Latest news with #X-59
Sustainability Times
4 hours ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
"Like Bullets from the Sky": Shocking Data Shows Raindrops Can Shred Hypersonic Jets at Rocket-Level Speeds
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Hypersonic aircraft can travel over five times the speed of sound, revolutionizing global transportation. can travel over five times the speed of sound, revolutionizing global transportation. 💧 Tiny rain droplets significantly impact these vehicles, affecting their aerodynamics and structural integrity. and structural integrity. 🔍 Researchers utilized a hybrid simulation approach to model the complex interactions between droplets and air flow fields. 🌟 Understanding these dynamics is crucial for advancing military and commercial hypersonic technologies. In the rapidly advancing world of aerospace technology, hypersonic vehicles represent the frontier of innovation. These aircraft, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are transforming both military and commercial transportation. However, as these high-speed vessels slice through the skies, they encounter an unexpected adversary: tiny rain droplets. Recent research has unveiled the surprising impact of water particles on hypersonic vehicles, providing critical insights for developing the next generation of aircraft. This exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of hypersonic travel and the unseen challenges posed by minute water particles. Understanding the Impact of Water Particles on Hypersonic Aircraft When traveling at hypersonic speeds, aircraft can reach velocities over 3,836 mph, enabling them to cross vast distances in mere minutes. At such speeds, the interaction between the aircraft and environmental elements, like rain, becomes significant. A recent study published in the journal Physics of Fluid has investigated how water droplets, upon impacting a hypersonic vehicle, disperse into smaller clouds that interact with the air flow fields surrounding the craft. This interaction is crucial as it influences the aerodynamics and structural integrity of the vehicle. The study found that after impact, droplets accelerate and become entrapped near the vehicle's surface. This phenomenon can disrupt the air flow, increasing the likelihood of additional impacts. Modeling these behaviors presents a complex challenge due to the intricate nature of hypersonic flows. To address this, researchers employed a hybrid simulation approach. By utilizing an Eulerian framework to resolve air flow and a Lagrangian approach to track individual droplets, they could capture key interactions crucial for understanding these dynamics. 'This Jet Will Shatter Laws of Physics and Privacy': X-59 Sparks Outrage as NASA Pushes Supersonic Silence into Civilian Skies Pioneering the Development of Next-Gen Hypersonic Vehicles The insights gained from this research are pivotal for advancing hypersonic technology. According to lead researcher Prithvi Ramesh, understanding droplet breakup and its impact forces is essential for the design and development of future aircraft. This knowledge not only aids in creating more resilient hypersonic vehicles but also enhances our grasp of the fundamental physics of multiphase flows under extreme conditions. The significance of this research extends beyond the laboratory. As global military powers race to harness hypersonic technology for defense capabilities, understanding these dynamics becomes a strategic priority. Hypersonic weapons, capable of striking targets worldwide in minutes, rely on such advancements to maintain their edge. Similarly, private enterprises like Venus Aerospace are exploring the potential of hypersonic airliners to revolutionize commercial travel, underscoring the importance of this research for future innovation. 'Humanity's Red Dawn Is Here': Scientists Claim Terraforming Mars Is Now Possible, Unveiling Astonishing Plans for This Bold New Frontier Technological Challenges and Solutions in Hypersonic Research Despite the promise of hypersonic technology, several challenges must be overcome. The high-speed nature of these vehicles subjects them to extreme thermal and mechanical stresses. Traditional materials and design paradigms often fall short in these conditions, necessitating innovations in materials science and engineering. The interaction between water particles and hypersonic vehicles adds another layer of complexity, as engineers must account for the potential disruptions to air flow and structural integrity. Addressing these challenges involves a multidisciplinary approach. Advanced simulations, like those used in the recent study, are invaluable for predicting and mitigating potential issues. By integrating sub-models within the Eulerian framework, researchers can accurately simulate multiphase interactions, providing a basis for developing robust solutions. This collaborative effort across various scientific fields is vital for overcoming the hurdles of hypersonic travel. 'This Sensor Sees the Unseeable': NASA's Quantum Gravity Tech Set to Revolutionize Earth Monitoring With Unmatched Precision The Future of Hypersonic Travel and Its Global Implications The implications of hypersonic technology extend far beyond the realm of aviation. As both military and commercial sectors invest in developing these capabilities, the geopolitical landscape is poised for transformation. Hypersonic vehicles promise to redefine global transportation, enabling unprecedented connectivity and rapid response capabilities. However, this potential also raises ethical and security concerns, as nations vie for technological supremacy in this new frontier. As research progresses, the focus will likely shift toward refining these technologies for practical applications. The ability to predict and mitigate environmental interactions, such as those posed by water droplets, will be crucial in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of hypersonic vehicles. As we stand on the brink of a new era in transportation, the question remains: How will the advent of hypersonic technology reshape our world, and are we prepared for the challenges and opportunities it presents? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (21)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
NASA's X-59 moves under its own power
