NASA NASA is going to assemble a quiet supersonic aircraft: X-59 QueSST

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NASA's X-59 aircraft aims to develop quieter supersonic flight technology, addressing the sonic boom issue that limited the Concorde's operations. While there is interest in civilian supersonic aircraft, concerns about comfort, cost, and environmental impact may hinder market viability. The discussion highlights that faster travel could enhance productivity, particularly for business purposes, but the practicality of supersonic jets for commercial use remains debated. Some believe the market may lean towards supersonic private jets rather than commercial airliners, given the high costs associated with such technology. Overall, the future of supersonic travel hinges on balancing technological advancements with public perception and environmental considerations.
  • #31
anorlunda said:
That's what makes me think that the market is not for airliners, but rather for supersonic private Lear Jets (Leer Jets, love the pun. :wink:) Hence the political backlash. If only billionaires can afford these planes, there will be a lot of public opposition. Worse, if the popular notion is that NASA is doing research to benefit only billionaires, that too will cause backlash.
And since Lear jets have far fewer passengers there would need to be more of them. Ugh! All those sonic booms everywhere so some executive can go somewhere faster. IF they could make them quiet (not just quieter) and marketable (cheap) then sure but those are pretty significant “ifs.”
“If” they would develop transporter technology we wouldn’t need planes at all.