Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has unveiled the X-59, an experimental aircraft developed in collaboration with NASA to address the challenge of sonic booms associated with supersonic flight. The rollout ceremony took place in Palmdale, California, marking a significant milestone in Lockheed Martin’s and NASA’s joint effort to mitigate the impact of sonic booms. The X-59 is designed to produce quieter sonic thumps, reducing the disturbance caused by traditional supersonic aircraft.
The next steps for the X-59 include ground tests, engine-run, and taxi tests before progressing to its first flight, scheduled for later 2024. Following initial flight tests, the aircraft will undergo acoustic testing, including flights over populated areas. The data collected during these tests will be crucial for regulatory approval and could pave the way for new rules permitting quiet commercial supersonic flight over land.