976. However, it finally
took to the skies for commercial operations
on January 21, 1976, with Air France and
British Airways leading the charge. The
Concorde quickly became synonymous with
transatlantic
flights,
particularly
to
destinations like Washington Dulles and
New York JFK.
While
Concorde
revolutionized
transatlantic
travel
by
significantly
reducing flight times, its sonic booms
restricted its usage to transoceanic routes.
Its only rival, the Tupolev Tu-144,
encountered issues, including a crash in
1978, and the Boeing 2707, a potential
competitor, was canceled in 1971.
Tragically, on July 25, 2000, Air France
Flight 4590 crashed shortly after takeoff,
resulting in the loss of all 113 people on
board. This marked the only fatal incident
involving Concorde, leading to the
suspension of its commercial service until
November 2001. The incident cast a shadow
on the otherwise remarkable journey of the
supersonic aircraft.
In 2003, despite efforts to address safety
concerns, Concorde was retired, concluding
a remarkable 27-year commercial journey.
Today, several Concorde aircraft find a
home in museums across Europe and
North America, serving as enduring
symbols of aviation innovation and the era
of supersonic flight.
This groundbreaking aircraft was the result
of a historic collaboration between Britain
and France, solidified by a treaty signed on
November 29, 1962. British Aerospace and
Aérospatiale took charge of the airframe,
while Rolls-Royce and SNECMA were
responsible for the jet engines.
The outcome was the iconic delta-wing
Concorde, taking its maiden flight on March
2, 1969. With a maximum cruising speed of
Mach 2.04, equivalent to 1,354 miles per
hour, the Concorde significantly slashed
the flight time between London and New
York to about three hours. Despite its
technological marvel, the Concorde faced
financial challenges and never turned a
profit due to colossal development costs.
However, it showcased the successful
collaboration
between
European
governments
and
manufacturers
in
intricate projects, underscoring Europe's
leadership in aerospace development.
Breaking down the Concorde
Features
The British Airways Concorde was a true
marvel, completing over 50,000 flights and
carrying more than 2.5 million passengers
at supersonic speeds. Imagine traveling
from London to New York in less than three
and a half hours, taking off at 220 knots
(250 mph) and cruising at an astonishing
1350 mph – a significant contrast to
subsonic flights that typically take around
eight hours. In November 1986, a British
Airways Concorde made a remarkable
around-the-world journey, covering 28,238
miles in just under 30 hours.
Powered by the most potent pure jet engines
in commercial aircraft, the Concorde
utilized 'reheat' technology to boost power
during takeoff and the transition to
supersonic flight. On February 7, 1996, it
achieved its fastest transatlantic crossing,
flying from New York to London in just 2
hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds.
Spanning approximately 204 feet in length,
the Concorde had a unique feature – it
stretched between 6 and 10 inches in flight
due to airframe heating. Specially designed
white paint played a crucial role in
managing these changes and dissipating
the heat generated by supersonic travel. A
dedicated team of around 250 British
Airways engineers, collaborating closely
with regulatory authorities, conducted
extensive safety testing. Before earning
certification for passenger flights, the
Concorde underwent a rigorous 5,000
hours of testing, solidifying its status as the
most tested aircraft in history.
Concorde Highlights: Key Features:
Wings
The Concorde was a visual spectacle,
standing out from both its slower
predecessors and contemporary aircraft. Its
distinctive
features
included
an
unconventional
ogival
delta
wing,
characterized by a curved leading edge, a
departure from the straight-edged designs
common in other fighter planes.
The choice of the delta wing, often
associated with military aviation, proved
strategic for Concorde's high-altitude
supersonic
flight.
The
thinness
of
Concorde's wings was key in reducing drag
and enhancing overall aerodynamics.
As Concorde zoomed through the skies at
supersonic speeds, it created shockwaves –
a phenomenon that, surprisingly, worked in
its favor. These shockwaves generated high
pressure beneath the wings, delivering an
extra boost of lift without adding to drag.
This dynamic wasn't just about speed; it
also played a crucial role in altitude.
Concorde soared to remarkable heights,
taking advantage of reduced air resistance
in the thinner atmosphere, thereby
achieving optimal supersonic efficiency.
The blend of innovative design and
aerodynamic principles made Concorde a
true marvel of its time.
