NASA seeks to build a quieter supersonic plane for passenger flight

NASA is spearheading a groundbreaking project to develop a supersonic plane that promises to transform international air travel by drastically reducing flight times. This innovative aircraft is designed to minimize jet noise to levels well below those of the Concorde, making supersonic travel more feasible and environmentally friendly.

Starting this August, NASA will begin accepting bids from top aircraft manufacturers to turn its cutting-edge design into a full-scale prototype. Backed by a substantial $400 million budget over five years, the agency aims to create a commercially viable solution to meet the growing demand for high-speed air transit. Factors such as the rise of globalized workforces and international business networks are fueling this demand.

NASA’s collaboration with aerospace giants like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Boeing, and startups like Boom Supersonic reflects its commitment to innovation. Boom Supersonic, for instance, is tackling challenges like engine noise reduction—a critical factor behind current U.S. regulations banning supersonic flights over land. By focusing initial routes on cross-ocean flights, Boom hopes to address these regulatory hurdles and pave the way for expanded operations.

The new supersonic plane, co-designed by Lockheed, targets noise levels comparable to driving a luxury car on the highway (around 60-65 decibels), a significant improvement from the Concorde’s 90 decibels. NASA envisions conducting live test flights over populated areas by 2022, aiming to gather data to advocate for regulatory changes. Meanwhile, Boom plans to launch its own demonstration flights next year, setting the stage for intense competition in the supersonic travel market.

This project could redefine air transportation, making it faster, quieter, and more accessible, heralding a new era in aviation technology. Stay tuned for updates as NASA and industry leaders race to bring supersonic travel back into the mainstream.