NASA, JAXA to conduct sonic boom research

WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency said it plans to join the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in conducting research on sonic boom modeling.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said sonic boom modeling is needed to enable next generation of supersonic aircraft to fly quietly enough over land so they don't significantly disturb the public.

Such a vehicle, said NASA, could connect Los Angeles and Tokyo in about two hours, flying at twice the speed of sound -- about 1,540 miles an hour.

The two space agencies said they will also explore the possibility of further collaboration in aeronautics research and development, including the field of supersonic transport technology and possibly including JAXA's Silent Supersonic Technology Demonstration Project.