In under 90 minutes, from London to New York? NASA is examining the feasibility of supersonic passenger aircraft

NASA has indeed been exploring the potential for supersonic passenger jets as a part of its efforts to advance aviation technology. One of the most notable projects in this area was the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) project, which aimed to develop a new generation of supersonic aircraft that would produce a quieter sonic boom compared to traditional supersonic jets.

The idea behind such projects is to address the environmental and noise concerns associated with supersonic flight, particularly the loud sonic booms that occur when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier. If successful, these projects could pave the way for commercial supersonic travel, making it feasible to fly faster than the speed of sound without causing disruptive sonic booms.

It's important to note that developing a new supersonic passenger jet involves a range of challenges, including noise reduction, fuel efficiency, and safety considerations. Regulatory approvals and market demand would also play a significant role in determining the viability of such an aircraft for commercial use.

They are so potent that it is forbidden above populated areas. In response to a NASA project, Lockheed Martin, a defence contractor, created the X-59, a Concorde-like research jet that can cruise at 937 mph at an altitude of 55,000 feet without producing an intolerable noise level.

In 2024, it plans to conduct test flights over US towns to gather information on how the public reacts to the sound in the expectation that it will help shape future revisions to aviation regulations.

This Monday, NASA's Glenn Research Centre disclosed that it has looked into the economics of supersonic flight, which may enable a jet to fly between 1,500 and 3,000 mph over the Atlantic.

Large airliners of today travel at speeds of about 600 mph, taking eight hours on average to fly from London to New York.

Now, firms like Boeing and Rolls-Royce have been hired to develop design ideas for supersonic passenger planes as part of a potential roadmap for making such journeys a reality.

Just a few weeks before the announcement, the X-59 was relocated from its construction site to the so-called flight line, which is the area between the hangar and runway at a Lockheed Martin facility in California. The company has begun a series of ground tests.

The Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is renowned for its advanced aircraft development and engineering projects. It's where many groundbreaking aerospace technologies and aircraft have been developed, including the U-2 spy plane, the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, and more.

The U-2 spy plane, also known as the Lockheed U-2, is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed and operated by the United States. It has been an essential tool for intelligence gathering since its introduction in the 1950s. Here are some key points about the U-2 spy plane:

Development and Purpose: The U-2 was developed during the Cold War by the American aircraft company Lockheed's Skunk Works division. Its primary purpose was to provide high-altitude reconnaissance over denied territories, especially the Soviet Union. It was designed to operate at altitudes above 70,000 feet (21,000 meters), where it could fly above most enemy anti-aircraft defenses and interceptors.

High Altitude and Long Range: The U-2's unique design allows it to fly at extremely high altitudes, where its range of vision is greatly increased. It can cover large areas of land and capture detailed imagery using its reconnaissance equipment. However, operating at such altitudes presents challenges, including the need for pilots to wear specialized pressure suits due to the thin air.

Spying and Intelligence Gathering: The U-2 played a crucial role in gathering intelligence during the Cold War. It conducted numerous reconnaissance missions over the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and other sensitive areas. These missions provided valuable information about enemy military installations, capabilities, and activities.

Francis Gary Powers Incident: One of the most well-known incidents involving the U-2 occurred in 1960 when a U-2 piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union. This event strained U.S.-Soviet relations and highlighted the risks associated with reconnaissance missions.

Evolution and Upgrades: The U-2 has undergone several upgrades and modifications over the years to enhance its capabilities. These updates include improved sensors, communication systems, and data transmission capabilities, allowing for more sophisticated intelligence gathering.

Ongoing Service: Despite the advancement of satellite technology, the U-2 continues to be a valuable asset for intelligence gathering. It offers certain advantages over satellites, such as the ability to be repositioned quickly and the potential for real-time communication with analysts.

Variants: Over the years, different variants of the U-2 have been developed for various purposes, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and research. The U-2R, TR-1, and U-2S are some examples of these variants.

Stealthy Successor: The U-2's capabilities have been complemented by the development of the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft with similar high-altitude capabilities. The Global Hawk is designed for long-endurance missions and can carry a variety of sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.

The U-2 spy plane remains a significant tool for intelligence gathering and has a storied history in the world of espionage and reconnaissance.