NASA Reveals Plans for Revolutionary Supersonic Plane, Set to Transform Transatlantic Travel Times
NASA has recently unveiled its groundbreaking supersonic plane, which has the potential to revolutionize transatlantic travel times. This new aircraft is expected to be faster than the speed of sound and nearly twice as fast as the famous Concorde, enabling it to transport passengers from New York to London in under one and a half hours.
Currently, flights from New York to London typically take around eight to nine hours, but with this groundbreaking announcement, NASA is set to drastically reduce these travel times. In fact, journey times could be up to four times faster than what is currently possible for this popular route.
The supersonic passenger plane concept proposed by NASA could reach speeds of 1,535-3,045mph at sea level. In comparison, today’s airline cruisers typically fly at a speed of approximately 600mph. This significant increase in speed could potentially transform the way we perceive long-haul flights, making them much more efficient and time-saving.
To bring this revolutionary aircraft to life, NASA has partnered with leading commercial companies, including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and GE Aerospace. These companies have been contracted to develop non-proprietary designs for concept vehicles, aiming to create planes that can travel between Mach 2 and Mach 4. This would far surpass the capabilities of current airplanes, which usually reach speeds of about 80% of the speed of sound.
It is important to note that while the market for super-fast flights does exist, supersonic travel over land is currently prohibited in the United States and other countries. However, supersonic travel over oceans and seas, such as the high-volume North Atlantic routes and Pacific crossings, remains a viable option.
To address the challenge of supersonic travel over land, NASA has initiated the Quesst mission, which focuses on developing the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft. The goal is to find a way to make supersonic travel over land possible while minimizing the impact of sonic booms.
As part of its Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP), NASA has awarded two 12-month contracts to companies to develop designs and roadmaps for high-speed travel. Boeing leads the first team, which includes partners such as Exosonic, GE Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies. The second team is led by Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, in collaboration with Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.
These teams will develop comprehensive roadmaps covering various aspects of high-speed travel, including airframe design, power, propulsion, thermal management, and composite materials capable of withstanding high-supersonic speeds. They will also create non-trademarked designs for concept vehicles.
Mary Jo Long-Davis, manager of NASA’s Hypersonic Technology Project, emphasized the importance of these design concepts and technology roadmaps in shaping the future of high-speed travel. The aim is to ensure safety, efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability in these innovative endeavors.
Upon completion of the research phase, NASA and its industry and academic partners will decide whether to continue with their own investments, based on the insights and potential benefits gained from this collaborative effort.
Overall, NASA’s announcement of a revolutionary supersonic plane represents a significant milestone in aviation technology. If successful, it could transform long-haul travel, offering passengers unprecedented speed and efficiency while paving the way for future advancements in supersonic flight.
