Ars Technica
NASA's X-59 "frankenjet" tests supersonic flight without the sonic boom
Monday, June 29, 2026
NASA conducted flight tests of the X-59 aircraft, which is designed to reduce noise from supersonic flight. The aircraft reached supersonic speeds during testing. NASA plans to conduct additional flights over populated areas to gather data on noise levels. The results could inform future regulations on supersonic flight over land. The aircraft design uses a long, slender fuselage and other features intended to minimize the acoustic signature of supersonic travel.
