Latest news with #supersonic
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Science
- The 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 break the sound barrier when it flies - but won't produce a sonic boom, thanks to its unique design. 5 5 5 When up and running, the aircraft will hurtle along at altitudes of at speeds of 937mph at 55,000 feet up. Nasa revealed it struck another milestone in the plane's journey toward the skies with crucial low-speed taxiing tests. 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. 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 Nasa's Quesst mission - which aims to prove supersonic flight is possible without a deafening sonic boom. 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 5 "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."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
NASA's supersonic X-59 jet that could slash NYC-London flight time in half taxis closer to take off
Breakfast in New York, midmorning snack in London. Taxi tests are underway on a highly anticipated supersonic plane designed to quietly break the sound barrier — and slash flight time between New York and London in half. The X-59 jet, dubbed the 'son of Concorde,' is one step closer to takeoff after the experimental aircraft taxied on a California runway at low speed using its own power for the first time on July 10, NASA said in a press release. The ground maneuvers at the US Air Force's Plant 42 in Palmdale mark the final series of trials for the 100-foot-long, 30-foot-wide jet before its maiden voyage, which is slated for sometime this year, according to the space agency. 'Over the coming weeks, the aircraft will gradually increase its speed, leading up to a high-speed taxi test that will take the aircraft just short of the point where it would take off,' officials said. The high-tech plane, unveiled by NASA and Lockheed Martin last year, is the centerpiece of the space agency's QueSST mission to produce a quieter sonic boom for communities below and revolutionize air travel, potentially cutting transit time down significantly for commercial flights. It could possibly fly from New York to London flight in three and a half hours, the agency previously said. The new aircraft's innovative design and shape will cause it to produce a quiet 'thump' sound as it reaches speeds of up to 925 miles per hour, officials said. Supersonic flights have been banned in the US and other countries for the past half-century due to the thunderous sound generated when planes exceed the speed of sound — 767 miles per hour. But the X-59's thin, tapered nose is expected to break up shock waves that would cause the high-speed roar on a conventional aircraft, NASA previously boasted. The latest innovation will succeed the British Airways Concorde, which reached speeds of around 1,350 miles per hour and completed its fastest transatlantic flight in just under three hours on Feb. 7, 1996. The aircraft, which debuted in 1976, was plagued by costly maintenance and a fatal 2000 crash. It was retired from commercial service in 2003.
CBC
a day ago
- CBC
Skydiver Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash at 56
Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian skydiver known for his 2012 supersonic jump from the stratosphere, died in a paragliding crash in Italy. He was 56. Local reports say he lost control mid-air and crashed near a hotel pool.
Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Felix Baumgartner obituary: daredevil adventurer
On October 14, 2012, Felix Baumgartner took one small step and began falling from the fringes of space to Earth. Jumping from 128,000ft up, he hurtled downwards for more than four minutes before deploying his parachute, reaching a speed of 843mph — Mach 1.25. Sixty-five years to the day since Chuck Yeager had first broken the sound barrier in an aircraft, the Austrian skydiver became the first person to go supersonic without the aid of a vehicle. Baumgartner, who had 'Born to Fly' tattooed on his forearm, was always clear the whole death-defying enterprise was essentially a stunt, rather than undertaken to further science. It was sponsored — at a cost of £20 million — by Red Bull, the drinks company that had associated itself with extreme sports. Nevertheless, the feat required four years of planning, for the dangers were very real. The aim was to better the free-fall record of 102,800ft established in 1960, at the start of the Space Age, by a US test pilot, Joe Kittinger. Fifty years on, he agreed to mentor Baumgartner, who would ascend 24 miles up into the stratosphere in a capsule attached to a helium-filled balloon 50 storeys high, its skin thinner than a sandwich wrapper. • Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner dies in paramotor accident To survive the conditions, Baumgartner would have to wear a specially pressurised suit. Keen on publicity and emotionally volatile, he coped with being told that if something went wrong his blood could boil — the 'good news' was it would only take him 15 seconds to die — but found the suit claustrophobic. For six months he quit the project. Only film of his replacement wearing the suit spurred him into returning. Bad weather at the launch site of the Roswell air base, New Mexico, scotched the initial date. Five days later, however, the sky was clear. For the first time in his career, Baumgartner's parents had come to watch him jump. He said his greatest fear was dying in front of his family. During the ascent, Baumgartner felt he was developing a problem with his visor. All his mother, Ava, could do was silently pray. The issue was resolved and his worry that the capsule door would have frozen solid also proved unfounded. Standing 99,000ft higher than Everest, Baumgartner, whose childhood hero had been Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, slowly shuffled forward. 