NASA's X-59 supersonic jet takes taxiing test, poised to cut NYC-London flight time in half.

NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, dubbed the "son of Concorde," has completed its final series of trials and is set to make its maiden voyage later this year. The plane is designed to break the sound barrier quietly and could potentially cut transatlantic flight time in half, flying from New York to London in just three and a half hours. Taxi tests have been underway on a California runway, and the jet is expected to reach speeds of up to 925 miles per hour.

NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, affectionately dubbed the "son of Concorde," has successfully completed its final series of ground tests, paving the way for its maiden voyage later this year. The experimental aircraft, developed by NASA and Lockheed Martin, taxied on a California runway at low speed using its own power for the first time on July 10, 2025 [1].

The X-59 jet, measuring 100 feet long and 30 feet wide, is designed to revolutionize air travel by quietly breaking the sound barrier. Its innovative design and shape are expected to produce a quiet "thump" sound instead of the thunderous roar associated with traditional supersonic flights [1]. The aircraft is part of NASA's Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) mission, which aims to reduce the loud sonic boom to a quieter threshold, making supersonic commercial flights over land more acceptable [2].

During the recent taxi tests, the X-59 was monitored for stability and control across various conditions, validating critical systems like steering and braking. The aircraft is expected to reach speeds of up to 925 miles per hour, significantly reducing transatlantic flight times [1]. NASA estimates that the X-59 could potentially fly from New York to London in just three and a half hours, compared to the current average of seven hours [1].

The X-59's success in completing its final trials marks a significant milestone in the history of supersonic aviation. The aircraft is expected to succeed the British Airways Concorde, which was retired from commercial service in 2003 due to high maintenance costs and a fatal crash [1]. The X-59's ability to produce a quieter sonic boom could help overcome regulatory hurdles and pave the way for the commercialization of supersonic travel.

References:
[1] https://nypost.com/2025/07/18/business/nasas-supersonic-x-59-jet-that-could-slash-nyc-london-flight-time-in-half-taxis-closer-to-take-off/
[2] https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasas-x-59-quiet-supersonic-aircraft-begins-taxi-tests/