JAXA Successfully Tests Its D-SEND Low-Noise Supersonic Aircraft

AmiMoJo writes: JAXA, the Japanese space agency, has successfully tested its low sonic boom demonstration aircraft D-SEND#2. The unmanned aircraft is floated up to 30,000m by balloon and released, falling back to earth and breaking the sound barrier in the process. The sonic boom created is measured on the ground. The project aims to halve the noise created by sonic booms, paving the way for future supersonic aircraft.

Comments

Re:Hmmmmmmm

[AmiMoJo]

Actually this is exactly the kind of research governments should be doing. Stuff that is commercially risky but could have massive pay-offs. If Japan can build a reasonably quiet and efficient supersonic passenger jet they could really boost their aircraft industry. Currently they focus on smaller regional jets, but this could be a big new opportunity.

It's similar to how they developed their high speed trains. The government did the basic research and development, and then it grew into a huge business where Japan lead the world for over 50 years.