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This concept, often called "shaping to suppress sonic booms," involves designing the aircraft with a long, slender fuselage and specific nose and tail contours. The aim is to produce gradual pressure changes rather than abrupt ones that generate loud shock waves. Essentially, the aircraft "sneaks" through the sound barrier without causing the traditional explosive noise.
The result of this design approach isn't just theoretical. It’s exemplified by the X-59, a sleek, streamlined aircraft built specifically to test quiet supersonic flight. If successful, the design could pave the way for commercial jets that fly faster than sound but without disturbing neighborhoods and urban areas.