NASA has embarked on exploring the possibility of a Mach 4 passenger jet, sparking the potential for drastically faster air travel than what is currently available.
Recent endeavors by NASA have delved into the viability of supersonic passenger air travel using aircraft capable of attaining speeds ranging between Mach 2 and Mach 4, equivalent to 1,535-3,045 mph at sea level.
As a point of comparison, contemporary larger airliners cruise at approximately 600 mph, about 80% of the speed of sound.
NASA Identifies 50 Routes For Mach 4 Passenger Jet
The research conducted by NASA has identified approximately 50 established routes connecting cities that could support passenger markets for such high-speed travel.
Notably, due to regulations prohibiting supersonic flight over land in the US and other nations, the studies primarily focused on transoceanic travel, particularly on prominent North and Pacific routes.
In the pursuit of evolving supersonic flight regulations, NASA's Quesst mission employs the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft to gather data that could influence changes to existing overland supersonic flight rules.
Lori Ozoroski, the project manager for NASA's Commercial Supersonic Technology Project, highlighted the significance of the current investigations.
She noted that similar studies were conducted over a decade ago at Mach 1.6-1.8 speeds, which subsequently played a role in shaping NASA's research efforts and developments in supersonic technology, including the creation of the X-59.
The new studies aim to refresh these technology roadmaps and pinpoint additional research requirements for a broader spectrum of high-speed capabilities.
The ongoing exploration into high-speed air travel research is now advancing within NASA's Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP). The research's next phase includes issuing two 12-month contracts to companies to develop concept designs and technology roadmaps.
The roadmaps will thoroughly assess potential air travel possibilities, confront challenges and risks, and pinpoint essential technologies required to translate the concept of Mach 2-plus travel into a feasible actuality.
Read Also: NASA Has Been Making Loud Jet Engines Silent for Years: Here's Everything You Need to Know
NASA's Industry Partners
Two prominent teams are leading this initiative. Boeing leads the first and collaborates with partners Exosonic, GE Aerospace, Georgia Tech Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, and others.
The second team is spearheaded by Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, with partners like Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.
The two teams are poised to create roadmap components encompassing airframe, power, propulsion, thermal management, and robust composite materials suitable for high-supersonic velocities. Moreover, they will craft non-proprietary designs for concept vehicles.
The trajectory of these efforts has been set by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and the AAVP, with the strategic input of figures like Mary Jo Long-Davis, the manager of NASA's Hypersonic Technology Project, and Lori Ozoroski.
Upon the conclusion of the industry engagement phase, NASA, in collaboration with its industry and academic partners, will make informed decisions regarding the continuation of research and potential investments to shape the future of high-speed air travel.
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