California's New Quiet Jet Takes to the Skies

A new jet is making waves in California. The X-59, a unique aircraft, flew for the first time on a Tuesday morning. It took off from a runway in Palmdale, north of Los Angeles. This jet is special because it is designed to break the sound barrier without the usual loud noise. The X-59 is not your average plane. It is about 100 feet long and has a sleek design. It flew at subsonic speeds during its first test flight. A NASA chase plane followed it to Edwards Air Force Base, where it landed safely. Around 200 people watched the takeoff from a distance. The plane's design aims to reduce the loud sonic boom to a soft "sonic thump. " This could make supersonic flights more practical for commercial use. The X-59 is built to reach speeds of 925 mph at high altitudes. This is much faster than typical airliners. The X-59's first flight was a success. It flew at lower altitudes to test its systems. Future flights will push it to higher speeds and altitudes. The goal is to verify the plane's safety and performance. The X-59 has already gained recognition. It was named the "Coolest Thing Made in California" for 2025. This honor highlights the innovation behind this experimental aircraft. The success of the X-59 could pave the way for quieter, faster commercial flights in the future.