QueSST is designed to fly at Mach 1.4, 55,000 feet above the ground. The aircraft is shaped to separate the shocks and expansions associated with supersonic flight to reduce the loud sonic booms associated with supersonic aircraft.

Concorde’s sound at cruising altitude was about 105 decibels, but the X-plane might generate 70 to 80 decibels of noise. Quick and quiet are the buzz words.

QueSST’s “heartbeat” will be dramatically quieter than the traditional “N-wave” sonic boom associated with the current supersonic aircraft in flight today. The Skunk Works team has been advancing this technology for the last 20 years as part of multiple efforts.

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