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New York to London in 90 Minutes? Yes, That Is Now Possible!

By Orgesta Tolaj

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21 June 2024

New York to London 90 minutes

© NASA

Are you tired of long-haul flights that seem to drag on forever?

Imagine being able to jet from New York City to London in just 90 minutes. Does it sound like science fiction? Well, thanks to NASA’s cutting-edge technology, this dream could soon become a reality! This is the development of a revolutionary NASA jet that promises to revolutionize air travel as we know it.

A Flight From New York to London 90 Minutes Is Now Possible

NASA’s new supersonic aircraft, set to succeed the Concorde, promises to drastically reduce travel time between New York City and London to just 90 minutes.

NASA has unveiled a “high-speed strategy” aimed at potentially reducing the duration of New York-London flights, as reported by CNN Travel.

New York to London 90 minutes
© NASA

The First Announcement

In August 2023, NASA explored the feasibility of supersonic passenger air travel in a blog post, examining aircraft capable of speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535-3,045 miles per hour at sea level). Currently, larger airliners typically cruise at around 600 mph, approximately 80% of the speed of sound.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft has advanced further, recently transitioning to the paint barn at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ Palmdale, California facility.

New York to London 90 minutes
© CNET / YouTube

What Is Known About the X-59 Flight That Can Help You Fly From New York to London in 90 Minutes?

The X-59 aims to reduce sonic booms through its design features. Moreover, its shape disperses shockwaves for a softer “sonic thump,” a single high-thrust engine redirects noise away from the ground, and swept-back wings minimize air resistance.

The X-59’s inaugural flight, initially planned for 2023, was postponed to 2024 due to technical hurdles. NASA has recently finished the aircraft’s tail structure and electrical systems. However, integrated testing and a flight readiness review are still required before it can take to the skies.

 X-59
© NASA

You can not physically board the X-59’s first flight, but you can digitally add your name to a storage device carried by the pilot. Currently, a commercial flight from LA to NYC takes about five hours, while a supersonic jet could halve that time to just 2.5 hours.

What Did the People Behind the Project Have to Say?

Cathy Bahm, the low-boom flight demonstrator project manager said:

“We are incredibly excited to reach this step in the mission. When the X-59 emerges from the paint barn with fresh paint and livery, I expect the moment to take my breath away because I’ll see our vision coming to life. The year ahead will be a big one for the X-59, and it will be thrilling for the outside of the aircraft to finally match the spectacular mission ahead.”

What do you think of this advancement? Would you ever board a flight from New York to London for only 90 minutes?

You might also want to read: NASA Moon Homes Are Coming Soon! Save the Date for 2040

Orgesta Tolaj

Your favorite introvert who is buzzing around the Hive like a busy bee!

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