NASA's X-Plane Goes Into Production
The first commercial supersonic aircraft that won’t break your eardrums.
NASA‘s aeronautical team is finally setting forth with the construction of its X-Plane, a piloted jet that will travel faster than the speed of sound without producing the eardrum-destroying sonic boom that has inhibited supersonic aircrafts from commercial use. The X-plane’s mission, known as the “Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator,” will achieve almost silent supersonic travel with a “uniquely-shaped hull” — measuring 94 feet long with a wingspan of 29.5 feet — that looks like a long missile with small wings. Its shape will minimize pressure waves and prevent shockwaves from creating a loud boom.
On April 2, NASA signed a $247.5 million USD contract with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to build the X-plane with targeted preliminary delivery by the end of 2021 and approval for commercial use in 2025. Check out the concept of NASA’s X-Plane from Lockheed Martin above, head over to NASA’s website to learn more and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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