NASA and Lockheed Martin have revealed the X-59 supersonic aircraft, which has been dubbed the "son of Concorde." The 100-foot long and 30-foot wide plane is expected to revolutionize commercial air travel with its ability to fly faster than the speed of sound and significantly reduce travel time.

The Concorde, a renowned aircraft capable of reaching speeds of 1,350 miles per hour, was retired two decades ago, plagued by expensive maintenance and a fatal crash in 2000. However, the X-59 aims to overcome the challenges faced by its predecessor.

Supersonic flights have been banned for many years due to the disruptive sonic booms created when planes surpass the speed of sound, which is 767 miles per hour. In an effort to address this concern, NASA's X-59 is designed with a thin tapered nose that helps break up shock waves, thus minimizing the sonic boom.

To ensure optimal visibility, the cockpit of the X-59 is situated halfway down the length of the plane. Pilots rely on camera monitors to operate the aircraft efficiently. This innovative design will help pave the way for potential changes in commercial air travel regulations.

The X-59 is part of NASA's Quesst mission, which is aimed at obtaining critical data to reconsider the ban on supersonic flights. The NASA team, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, has achieved a significant milestone by converting the ambitious concept into reality.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy expressed her satisfaction, stating, "This is a major accomplishment made possible only through the hard work and ingenuity of the NASA and X-59 team. NASA's X-59 will help change the way we travel, bringing us closer together in much less time."

Preparations for the X-59's first flight are now underway, with integrated systems testing, engine runs, and taxi testing scheduled for the coming months. Following its maiden voyage, the X-59 will embark on its first "quiet supersonic flight," marking a significant achievement in the development of supersonic travel.

Bob Pearce, the associate administrator for aeronautics research at NASA Headquarters, expressed his excitement for the Quesst mission's potential benefits, stating, "By demonstrating the possibility of quiet commercial supersonic travel over land, we seek to open new commercial markets for U.S. companies and benefit travelers around the world."

It is important to note that the X-59 is a unique experimental airplane and not a prototype intended for commercial use. The data and technology generated from this groundbreaking mission will be shared with regulators and industry professionals to drive advancements in supersonic travel.