Flying from New York to London four times faster than is currently possible may seem like a far-fetched dream, but NASA is investigating whether the commercial market can support travel at this speed. NASA recently investigated the economic situation for supersonic passenger air travel in an aircraft that could theoretically fly between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535-3,045 miles at sea level). By comparison, today’s larger airplanes travel at around 600 mph, or about 80% of the speed of sound.

NASA research concluded that potential passenger markets exist on approximately 50 established routes connecting cities. Because the US and other countries have banned supersonic flights over land, the research findings have covered transoceanic voyages, including long North Atlantic and Pacific routes.

The Quest mission with NASA’s silent X-59 supersonic aircraft aims to provide regulators with data to help change the rules for supersonic flight over land.

Lori Ozoroski of the NASA Commercial Supersonic Technology Project said, “Over a decade ago, we conducted similar conceptual work at Mach 1.6-1.8, and the resulting roadmaps have been around since then, including those leading to NASA’s X-59. “It helped guide research efforts.” Manager. “These new studies will update these views on technology roadmaps and identify additional research needs for the wider high speed range.”

NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Program (AAVP) is now moving into the next phase of high-speed travel research, which includes awarding companies two 12-month contracts to develop concept designs and technology roadmaps. Roadmaps will explore the possibilities of air travel, outline the risks and challenges, and identify the technologies needed to make travel at Mach 2 and above a reality.

Boeing leads the first team along with partners Exosonic, GE Aerospace, Georgia Tech Aerospace Systems Design Lab, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies and others. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems leads the second team along with partners Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.

Each team will develop elements of the roadmap that will include the hull, power, propulsion, temperature management and composite materials that can withstand high supersonic speeds. They will also create unpatented designs for concept cars.

“It’s really important to have the design concepts and technology blueprints at hand when companies are finished,” said Mary Jo Long-Davis, NASA’s hypersonic project manager. “We are collectively aware of the need to consider safety, efficiency, economic and social considerations. It is important to innovate responsibly to give back to passengers and not harm the environment.”

Long-Davis and Ozoroski were commissioned by NASA’s Aeronautics and Space Administration and the AAVP to develop a high-speed strategy. These vehicle concept designs and technology roadmaps play a key role in developing this strategy. Once the industry engagement phase is complete, NASA and its industry and academic partners will decide whether to continue with their own investment in research. Source