NASA pilot Nils Larson evaluates software in the X-59 simulator that could predict where sonic booms would be felt on the ground and the intensity. - Credit: NASA Photo / Lauren Hughes, March 7, 2018
On August 26, 2020, NASA selected Crystal Instruments to provide data acquisition equipment for the measurement of low frequency sonic boom events generated by one of their newest and most advanced aircraft, the X-59. The X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft is a research plane designed to study the effects of sonic boom events for companies developing supersonic aircraft for commercial travel.
NASA will purchase up to 175 data acquisition analyzers with integrated microphones to measure sonic boom events generated by the X-59 aircraft. The X-59 will fly over various terrains and cities while Crystal Instruments analyzers are strategically located on the ground below. The goal of this project is to study methods to reduce the ground shaking acoustic ‘boom’ that results when aircraft travels at supersonic speeds.
Crystal Instruments CEO James Zhuge commented, “This is one of the most challenging projects that I have personally ever seen in our industry. The requirements in measurement accuracy, dynamic range, time synchronization, power management, portability, reliability and its resilience in the harsh environment are all extremely demanding.”
The acquisition system Crystal Instruments will deploy will require a handful of advanced technologies not typically seen in a small ruggedized data collector. The acquisition system is required to synchronize data from one system or unit to another. Up to 125 systems may be deployed together and spread out at distances up to a few miles.
The systems are also required to provide synchronized communication with the X-59 aircraft flying overhead in addition to withstanding harsh environmental factors from changing seasons and landscapes.
This project will run for approximately the next three years and during that time Crystal Instruments will assist NASA in the collection of data to help ring in at Mach speed the newest designs of supersonic jet aircraft for the public to enjoy for many futuristic years to come.
Related Links: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-s-x-59-quiet-supersonic-research-aircraft-cleared-for-final-assembly