NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft is expected to fly at 1.4 times the speed of sound, which is equivalent to 925 mph.
Understanding the Speed
The speed of an aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound is often described using the Mach number. Mach 1 is the speed of sound itself. Flying at Mach 1.4 means the aircraft is traveling 1.4 times faster than the local speed of sound.
The reference specifies the speed of the X-59 jet as:
- Mach Number: Mach 1.4
- Equivalent Speed: 925 mph
Here's a simple comparison:
| Measurement Type | Speed Value |
|---|---|
| Mach Number | Mach 1.4 |
| Miles Per Hour | 925 mph |
This specific speed is associated with NASA's X-59 aircraft, which is a unique project designed to address the challenge of sonic booms.
The Purpose of the X-59
For decades, supersonic flight over land has been prohibited due to the disruptive noise created by sonic booms. According to NASA, the X-59 is designed to significantly reduce this loud noise, aiming instead for a quiet "thump."
The project, a collaboration between NASA and Lockheed Martin, aims to gather data to help regulators potentially overturn the current ban on commercial supersonic flight over land, opening the door for faster air travel in the future. The target speed of Mach 1.4 (925 mph) is part of demonstrating the aircraft's capability to fly supersonic while minimizing the sound disturbance on the ground.
