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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential market and implications of NASA's X-59 QueSST, a quiet supersonic aircraft. Participants explore the viability of civilian supersonic travel, its economic feasibility, environmental concerns, and the impact on business travel. The conversation includes technical aspects, market demand, and societal perceptions of air travel.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants believe there is still a market for civilian supersonic aircraft due to the desirability of faster travel.
  • Others argue that the environmental impact and public perception may hinder the acceptance of supersonic travel, especially in light of climate concerns.
  • A participant mentions that the Concorde's operational limitations and the current travel dynamics suggest a need for faster transport, particularly for business purposes.
  • There is a discussion about the practicality of supersonic jets for private use, with some suggesting that the market may lean more towards private jets rather than commercial airliners.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential backlash if supersonic technology is perceived as benefiting only the wealthy, particularly billionaires.
  • Participants discuss the efficiency of travel time and how faster transport could enhance productivity, referencing current debates around infrastructure projects like the HS2 railway in the UK.
  • Some participants highlight the differences in travel experiences between commercial and private jets, noting the advantages of private travel in terms of time and comfort.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the market for civilian supersonic aircraft, with no clear consensus. While some see potential demand, others raise significant concerns regarding environmental impact and public acceptance.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include assumptions about market demand, the influence of public perception on technology adoption, and the economic viability of developing new supersonic aircraft models.

  • #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.