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Thu, 24 Sep 2026

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 X-planes: Are they needed in the new era of drones?

Where do America's X-plane projects fit in an era of cheap drones?
Nasa's X-59 aircraft, with its distinctive long nose, is designed to reduce sonic booms by dispersing sound waves over a wider area. The plane has a unique design, with parts taken from other planes and a cockpit located far back from the pilot. This allows for a camera to feed images to a screen in front of the pilot, who relies on computer processing to navigate. The X-59 is part of Nasa's long history of experimental aircraft, dating back to 1947 when Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1. The X-plane philosophy emphasizes simplicity and focusing on specific goals, with the goal of reducing sonic booms being a key objective for the X-59. The plane is built using parts from other planes and has a unique design that allows it to disperse sound waves over a wider area. Nasa's experimental aircraft have been used to test various technologies, including those that may be used in future fighter jets. The UK also has its own experimental technology demonstrator, which will borrow engines from the existing Typhoon fighter jet and fly in 2028. This project pulls together 100 UK suppliers, including Rolls-Royce, to test out ideas that might make it into the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The human element is still seen as crucial in testing aircraft, with pilots providing valuable feedback on design and performance. The X-59 and other experimental aircraft are designed to push the boundaries of what is possible in aviation technology. By reducing sonic booms and improving efficiency, these planes can help pave the way for more advanced fighter jets in the future.