00:00NASA is testing a highly unusual aircraft over the United States.
00:04The X-59 is designed to make supersonic flight quieter.
00:07Its long, pointed nose helps reshape the shockwave created when it breaks the sound barrier.
00:12That could help overcome one of the biggest problems facing commercial supersonic travel.
00:17Concord was restricted from flying supersonically over much of the United States because of its sonic boom.
00:24NASA's X-plane program dates back to 1947.
00:26That year, the Bell X-1 became the first aircraft to break the sound barrier.
00:32Two decades later, the X-15 reached Mach 6-7.
00:36The X-59 first flew in 2025.
00:38It is now flying over selected U.S. communities.
00:41NASA is also surveying residents about the sound it produces.
00:45The goal is to determine whether the quieter boom could be acceptable.
00:49But the X-59 also raises a question about the future of experimental aircraft.
00:54Drones are becoming increasingly capable and affordable.
00:57Even so, researchers say human pilots can provide lessons that remote systems may miss.
01:03NASA expects some future X-planes could eventually be uncrewed.
01:06The X-59 is testing whether quieter supersonic travel can become practical.
01:11Disclosure.
01:12This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
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