Nose
A key innovation of the Concorde was its
adaptable, drooped nose, which played a
crucial role in optimizing efficiency during
cruising and landing. When the nose
aligned directly from the cockpit, it
presented a streamlined, reduced surface
area, resulting in lower drag and enhanced
speeds.
During the landing phase, Concorde
approached at a notably steep angle of
attack. Keeping the nose straight during
this critical period would severely limit the
pilot's view. This challenge extended to
taxiing and takeoff. To address this, the
Concorde's nose could be lowered by 12.5°,
improving visibility before landing. Upon
touchdown, this angle was reduced to 5° to
minimize the risk of damage when the nose
wheel met the runway. This ingenious nose
design showcased Concorde's adaptability,
ensuring optimal functionality both in the
air and on the ground.
Engine
Concorde's
extraordinary
supersonic
abilities were propelled by the formidable
engines beneath its distinctive delta wings –
four Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593
Mk610 turbojet engines. These engines
found inspiration in the Rolls-Royce
Olympus engines utilized by the Royal Air
Force's Avro Vulcan strategic bombers.
Far from ordinary, Concorde's Olympus
593 engines drew from the high-altitude
successes and delta wing design of the
Vulcan. They originated from the Bristol
B.E. 10 and marked the world's first twospool axial-flow turbojets in May 1950,
establishing a significant milestone in
aviation history. Notably, Concorde's
engines featured afterburners, boosting
thrust during takeoff and supersonic flight.
Each of Concorde's four engines generated
31,000 pounds of thrust in 'dry' operation,
without
afterburners.
Activating
the
afterburners, or running 'wet,' cranked up
this power by over 20%, reaching an
impressive 38,050 pounds of thrust per
engine.
Despite its relatively light maximum takeoff
weight of 185 tonnes (compared to the
Boeing 747-100's 333 tonnes), Concorde's
engine technology was a game-changer.
This prowess enabled the sleek aircraft to
'supercruise' at speeds over twice the speed
of sound, maintaining a typical cruising
speed of around 2,158 km/h (1,165 knots),
just shy of its maximum Mach 2.04 speed.
The technological marvel of Concorde's
engines was a key factor in its ability to
redefine the limits of supersonic flight.
Paint
Even the seemingly minor details, like
Concorde's paint scheme, played a crucial
role in its performance. The choice of white
paint for Concorde was no arbitrary
decision; it was a carefully thought-out
strategy for maximum reflectivity. This
ingenious selection served a vital purpose –
it helped deflect a significant portion of the
heat generated during supersonic flight.
This reflective coating wasn't just about
aesthetics; it was a practical measure for
minimizing overheating and safeguarding
the
aircraft's
aluminum
structure.
Concorde's specially chosen paint allowed it
to sustain supersonic speeds for extended
periods,
ensuring
both
safety
and
structural integrity. As an example, a
Concorde adorned in advertising blue,
featuring the Pepsi brand, had a limitation
of only 20 minutes for flying at supersonic
speeds due to its less heat-resistant paint.
This highlights the importance of even the
smallest
details
in
optimizing
the
performance
aircraft.
of
this
groundbreaking
Chapter Three:
Concorde Constraints:
What are Its
Limitations
Two decades since its remarkable 25-year
service, Concorde continues to captivate a
generation that never experienced its
marvel firsthand. In an era marked by
caution,
environmental
awareness,
decarbonization, and economic prudence,
even tech-savvy millennials, accustomed to
cutting-edge advancements, find Concorde
eternally fascinating. What is it about this
legendary airplane that lingers in our
collective imagination?
Let's confront the numerous criticisms
directed at Concorde, often dismissing it as
a relic with disparaging remarks. True, it
was loud; yes, it consumed fuel voraciously;
indeed, only the affluent could indulge in its
luxury; it faced challenges in operational
profitability; and yes, there was a
regrettable incident. However, each of these
critiques warrants a closer examination –
are there nuances that offer a more
balanced perspective?
The thunderous and majestic roar
announcing its departure or return was a
symphony that drew admirers to windows
and doors, marveling at its impeccable
silhouette. Granted, today's ears might
recoil at the decibels, but the strategic use
of the sonic boom was considerate, reserved
for seagulls and boats. Concorde, despite its
imperfections, remains a symbol of
innovation and a testament to the daring
spirit of exploration. It's more than an
aircraft; it's a piece of history that still
resonates with awe and admiration.
