NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft First Flight

NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft First Flight. Credit Lockheed Martin

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft has completed its first flight, marking a major step toward faster commercial air travel.

Built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® in partnership with NASA, the X-59 took off from the Skunk Works facility at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, and landed safely at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The flight went exactly as planned, confirming the aircraft’s handling and performance.

The X-59 is designed to fly faster than sound while turning the typical loud sonic boom into a quiet “thump.” This breakthrough could remove one of the biggest obstacles to supersonic commercial flights over land, which are currently restricted because of noise.

Data from the X-59’s tests will help define acceptable noise levels for future supersonic travel, opening the door to a new era of passenger and cargo aircraft that can fly twice as fast as today’s planes.

OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, said:

“We are thrilled to achieve the first flight of the X-59This aircraft is a testament to the innovation and expertise of our joint team, and we are proud to be at the forefront of quiet supersonic technology development.”

source Lockheed Martin