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NASA’s Groundbreaking Quest for Silent Supersonic Flight with the X-59

NASA’s X-59 project aims for supersonic flight with minimal noise. Recent CarpetDIEM tests refine ground recording systems for silent sonic thumps.

Published

2 years ago

March 9, 2024

Rod Washington

Last Updated on December 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff

NASA’s X-59 experimental aircraft is set to redefine supersonic flight by breaking the sound barrier silently. Recent CarpetDIEM tests have honed in on ground recording systems, unveiling insights crucial for capturing the aircraft’s quiet sonic “thumps.” These trials, conducted over the vast expanse of the California desert, have fine-tuned the deployment and data retrieval process for the upcoming X-59 tests.

The meticulous planning involved in the CarpetDIEM flights, including setting up 10 microphone stations and orchestrating supersonic passes, signifies a pivotal step towards realizing the X-59’s groundbreaking capabilities. With speeds ranging from Mach 1.15 to Mach 1.4 and altitudes varying from 40,000 to 53,000 feet, the tests have showcased the potential for supersonic flight with minimal noise disturbance.

NASA recently completed a series of tests to reduce risks prior to Phase 2 of its Quesst mission, which will test the ability of the X-59 experimental aircraft to make sonic booms quieter. Credits: NASA/Steve Parcel

The ultimate goal of the X-59 project is to produce sonic thumps as soft as 75 perceived loudness decibels, significantly quieter than historical supersonic aircraft like the Concorde. By calibrating the ground recording systems to detect sounds as faint as 50 perceived loudness decibels, akin to the hum of a refrigerator, NASA is poised to capture and analyze the aircraft’s groundbreaking sonic emissions.

Moreover, the successful integration of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast technology has streamlined the data collection process, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in recording the X-59’s supersonic passes. As the project progresses towards Phase 2 of the Quesst mission, researchers are gearing up for extended monitoring periods, necessitating robust instrumentation capable of enduring harsh desert conditions and wildlife interference.

The collaborative effort involved in the CarpetDIEM tests, spanning coordination with various organizations and regulatory bodies, underscores the comprehensive approach taken by NASA to realize the vision of silent supersonic flight. With Phase 2 preparations underway and valuable insights gleaned from the trials, the X-59 project stands at the forefront of a new era in aviation, promising groundbreaking advancements in supersonic travel with minimal environmental impact.

(Source: NASA)

NASA Instruments Will Listen for Supersonic X-59’s Quiet ‘Thump’

https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/nasa-instruments-will-listen-for-supersonic-x-59s-quiet-thump/

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