The incredible speed and the shock waves
essential for supersonic flight inevitably led
to a substantial increase in energy
consumption, resulting in higher fuel
consumption – a reality dictated by the
unyielding laws of physics. This did
contribute to air pollution, emitting ozone,
carbon
monoxide,
and
nitrogen
compounds. However, it's crucial to
recognize that Concorde wasn't the sole
contributor, considering the multitude of
subsonic aircraft and numerous rockets
launched annually, each emitting its share
of hazardous substances.
Certainly, this elevated the cost of travel,
restricting boarding to those with financial
means. Yet, labeling Concorde's clientele as
merely
'wealthy'
oversimplifies
the
situation. Concorde wasn't just competing
with leisure travel; it also contended with
business aviation and the opulent cabins of
subsonic aircraft catering to time-pressed
professionals. In its own way, Concorde was
a vessel of efficiency in an era that valued
high-speed travel.
The contrast between Concorde's oldfashioned systems and the continuously
updated subsonic planes, along with the
shift to digital technology, made spare parts
for Concorde both expensive and outdated.
Additionally, a tragic accident cast a
shadow over Concorde's significance,
prompting changes in aviation rules.
However, it's important to note that
Concorde was properly certified at the time
of the incident. These complexities and
nuances provide a more comprehensive
understanding of Concorde's place in
aviation history.
Here are more limitations;
Travelling Beyond the Ordinary
Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet
powered by turbojets, emerged as a symbol
of the future of aviation during its
development and operation.
Originating in the 1950s, the maiden flight
took place in 1969, coinciding with the
Apollo 11 moon landing, and it entered
commercial service in the 1970s. The era of
Concorde lasted until 2003 when the
program was discontinued.
One of Concorde's notable advantages was
its ability to significantly reduce air travel
times. For instance, flights from Heathrow
to destinations like New York, Virginia, and
Barbados could be completed in less than
half the time compared to other airlines.
However, accessibility came at a steep
price, with a round-trip ticket from New
York to London in 1997 costing $7,995 – a
fare within reach only for the affluent. The
operational costs of this supersonic marvel
were equally exorbitant, totaling £1.3
billion.
The excessive noise generated by Concorde
flights
led
to
various
restrictions.
Ultimately, these challenges rendered the
aircraft financially unviable. In 2003,
British
Airways
and
Air
France
simultaneously announced the retirement
of Concorde, marking the end of an era in
supersonic passenger travel.
The Cost of Travel
As
Concorde
soared
through
its
technological journey, offering a luxurious
flying experience at a premium, another
aviation trend was taking flight: the rise of
low-cost carriers.
In that era, there were high-end services
like Concorde, providing a lavish experience
at a significant cost. Concurrently, the
concept of 'no-frills' flights gained traction.
Starting in the 1960s, air travel became
increasingly accessible to a broader
demographic, not just the privileged few.
People were willing to forego certain
amenities for more affordable airfares; the
destination became more crucial than the
journey.
In many ways, this trend has persisted over
the past 40-50 years. Flight durations have
remained relatively consistent, and low-cost
travel remains as popular as it was in the
1960s and 1970s. However, aerospace
technology is continually evolving, now with
a focus on environmentally friendly aircraft.
In the UK, we are witnessing these
advancements firsthand.
Despite its challenges and successes,
there's a risk that Concorde might fade from
memory. In the vast realm of airplanes,
even
remarkable
ones
can
be
overshadowed.
Despite
its
impact,
Concorde's innovative features might be
somewhat overlooked in the broader
success story of Airbus, marking the end of
a groundbreaking era in aviation. However,
it seems that NASA is poised to rekindle
interest. Perhaps the future holds a
comeback for supersonic travel or even
something entirely novel.
Chapter Four: NASA's
Renaissance: Bringing
Back Supersonic
Aircraft
Guess what's making a comeback in the
aviation industry? NASA is spearheading
the revival of supersonic travel, envisioning
a future where a journey from New York to
London could take a mere 90 minutes.
