X-planes: Are they needed in the new era of drones?

The X-59, a unique jet developed by NASA, is currently flying over the United States, showcasing a design that resembles an anteater's nose. This unconventional aircraft aims to address the issue of sonic booms, which previously restricted supersonic flights over land. By utilizing its elongated snout, the X-59 seeks to transform the disruptive sonic boom into a more acceptable sound.

The X-59 is part of a long lineage of experimental aircraft dating back to 1947, when the Bell X-1 became the first plane to break the sound barrier. Peter Coen, a veteran of NASA with 43 years of experience, manages the program and explains the philosophy behind the X-planes:

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"Our approach is to pick small goals we aim to prove with flight data and we construct an airframe for that one task."

This philosophy emphasizes minimizing goals to keep costs manageable. For the X-59, the primary objective is to suppress sonic booms efficiently.

The X-1, piloted by the legendary Chuck Yeager, was designed to resemble a bullet to achieve supersonic speeds. In contrast, the X-15, which flew in the 1960s, reached speeds of 6.7 times the speed of sound and contributed to advancements in materials for the Space Shuttle.