#supplychain #transportation
Did you see the new X-59 supersonic jet? It was revealed last week and might point the way towards supersonic flight. Ultimately, the biggest hurdle that NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Lockheed Martin are looking to overcome is the noise when planes hit the sound barrier at about 750 mph. In the US supersonic planes have been banned from overland flight since 1973 due to this noise. The X-59 concept has been in the works for eight years at Lockheed's Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, CA. Test flights will begin this year over US cities this year to determine whether people are bothered by the noise of the aircraft.
If you look closely at the image below, you'll notice that the pilot has no direct forward vision. Instead, the company uses a VR monitor that serves as a window. This is certainly an interesting feature that could make its way into other projects. Another interesting feature is the engine, which is mounted on top of the tail to prevent shockwaves from merging behind the aircraft. Obviously, the question is whether we want or need supersonic flight. The hydrogen-powered Boom Overture concept, for example, will fly from New York to Paris in 90 minutes once it takes off. For those of us who cross the Atlantic regularly, that would be incredible.
#truckl #innovation
Retired at Arup
2moShame Elon Musk has to ride in to the rescue, though, isn’t it.