NASA's X-59 quietly advances supersonic testing as US tour looms
NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft completed its first supersonic flight (Mach 1.1 at 43,400 ft on June 5, 2026) and a second (Mach 1.4 at 55,000 ft on June 12) as part of the Quiet Supersonic Technology program. Built as a “frankenjet” with off-the-shelf components, the long-nosed jet aims to replace loud sonic booms with a quieter thump (~75 dB) and will eventually tour the U.S. to collect public feedback and help regulators set overland supersonic standards. The aircraft uses an external vision system instead of a front cockpit window, with future tests planned to measure ground shockwaves and assess the economic viability of potential commercial overland flights.
- NASA’s X-59 “frankenjet” tests supersonic flight without the sonic boom Ars Technica
- Customize Your Devices With NASA’s New X-59 Digital Backgrounds NASA (.gov)
- Nasa’s experimental son of Concorde goes supersonic without the boom The Times
- Nasa's X-59 flies faster than sound — Without the bang Korben
- Nasa’s quiet ‘son of Concorde’ paves way for supersonic travel The Telegraph
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