{
  "id": 9644670,
  "title": "X-planes: Are they needed in the new era of drones?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/x-planes-are-they-needed-in-the-new-era-of-drones",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-24T23:03:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Science",
    "slug": "bbc-science",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9q92x359xdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The X-59 X-plane, a peculiar-looking aircraft with an anteater-like nose and a cockpit far back, is designed to tackle the issue of sonic booms. This supersonic aircraft, part of NASA's long-standing X-plane series dating back to 1947, aims to break the sound barrier at a cost-effective price. Its elongated snout is used to flatten sonic booms into tolerable bumps, making supersonic flights over land feasible.\n\nPeter Coen, a 43-year NASA veteran managing the programme, explains that the X-plane philosophy is to minimize goals, as more objectives lead to higher costs. For the X-59, the goal is simply to suppress sonic booms on a budget. Similar to the X-1, which was shaped like a bullet in 1947, the X-59's design is streamlined and efficient.\n\nNASA's X-59 is being tested in conjunction with community surveys to determine the acceptable level of sonic booms for people. The aircraft, which sounds like a car door closing across the street when flying past Mach 1, is currently breaking the sound barrier over chosen US towns. However, the question arises: can X-planes still have a place in a world dominated by relatively cheap drones?\n\nDrones are not always a cheaper option when it comes to X-plane projects. Removing the pilot would add costs and complications, such as certifying a robot jet to fly fast over urban areas. Moreover, the X-59 was designed to resemble an airliner, allowing space for a cockpit, which is crucial for conducting the necessary research.\n\nDespite the rise of drones, NASA recognizes the importance of human presence in certain test flights. Guy Gratton, a professor of Aircraft Test and Evaluation at Cranfield University, emphasizes that there are certain aspects that cannot be replicated by drones, such as carrying people. He highlights the importance of having a human in the loop, as pilots can identify lessons that drones might miss.\n\nThe UK has its own technology testbeds, with the Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) flying from Lancashire in 1986. This program aimed to test core systems for the Typhoon fighter, showcasing the importance of testing and certifying designs before implementation. The UK's current technology demonstrator, a collaboration of 100 suppliers, is preparing to test ideas that may shape the future of Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a fighter due to fly in the 2030s. This project underscores the UK's commitment to this space, reflecting the enduring significance of the human element in aerospace testing.",
  "summary": "Where do America's X-plane projects fit in an era of cheap drones?",
  "key_points": [
    "X-59 X-plane designed to reduce sonic booms for supersonic flights.",
    "NASA testing X-59 with community surveys to set acceptable boom levels.",
    "Drones may not replace X-planes due to cost and human presence needs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Technology",
        "title": "X-planes: Are they needed in the new era of drones?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/x-planes-are-they-needed-in-the-new-era-of-drones-9646167",
        "published": "2026-09-24T23:03:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}