'I'm coming home,' he said. Watched by a live YouTube audience of eight million, Baumgartner fell. The greatest danger was he might begin to spin uncontrollably, forcing all his blood into his skull and out through his eyeballs. To the horror of his team on the ground, he did indeed begin to revolve — there was a 20-second delay on the public feed in case of tragedy — but despite his terror he managed to stabilise himself. Over New Mexico, a sonic boom was heard. When he was 5,000ft from the ground, Baumgartner opened his parachute and made a perfect landing. His mother wept with relief. 'Fearless Felix' had broken three records: the highest manned balloon flight; the highest altitude from which a man had free-fallen; and the first supersonic free-fall. Two years later, a computer scientist working for Google, Alan Eustace, jumped from a higher altitude of almost 26 miles, although he used a drogue parachute to control his descent, so Baumgartner's speed record still stands. Yet he was never tempted to try to regain his other mark. 'Of course I wouldn't do it again!' he said. 'Just because it's worked once, doesn't mean it would work again. I'll leave it to the next generation.' Felix Baumgartner was born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1969. His father, also Felix, was a carpenter and later sold furniture. His son characterised him as a cautious person who did not encourage his two boys to take risks. Gerard, Felix's brother, became a chef. The family lived next to the Russian consulate and Felix's first exploit was to dig a tunnel through to its garden so he could play on the swings there; he had excavated about 5ft before he was discovered. As long as he could recall, however, his dream was to fly. He only had to see a tree and he would climb its highest branch. School was not for him and he left at 16. His father had a friend who was a skydiver, and reluctantly his parents gave Felix parachute lessons as a birthday present. He made his first jump at 17. The main chute failed to open — he never found out why — but his reserve deployed after seven rather tense seconds. While doing National Service in the Austrian army, initially as a tank driver, Baumgartner learnt it had a parachute display team and he subsequently spent five years with them. After leaving the military he supported himself as a car mechanic, while determined to become a professional skydiver. The obstacles to this, as a potential spectator sport, were that most of the action takes place out of sight, up in the air, and is largely hazard free. Baumgartner found the solution in the novel (and often prohibited) sport of base jumping, or parachuting at dangerously low heights from a fixed object such as a bridge. In 1999, he leapt from what was then the world's tallest building, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. He also made what he claimed to be the world's lowest base jump, of about 90ft, from the hand of the statue of Christ the Redeemer that overlooks Rio de Janeiro. These stunts brought him to the notice of Red Bull, which was based near Salzburg. Money was still tight, however. Lacking access to a wind tunnel, Baumgartner trained for his attempt to be the first person to skydive across the English Channel by tying himself to the roof of a speeding Porsche 911. In 2003, with a carbon-fibre wing strapped to his back, he jumped out of an aircraft 30,000ft above Dover, and landed near Calais 14 minutes later. After the leap that made him famous, Baumgartner kept to his promise to renounce daredevilry. He had said that he might concentrate on raising adventurous children of his own, although in the event he did not have any, nor was he married. He is survived by his long-term partner, Mihaela Radulescu, a Romanian television presenter. Although he did take part in the 24-hour road race at the Nürburgring in 2014, he concentrated on flying helicopters, both acrobatically and to help rescue people. He became known in Austria as well for his endorsement of populist political figures — he proposed that Hungary's premier, Viktor Orban, be awarded a Nobel prize — and for speaking out against immigration. In 2012 he was fined €1,500 for slapping a Greek truck driver during a road-rage argument. After falling out with the tax authorities, he left Austria for Switzerland. Like many who have gazed down on the Earth from above, Baumgartner's experience had made him conscious of its fragility. 'A lot of people talk about going to Mars,' he reflected. 'It doesn't make sense … We've already done a lot of damage here; we should take care of our own world.' Felix Baumgartner, record-breaking skydiver, was born on April 20, 1969. He reportedly died of a heart attack while paragliding on July 17, 2025, aged 56
Sustainability Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Sounds Like Thunder, Flies Like a Ghost': NASA's 19-Inch X-59 Just Hit Mach 1.4 in a Shocking Japan Supersonic Test
