Supersonic Travel: NASA vs Boom Supersonic
Are you tired of long flights and jet lags? Supersonic travel may just be the answer to all your problems! NASA and Boom Supersonic are two major players in this industry. In this blog post, we'll compare the technologies developed by both companies to see which one comes out on top.
NASA's X-59 QueSST
NASA's X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Transport) is a sleek, narrow airplane designed for supersonic travel. It's expected to break the sound barrier without the sonic boom. The plane is powered by a single General Electric F414-GE-100 turbofan engine, which provides up to 18,000 pounds of thrust.
The X-59 QueSST is currently in development and is expected to make its first flight in 2022. NASA has partnered with Lockheed Martin to build the aircraft, and it's expected to cost around $247.5 million.
Boom Supersonic's Overture
Boom Supersonic's Overture is a supersonic airliner designed to carry up to 88 passengers at speeds of up to Mach 2.2 (about 1,700 mph) over 4,500 nautical miles. The Overture is powered by three General Electric J85-21 engines, which provide a combined 31,000 pounds of thrust.
The Overture is still in development, but it's expected to make its first flight in 2026. Boom Supersonic estimates that the aircraft will cost around $200 million.
Speed and Distance
Both NASA's X-59 QueSST and Boom Supersonic's Overture are designed to fly at supersonic speeds. The X-59 QueSST is expected to fly at a cruising speed of around Mach 1.4 (about 1,100 mph), while the Overture is designed to fly at Mach 2.2 (about 1,700 mph).
When it comes to distance, the Overture can travel up to 4,500 nautical miles, while NASA has not yet released any information on the range of the X-59 QueSST.
Which one is Better?
It's difficult to say which one is better as both aircraft are still in development. However, the Overture may have an advantage as it's designed to carry passengers, while the X-59 QueSST is designed for scientific research.
One thing to consider is the cost. The Overture is estimated to be cheaper than the X-59 QueSST, which could make it more accessible to airlines and passengers alike. However, the X-59 QueSST may be a better long-term investment for NASA as it's designed for research and has the potential to lead to further advancements in supersonic travel.
Conclusion
Supersonic travel is coming, and both NASA and Boom Supersonic are working hard to make it a reality. While both companies are still in the development phase, it's exciting to see how the future of travel is shaping up. Who knows, we may all be flying at supersonic speeds sooner than we think!