X-59 quiet supersonic jet revealed at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has rolled out the X-59, an experimental aircraft designed to quiet the sonic boom, at a ceremony in Palmdale, California.

The ceremony on Friday marked a significant milestone in Lockheed Martin's and NASA's decades-long journey to solve one of the most persistent challenges of supersonic flight – the sonic boom.

"We're thrilled to take on this challenge alongside NASA, whose quiet supersonic technology mission will have lasting, transformational impacts for people around the world," said John Clark, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "This project is just one example of the broader ingenuity of our industry as we continually strive to push the envelope of what's possible."

The X-59’s rollout celebrated technical advancements, collaboration and innovation that stemmed from years of research, development and production of a one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator aircraft that will reduce the loudness of sonic booms to a gentle thump.

"The entire X-59 team leaned into the expertise of both legendary organizations, NASA and Lockheed Martin, to ensure success for this program. I am extremely proud of everyone who made this historic moment possible," said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Lockheed Martin, NASA and government leaders attended the ceremony, including Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; John Clark, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works; Pam Melroy, NASA deputy administrator; Jim Free, NASA associate administrator; Bob Pearce, NASA associate administrator; Dee Dee Myers, California's senior economic advisor to the governor.

Next, the aircraft will complete ground tests including engine-run and taxi tests before its next major milestone, first flight, later this year. After the aircraft is validated in initial flight tests, it will move into the acoustic testing phase. This phase will include flights over populated areas to provide US and international regulators with statistically valid data required to help approve new rules that could allow quiet commercial supersonic flight over land. This would cut commercial flight times to half of what they are today, transforming travel for people around the world.

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