July 22 (UPI) -- NASA's quest for a quieter supersonic jet passed an early test after its X-59 aircraft was able to taxi at low speed at a manufacturing plant in California. The space agency on Tuesday announced the latest milestone for NASA's X-59 that is part of its Quesst mission to test the possibility of a supersonic aircraft with more muted sonic booms that will allow less noisy flights over populated areas. The X-59 was able to move under its own power during the test that took place last week, taxiing across the runway at the U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif. As the aircraft taxied, engineers and flight crews observed the X-59 to evaluate its steering, braking and other important functions. The test was one of the final hurdles for the X-59 before its first flight, according to the agency. NASA engineers began test-firing the single-engine experimental aircraft at a Lockheed Martin facility last fall to see if its systems are functional. NASA plans to fly the X-59 between residential areas in 2026 and ask residents about the noise it produces while exceeding the speed of sound. If the X-59 works as intended it will produce a soft thud instead of the loud booms associated with sonic aircrafts. The aircraft has no windshield because its pilot can't see over it, as well as delta-shaped wings with a span of 29.5 feet and has a maximum takeoff weight of 32,300 pounds -- lighter than many commercial planes. Following the successful test, NASA engineers will gradually increase the X-59's taxing speed stopping short of where it would take off, according to the agency. Data from the X-59 will be shared with U.S. and international regulators to develop new regulations on noise threshold for commercial supersonic land flights.
UPI
7 days ago
- Science
- UPI
NASA's X-59 moves under its own power
NASA determined that its experimental X-59 aircraft can move under its own power following a test on July 10, 2025. The success of the test could lead to quieter supersonic aircrafts. Photo by Carla Thomas/NASA July 22 (UPI) -- NASA's quest for a quieter supersonic jet passed an early test after its X-59 aircraft was able to taxi at low speed at a manufacturing plant in California. The space agency on Tuesday announced the latest milestone for NASA's X-59 that is part of its Quesst mission to test the possibility of a supersonic aircraft with more muted sonic booms that will allow less noisy flights over populated areas. The X-59 was able to move under its own power during the test that took place last week, taxiing across the runway at the U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif. As the aircraft taxied, engineers and flight crews observed the X-59 to evaluate its steering, braking and other important functions. The test was one of the final hurdles for the X-59 before its first flight, according to the agency. NASA engineers began test-firing the single-engine experimental aircraft at a Lockheed Martin facility last fall to see if its systems are functional. NASA plans to fly the X-59 between residential areas in 2026 and ask residents about the noise it produces while exceeding the speed of sound. If the X-59 works as intended it will produce a soft thud instead of the loud booms associated with sonic aircrafts. The aircraft has no windshield because its pilot can't see over it, as well as delta-shaped wings with a span of 29.5 feet and has a maximum takeoff weight of 32,300 pounds -- lighter than many commercial planes. Following the successful test, NASA engineers will gradually increase the X-59's taxing speed stopping short of where it would take off, according to the agency. Data from the X-59 will be shared with U.S. and international regulators to develop new regulations on noise threshold for commercial supersonic land flights.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
NASA's X-59 supersonic jet could fly you from New York to Paris in half the time
In a major leap toward the future of high-speed travel , 's experimental X-59 supersonic jet is moving closer to its first flight and could revolutionize air journeys around the world. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nicknamed the 'son of Concorde,' the X-59 has successfully completed its initial low-speed taxi tests, marking a crucial milestone in its development. Designed to drastically cut travel times, the aircraft aims to fly passengers from cities like New York to Paris in nearly half the duration of current commercial flights . Its standout feature is the ability to fly faster than sound while minimizing the disruptive sonic boom, replacing it with a much quieter 'thump.' This advancement could pave the way for a new era of supersonic travel. NASA's ground tests bring X-59 supersonic jet closer to first flight On July 10, NASA conducted low-speed taxi tests of the 100-foot-long, 30-foot-wide aircraft at the U.S. Air Force's Plant 42 facility in Palmdale, California. These tests involved moving the aircraft under its own power to evaluate braking, steering, and ground handling systems. Engineers monitored system performance in real time to ensure everything functioned as intended. The tests mark the final phase of ground trials before the jet progresses to high-speed taxiing and eventual takeoff. NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft Begins Taxi Tests Unlike earlier supersonic jets like the Concorde, the X-59 is engineered to reduce the loud sonic boom that typically occurs when breaking the sound barrier. This "quiet supersonic technology" is a key component of NASA's Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial supersonic flight over land without disturbing communities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now If successful, it could lead to regulatory changes that make supersonic air travel more widely accessible. What's next for the X-59 With the low-speed taxi tests completed, the X-59 will now undergo high-speed ground testing, followed by its long-awaited first flight, expected later this year. During flight trials, NASA will collect data on performance, acoustics, and flight stability. The results will be shared with international aviation authorities to inform future noise regulations for supersonic aircraft. If the X-59 delivers on its promise, it could slash flight times between major cities to just a few hours. More importantly, it signals a turning point in aviation history by combining speed with sustainability and public acceptance. NASA's vision goes beyond breaking speed records. It is about reshaping global connectivity for generations to come.
