NASA and Lockheed Martin build aircraft that could help supersonic passengers return

NASA is teaming with US defense giant Lockheed Martin to build a state-of-the-art test aircraft that could pave the way for the return of supersonic passengers.

It is hoped that the X-59 will be able to reach incredible speeds without creating the deafening sonic boom that always comes with breaking the wall of sound.

The jet – dubbed the Son of Concord – is designed to fly at an altitude of 55,000 feet and reach an incredible speed of 940 mph.

Lockheed Martin said the initiative "marks a decisive step toward increasingly moving supersonic commercial travel over land."

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"The start of the project's manufacturing marks a big step forward for the X-59 and the future of silent supersonic commercial travel," said Peter Iosifidis of Lockheed.

"The long, slender design of the aircraft is the key to achieving a low sonic boom.

"As we enter the manufacturing phase, the structure of the aircraft is beginning to take shape, bringing us even closer to the possibility of allowing passengers from all over the world to travel in a supersonic way."

NASA chose Lockheed Martin to design the low-ramp flight demonstrator – which could eventually pave the way for a larger commercial aircraft.

Aviation experts working on the project hope the X-59 will make its maiden flight in 2021, when it will be used to collect data on quieter supersonic displacements.

It is hoped that this will help NASA to establish an acceptable commercial supersonic noise standard to override existing regulations prohibiting supersonic ground movement.

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When it crosses the sound barrier, it is hoped that it will produce a sound about as loud as that of a closing car door (75 decibels of perceived level).

The first flight of the X-59, which could one day fly from London to New York in just three hours without triggering a loud buzzing sound, is scheduled for 2021.

The craft could become the first supersonic commercial aircraft to carry passengers since the iconic Anglo-French Concorde aircraft was decommissioned 15 years ago.

This story was originally published in The Sun.