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 NASA and JAXA successfully tested a scale model of the X-59 at Mach 1.4, gathering critical data for supersonic travel. and successfully tested a scale model of the X-59 at Mach 1.4, gathering critical data for supersonic travel. ✈️ The 19-inch model was tested in a wind tunnel, simulating real-world flight conditions for validating the aircraft's design. 🔊 The X-59 aims to replace the traditional sonic boom with a quieter 'sonic thump' , making overland supersonic flights viable. , making overland supersonic flights viable. 🌐 The project is part of NASA's Quesst mission, which seeks to revolutionize air travel by proving that quiet supersonic flight is feasible and socially acceptable. In an era where innovation is the cornerstone of progress, NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are collaboratively pushing the boundaries of aviation technology. Recently, in Chofu, Japan, a 1.62% scale model of the X-59 aircraft underwent rigorous testing, reaching astonishing speeds of Mach 1.4 within a compact 3-by-3-foot wind tunnel. This miniature marvel is not just a testament to engineering prowess but a crucial step toward revolutionizing supersonic travel. The data collected from these tests are invaluable, setting the stage for quieter, overland supersonic flights that could redefine air travel as we know it. Tiny Model, Full-Scale Stakes The X-59 demonstrator, a remarkable feat of engineering, measures an impressive 99.7 feet in length with a wingspan of 29.7 feet. However, the recent tests in the Chofu wind tunnel used a much smaller 19-inch model, representing just 1.62 percent of the actual aircraft. Despite its diminutive size, this model was subjected to airflow conditions matching the aircraft's anticipated cruise speed of Mach 1.4, equivalent to approximately 925 miles per hour. These conditions were crucial for collecting critical experimental data that could validate the aircraft's design. By comparing the results from these wind-tunnel tests with detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics predictions, NASA aims to confirm how the air will flow over the jet's slender fuselage and long, swept wings. The primary goal is to understand the behavior of shock waves, which, unlike in conventional supersonic aircraft, are designed in the X-59 to separate, resulting in a subtle 'sonic thump' instead of a loud boom. This breakthrough could pave the way for overland supersonic passenger flights, making them viable and socially acceptable. Terrifying Signal From Deep Space: New Detection Shows Traits Too Precise to Be Natural, Forcing Scientists to Reconsider Everything Milestones on the Road to First Flight The recent wind-tunnel experiments are just one step in a series of significant milestones for the X-59 program. In December 2024, a critical engine-burning test was successfully completed at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. This test marked the first time the integrated propulsion system was pushed to full power, underscoring the readiness of the X-59 for real-world conditions. Earlier, in October 2024, a preliminary engine shakedown ensured all systems were leak-free and operational. Progress continued with high-fidelity simulations in May 2025, which rigorously tested the aircraft's flight computer and subsystems. These simulations ensured that the sensors, control surfaces, and redundant computers could communicate seamlessly, simulating the high-altitude, high-speed missions the X-59 is designed for. As part of NASA's Quesst mission, these efforts are geared towards proving that quiet supersonic flight is both technically feasible and socially acceptable. Once airborne, the X-59 will perform community overflights across the United States, gathering public feedback on its muted acoustic footprint. 'They Just Rewrote the Future!': FAMU's Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Revolution Sends Shockwaves Through NASA and Could Launch Humanity Into Deep Space Unveiling the Future of Supersonic Travel The X-59 project represents a significant leap forward in aviation technology. The successful tests of the 19-inch model in Chofu are a critical step toward achieving flights that could potentially reshape air travel. By turning the dreaded boom into a manageable thump, engineers are not only addressing noise pollution but also opening the door to commercial supersonic airliners capable of crossing continents at unprecedented speeds. This innovation could provide future commercial aircraft designers with the tools necessary to revolutionize air travel without disturbing the peace below. The potential for overland supersonic flight remains high, with the promise of reduced travel times and increased efficiency. The X-59 is at the forefront of this journey, offering a glimpse into a future where lengthy flights become a thing of the past. The data collected from these tests and future community feedback will be instrumental in shaping regulations and guiding the next generation of supersonic aircraft design. 'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Data and Feedback: Paving the Path Forward As the X-59 moves closer to its first flight, the importance of data collection and community feedback cannot be overstated. The data gathered from wind-tunnel tests, combined with real-world overflight assessments, will provide regulators with the information needed to reconsider the current ban on supersonic flight over land. This potential change in policy could have a profound impact on the aviation industry, enabling faster, more efficient travel. The collaboration between NASA and JAXA exemplifies how international cooperation can drive technological advancements. By harnessing the expertise of both agencies, the X-59 project is poised to make significant contributions to the future of air travel. As we look to the skies, one cannot help but wonder: will the dream of quiet, overland supersonic flight soon become a reality for travelers worldwide? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