In a recent blog post outlining their "highspeed strategy," NASA unveiled their
research into commercial planes capable of
flying at an astounding Mach 4 – that's
nearly 3,000 miles per hour! The research
conducted at the Glenn Research Center
identified around 50 potential routes, with
the majority being transoceanic, including
those over the North Atlantic and Pacific.
It's worth noting that overland supersonic
flight is currently prohibited in some
countries, including the United States. This
ambitious endeavor by NASA is a testament
to the ongoing quest for innovation and
speed in the aviation industry.
The fascinating development in the aviation
industry is NASA's creation of a "quiet"
supersonic aircraft named the X-59, a key
component of its Quest program. The
objective? Perhaps to influence authorities
to reconsider laws and permit flights at
speeds ranging from Mach 2 to Mach 4
(1,535 to 3,045 miles per hour). For
comparison, the previous supersonic
champion, Concorde, had a maximum
speed of Mach 2.04 (1,354 miles per hour).
Envision a plane flying at Mach 4 – you
could be enjoying tea in London just 90
minutes after taking off from New York.
NASA's commitment to advancing highspeed travel is gaining momentum.
Following recent research, the Advanced Air
Vehicles Program (AAV) is gearing up for the
next phase. Collaborating with Boeing and
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems,
they are tasked with designing aircraft that
can transform the dream of Mach 2-plus
travel into a reality. The prospect of flying at
supersonic speeds is indeed an exciting
possibility on the horizon.
NASA's venture into the supersonic realm
isn't a new endeavor; a decade ago, similar
investigations laid the groundwork for the
groundbreaking X-59 aircraft. The insights
from these prior studies are now guiding the
revision of technological roadmaps and
identifying new research requirements for a
broader range of high-speed applications.
Yet, it's not just about pushing the limits of
speed; safety, efficiency, and societal
considerations are integral to the process.
Mary Jo Long-Davis, the manager of NASA's
Hypersonic
Technology
Project,
underscores the importance of responsible
innovation. They aren't merely seeking
thrills; they're contemplating the broader
implications.
Lockheed
Martin
completed
the
construction of NASA's X-59 test aircraft in
July, with the aim of transforming sonic
booms into gentle thumps, potentially
opening the door to overland supersonic
flights. Ground tests and the inaugural
flight are on the horizon, and NASA plans to
provide regulators with ample data by 2027.
This endeavor reflects a thoughtful and
strategic approach to advancing supersonic
technology with an eye on safety, efficiency,
and societal impact.
The X-59
NASA's experimental supersonic marvel,
the X-59 QueSST, isn't just breaking the
sound barrier; it's doing so with flair,
adorned in a bright red, white, and blue
paint job. As it prepares for its inaugural
flight to gracefully breach the sound
barrier, the aircraft has traded its original
green hue for a sleek white fuselage,
complemented by a sonic blue underbelly
and striking red wing highlights.
This patriotic paint job isn't just for visual
appeal; it serves a practical purpose by
safeguarding the X-59 against moisture and
rust. Additionally, it features safety
markers beneficial for both ground and
airborne operations.
The recent move to Lockheed Martin Skunk
Works' paint barn in Palmdale, California,
marks a crucial milestone in this highflying venture. Cathy Bahm, the project
manager for the Low Boom flight
demonstrator, expressed her excitement
about this transformative phase, stating,
"When the X-59 emerges from the paint
barn with fresh paint and livery, I expect the
moment to take my breath away because I'll
see our vision coming to life." The vibrant
exterior now mirrors the spectacular
mission that lies ahead for the X-59 in the
coming year.
The X-59 isn't just designed for supersonic
speed; it's engineered to mitigate sonic
disruptions, aiming to produce a pleasant
sonic "thump" instead of the traditional
sonic boom when breaking the sound
barrier. Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works
facility in Palmdale, California, is at the
helm of developing this groundbreaking jet.
Once operational, the X-59 will fly over
selected U.S. cities, collecting vital data on
noise exposure for the local population.
NASA is making significant strides with its
X-59
program,
creating
a
modern
supersonic aircraft to demonstrate that the
disruptive sonic booms of the past can be
reduced to mere "thumps," paving the way
for commercial supersonic flights over land.
