An experimental supersonic aircraft developed by NASA, nicknamed the "son of Concorde," has successfully broken the sound barrier without producing the disruptive sonic boom typically associated with supersonic flight. The milestone was achieved during a series of test flights conducted this month at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The aircraft, known as the X-59 and built in collaboration with aerospace contractor Lockheed Martin, reached speeds of up to Mach 1.4—approximately 924 miles per hour—at an altitude of around 55,000 feet. This speed and altitude correspond to the intended operational conditions for the jet and mark the achievement of NASA’s design test parameters.

Traditional supersonic aircraft create sonic booms due to shock waves formed by the abrupt pressure changes when the plane exceeds the speed of sound. These shock waves are responsible for loud claps that can rattle windows and potentially damage structures, which has led to longstanding bans on supersonic flights over land since the 1970s. NASA's goal with the X-59 is to reduce the intensity of these shocks to a quieter "thump," minimizing disturbance on the ground.

Key to the X-59’s success is its innovative design, featuring a long, needle-like nose that smooths the airflow and limits the formation of strong shock waves. Additionally, the aircraft’s engine is mounted on top of the fuselage, shielding the ground from engine noise and directing shock waves away from populated areas. Its sleek, smooth underbelly further prevents shock waves from merging and amplifying into a louder boom. According to NASA engineers, the noise generated by the X-59 may resemble a car door closing rather than the traditional thunderclap typical of supersonic travel.

Larry Cliatt, an aerospace engineer leading testing phases of NASA's Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) program, described the flight program as moving steadily forward, with multiple flights being conducted each week. However, early tests have involved chase jets that produce their own sonic booms, complicating efforts to isolate the precise sound profile of the X-59. Solo supersonic flights without chase planes are anticipated later this year.

The X-59 project, with an estimated development cost of $250 million, aims to demonstrate that supersonic flight can become commercially viable without the noise concerns that grounded previous efforts. NASA envisions that technologies proven by the X-59 could inform the design of "quiet" supersonic airliners carrying roughly 44 passengers, potentially entering service by 2040.

The development resonates with the legacy of the Concorde, the iconic supersonic passenger jet operated by British Airways and Air France from 1976 until 2003. Concorde was celebrated for halving transatlantic travel times but was limited to oceanic routes to avoid sonic boom disturbances over land. The new generation of supersonic planes hopes to overcome these limitations, enabling faster air travel while minimizing community impact.

For those involved in the program, the X-59 represents a unique engineering achievement and a significant step toward reviving supersonic civil aviation. As Cliatt put it, the project is “one of a kind” and an exciting venture for aerospace innovation.