NASA to test silent supersonic aircraft technology in November

NASA will test technology with an F/A-18 fighter jet over a Texas town in November, which aims to produce relatively silent supersonic shock waves. This technology should eventually be applied in silent supersonic jets.

Through a series of dives, an F/A-18 Hornet will fly over the Texas town of Galveston. generate quieter supersonic shock waves, to which at least 500 local volunteers will listen carefully. They will provide feedback on the sounds and judge whether they find it acceptable.

NASA, together with aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin, is already developing a silent supersonic jet fighter. Also known as an X-plane, this X-59 is an elongated, rather slender aircraft with a long nose and relatively small wings. This device will still generate supersonic shock waves, but due to its shape, these shock waves should appear as muffled explosions.

NASA researchers have a specific noise level in mind for the X-59, which the Hornet may also produce in November; according to the researchers, this decibel level is acceptable for people on the ground. Ultimately, the data from the November tests will not only be used for the development of the X-59 and a new generation of silent supersonic jets, but it should also contribute to new international rules that allow supersonic flying.

This concerns the so-called ‘quiet supersonic technology’, which should ultimately lead to supersonic aircraft that can fly over land without producing the loud bangs associated with aircraft breaking the sound barrier. This technology seeks to reduce aircraft fuel consumption, emissions and noise through aircraft innovations.

At 0:43 of the video, a normal double shock wave can be heard; at 2:34 a double, quieter supersonic shock wave is heard.