August 26, 2014 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had been planning on implementing the second phase of the Drop test for the Simplified Evaluation of non-Symmetrically Distributed sonic boom Project (D-SEND#2) at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden. However, as meteorological conditions were not ideal, JAXA was not able to carry out the test flight within the test window period.

Technology to decrease the sonic boom is said to be one of the most critical issues in realizing supersonic civil transport in the future. Through the D-SEND Project, JAXA aims to demonstrate the possibilities of the “low sonic boom design concept” through flight tests and also to obtain technologies and/or data that can be used to contribute to the deliberation of the international standardization of next generation supersonic transport, which is currently being studied globally.

In the D-SEND#2, a supersonic experimental airplane model, designed using JAXA’s original “low sonic boom model concept”, was to be flown at supersonic velocity by way of free falling from a balloon, during which generated sonic boom wave signatures were to be measured to confirm and validate the design concept.

In light of the situation, JAXA will review further test plans for the D-SEND#2. Updates will be released as soon as a further decision is made.