The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plans to test the X-59 QueSST experimental supersonic aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin in the near future.
The X-59 QueSST differs from conventional supersonic aircraft in that when it breaks the sound barrier, a dull pop is heard instead of a strong sonic boom.
In the United States, since the 70s, supersonic aircraft have been banned from flying over populated areas due to the thunder-like roar they emit when accelerating to supersonic speed. The space agency intends to achieve change in legislation through the implementation of the Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator program, which includes testing and approval of technology that provides quieter supersonic flights.
Ultimately, NASA plans to conduct X-59 supersonic flights that are regulated by the regulator over selected areas in the United States to collect public feedback and data on the noise produced and its impact on cities and nearby neighborhoods. Before then, however, NASA will conduct test flights over the Mojave Desert in California and monitor noise levels with a 30-mile (48,2 km) array of microphones.
These Hi-Fi level microphones are capable of measuring up to 50 sound samples per second. The array consists of various arrays of microphones with different configurations for a more detailed measurement of the noise level.
Source: 3dnews.ru