NASA and Lockheed Martin have successfully tested a supersonic jet designed to minimize noise. The X-59 jet took its first flight over the southern California desert, marking a potential step toward faster commercial travel. On Tuesday, the jet flew slower than the speed of sound but is capable of traveling faster without the loud "sonic boom" that has hindered widespread use. The test is seen as a significant move toward commercial supersonic flights, which could cut flight times in half. The project aims to overcome noise issues and lead to regulatory changes for supersonic travel in the U.S.
Boeing will build the Air Force's future fighter jet. President Donald Trump announced the choice Friday. The Pentagon says the new jet fleet will have stealth and penetration capabilities that far exceed its current fleet and is essential in a potential conflict with China. Known as Next Generation Air Dominance, or NGAD, the manned jet will serve as a quarterback to a fleet of future drone aircraft that would be able to penetrate China's air defenses. But critics have questioned the cost and necessity of the program. The Pentagon is still struggling to fully produce its most advanced jet and its future stealth bomber will have many of the same advanced technologies.
