X-59 quiet supersonic jet takes shape at Skunk Works facility

The X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) is taking shape at Lockheed Martin’s secretive Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California.

The X-plane team has recently positioned the aircraft’s nose at the front of the aircraft.

As one of the more recognisable features of the X-59, the nose makes up almost a third of the aircraft length and will be essential in shaping shock waves during supersonic flight, resulting in quiet sonic thumps instead of loud sonic booms.

The nose was attached and then removed from the front of the aircraft in preparation for its shipment to Fort Worth, Texas where it will undergo additional testing.

The X-59 will fly at supersonic speeds above communities as part of the Low-Boom Flight Demonstration mission, during which NASA will gather community feedback to the sound of quiet supersonic flight.

The findings will be shared with regulators to inform decisions on current restrictions of supersonic flight over land.

www.nasa.gov