As part of their ongoing efforts, they
conducted a high-frequency shaking test on
the innovative eXternal Vision System (XVS)
last August, ensuring its capability to
withstand
the
stresses
of
in-flight
conditions. This progress underscores
NASA's
commitment
to
advancing
supersonic technology with a focus on
minimizing environmental impact and
enhancing travel experiences.
In non-supersonic test flights, the eXternal
Vision System (XVS) demonstrated its
effectiveness as a replacement for a
standard windshield, providing real-time
visibility. However, NASA needs to ensure
that the XVS can withstand the stresses of
flying faster than the speed of sound on the
X-59. The ongoing shaking tests subject the
system to vibrations comparable to those
experienced in actual flight, confirming its
durability.
This pre-qualification testing is a crucial
step before the XVS is integrated into the X59. NASA aims to showcase how this
technology could revolutionize commercial
air travel once temperature and altitude
testing is successfully completed.
If the X-59 program proves successful, it
could pave the way for reconsidering
current
restrictions
that
prohibit
supersonic flights over land, potentially
ushering in a new era of quieter and more
sustainable air travel.
Chapter Five: Are We
really Ready for
Supersonic Flight?
The race for revolutionary advancements in
air travel is intensifying, and it's not just
centered around the X-59. Brace yourself
for the latest buzz from Britain's Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA), suggesting that
we might be able to fly from London to
Sydney in under two hours by 2033. This
isn't your typical 22-hour journey; we're
talking about suborbital "Earth to Earth"
voyages, where rockets propel humans up
to 125 miles into space at a staggering
3,500 mph.
Think of Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and
Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic on
steroids. Elon Musk is already a key player,
enticing us with SpaceX's Starship rocket,
poised to transport 100 passengers between
continents in less than an hour by 2025.
And that's not all – China's Space
Transportation is gearing up for suborbital
testing with its "rocket with wings," the
Tianxing I, eyeing a crewed flight by 2025,
potentially covering an astonishing 4,300
miles in just an hour. The future of air
travel
is
hurtling
towards
us
at
unprecedented speeds.
Aviation executives are placing their bets on
suborbital travel, with UBS projecting a
staggering $20 billion market per year if 5%
of long-haul trips utilize suborbital space
travel. The subsonic market could
potentially reach $805 billion by 2030 – an
exciting prospect.
However, as always, there are numerous
barriers to overcome in the realm of
suborbital flying. Safety takes precedence,
particularly for rockets propelled by fuels
like liquefied natural gas or the potentially
explosive combination of liquid oxygen and
liquid methane. While Elon Musk's Starship
promises lightning-fast travel, explosives
are not without their concerns.
And then there's the "elephant in the room"
– the runway. These innovative aircraft are
still in the testing phase, grappling with
time-consuming regulatory barriers before
they can even take off. It's worth noting that
the Concorde, despite its groundbreaking
nature, took two decades from engine
testing to its first flight. The journey
towards suborbital travel may be thrilling,
but it's not without its challenges.
Addressing barriers to a greener aviation
sector, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs)
face slow progress, currently constituting
only 0.1% of aviation fuel and costing up to
eight times more than conventional jet fuel.
Despite the US government's ambitious
target for 100% SAFs by 2050, recent
analysis underscores obstacles such as
limited biofuel supply and concerns about
the
climate-friendliness
of
certain
feedstocks.
While
the
aspiration
for
environmentally
friendly
a
more
sky
is
commendable, it comes with challenges.
Consider Enviva, the world's largest wood
pellet company, which converts trees into
biofuels. While it may seem eco-friendly,
using this fuel releases the carbon trapped
in the wood, and the pace of tree planting
may not keep up, raising questions about
the net-zero claim in the air. The path to a
greener aviation future is proving to be
complex and multifaceted.
The grandiose Prometheus adds to the mix
by promising to harvest CO2 from the
atmosphere for fuel. However, skeptics
question its viability, emphasizing the need
for confirmation and examination. Even
with the cleanest fuel, supersonic aircraft
face efficiency challenges, consuming up to
9 times more fuel per passenger per
kilometer than subsonic flights, posing
environmental and economic concerns.
The pursuit of supersonic flying may
demand significant patience. NASA's
ongoing efforts and evolving technologies
have the potential to transform subsonic
aircraft, offering hope for a cleaner and
more efficient future. While the journey may
be challenging, there's optimism that the
view at the destination will make it all
worthwhile.
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