The return of commercial supersonic flights could soon become a reality, with several companies and agencies, including NASA, actively working on new prototypes and technologies.
Since the Concorde’s retirement in 2003, supersonic air travel has been absent from the commercial aviation landscape. However, advancements in technology are set to change this, with promising developments expected by 2025.
NASA is currently developing the X-59, an aircraft designed to address one of the major hurdles of supersonic travel: the disruptive sonic boom. Built by Lockheed Martin, the X-59 will undergo flight tests over U.S. cities in 2025. These tests aim to gather data to inform future regulations, as highlighted by reports in New Scientist.
This initiative is part of NASA’s Quiet Supersonic Technology (Quesst) project, which focuses on reducing the noise generated by supersonic aircraft.
Industry Efforts
In addition to NASA’s work, private companies are making strides in the field. Boom Supersonic has developed the XB-1, a prototype approaching supersonic speeds. The company plans to introduce its commercial aircraft, the Overture, in 2025, though passenger operations are not expected to begin until 2029.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding these developments, significant economic and environmental hurdles remain. Supersonic aircraft typically consume more fuel, leading to higher carbon emissions and raising concerns about sustainability.
Ben Evans, a physicist at Swansea University, noted that public concerns will likely focus on factors such as environmental impact and passenger comfort. These issues will play a critical role in determining the feasibility of reintroducing supersonic travel on a large scale.