NASA is preparing the first test flight of a supersonic aircraft costing about $247 million, described by the outlet as the “Son of Concorde.” The aircraft is intended to fly faster than the speed of sound while aiming to lessen the impact of the sonic boom that typically follows supersonic flight. According to the report, instead of the loud boom associated with earlier supersonic operations, the test program is expected to produce a softer “thump.”

The outlet also states that the aircraft could cover the distance between London and New York in under four hours, highlighting the jet’s intended high-speed capability. The coverage frames the flight as a major step in testing technology related to supersonic travel and noise reduction.

The information presented focuses on preparation for the aircraft’s first supersonic test flight, its cost, and the claimed change in how the pressure wave would be perceived on the ground, alongside the potential route time for future use.