NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities

An experimental plane commissioned by NASA will fly over main US cities at quicker than the pace of sound. The function of the X-59 plane is to collect proof that may decide if supersonic industrial aviation over land needs to be legalised.

Aircraft create a wake of shock waves as soon as they move the pace of sound. This “sonic boom” is so loud it may possibly startle people and animals and even shatter home windows and set off automobile alarms. When flying at an altitude of 15,000 metres, the now-retired Concorde would…