The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
NASA's ‘Son of Concorde' jet that will HALVE flight time from US to London step closer to take-off with runway test
NASA's supersonic "Son of Concorde" plane which will halve the travel time between London and New York is zooming ever closer to take-off. The X-59 jet will even 5 Concept illustration of the X-59 shooting through the sky Credit: SWNS 5 Nasa and Lockheed Martin are speeding ahead with tests of the supersonic X-59 jet Credit: Lockheed Martin / Gary Tice 5 The 30m-long and 9m-wide plane has a sharp, stiletto-style nose Credit: Alamy When up and running, Nasa revealed it struck The X-59 moved around purely under its own power for the first time at US Air Force Plant 42 on July 10. Taxiing is the final stage of ground tests before Nasa can take it up into the skies - and the maiden voyage is chalked for later this year. read more in tech Over the coming weeks, pilots will gradually increase the speed on the runway - leading to high-speed manoeuvres when it will travel fast enough to take off. Engineers tested key systems like steering and breaking during the low-speed run through. Nasa said: "These checks help ensure the aircraft's stability and control across a range of conditions, giving pilots and engineers confidence that all systems are functioning as expected." The X-59 is the crown jewel in Most read in Science Instead, the X-59 will produce a much quieter sonic "thump". Currently, commercial passenger planes are banned from going at such speeds – if they were able to – over land in the UK and US on account of the noise levels. Near-supersonic jet that can fly London-New York at speeds 'not seen since Concorde' unveiled with luxury living spaces The 30m-long and 9m-wide X-59 has a sharp, stiletto-style nose that engineers believe will reduce the noise The space agency believes their new jet could fly from London to New York in three-and-a-half hours. Lori Ozoroski, a project manager at Nasa, previously said: "We had a commercial supersonic aircraft, the Concorde. "But it was limited during its flights that it could not fly, say into, you know, somewhere in the middle of the U.S. "You were not allowed to fly supersonic over land. 5 The jet's F414-GE-100 engine is mounted on top of the aircraft Credit: Lockheed Martin / Gary Tice 5 The X-59 has a sharp nose designed to reduce the sonic boom Credit: Reuters "So most of the flights were back and forth just over the ocean. And so again, that ban has been in place for 50 years, over 50 years in the US. "A lot of international countries as well have similar bans. "And so the whole goal of this research that we're doing right now is to lift that ban and set a speed limit for commercial supersonic aircraft rather than a speed limit." Lori added: "The sound level is more like – we've done studies – it's more like a car door closing, you know, across the street at your neighbour's house rather than the very loud typical sonic boom." Supersonic and Hypersonic Jets There are several types of hypersonic and supersonic jets. A breakdown of what's been happening in the industry and what's expected in the coming years. Talon-A Built by Stratolaunch Reported speeds of Mach 5 The first test flight conducted in 2024 Built by Nasa and Lockheed Martin Predicted max speeds of Mach 1.4 The first test flight in 2025 - but subject to delays Built by Venus Aerospace and Velontra Predicted max speeds of Mach 6 First test flight in 2025 Built by Hermeus Predicted max speeds of Mach 2.5 First test flight in 2026 Built by Hermeus Predicted max speeds of Mach 5 First test flight by 2030 Built by China's hypersonic plane programme Predicted max speeds of Mach 6 First test flight in 2025 Built by Hypersonix Launch Systems Predicted max speeds of Mach 7 First test flight in 2025
