Those hoping for the return of the Concorde, the supersonic aircraft that launched its first commercial flight 40 years ago, could be one step closer to the dream with the development of a new supersonic passenger jet.
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“It’s worth noting that it’s been nearly 70 years since Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 as part of our predecessor agency’s high speed research”, Bolden explained during an event in Arlington, Virginia where NASA announced the project.
To help NASA develop what it’s calling Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST), the Lockheed Martin-led consortium is developing the requirements for such an aircraft and its preliminary design.
Building “Developing and flight screening a peaceful supersonic x plane may be the logical step to allowing the’s choice to start supersonic journey for that traveling community in our road”, stated associate manager for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Objective, Jaiwon Leg.
Lockheed Martin will receive about $20 million over 17 months for QueSST preliminary design work.
While the Concorde’s cruising speed of 1,350 miles per hour enabled a typical flight from London to New York City to take less than 3.5 hours (compared to eight hours for a non-supersonic flight), the plane drew criticism for its loud noise and high carbon emissions. Lockheed is expected to produce a concept design with specifications, details on the formulation of the concept, and information on the planning that went into the design.
The New Aviation Horizons X-planes will typically be about half-scale of a production aircraft and likely are to be piloted. They will be tasked with cementing a basic design for so-called QueSST, or Quiet Supersonic Technology.
“NASA is working hard to make flight greener, safer and quieter – all while developing aircraft that travel faster, and building an aviation system that operates more efficiently”, said NASA administrator Charles Bolden.
“Decade – New Aviations Perspectives effort seeks to lessen pollutants gas usage, and sound through fresh improvements in plane style, that will be completely different from -and-wing” plane designs.
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After that, another contract competition will be held to build the aircraft.
