NASA and Lockheed Martin X-59 Cuts Sonic Boom to 75 dB

NASA and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works are developing the X-59 supersonic jet, which produces a quiet "sonic thump" of about 75 dB instead of a disruptive sonic boom. A long slender nose, delta wings and an External Vision System replacing cockpit windows aim to enable overland supersonic flight banned since Concorde.

• Quiet "sonic thump" of about 75 dB instead of a boom
• Long nose and External Vision System replace cockpit windows
• Flight tests began in 2025
• Goal is to change rules banning overland supersonic flight