Lockheed Martin X-59 completes first flight with NASA

The experimental aircraft flew safely from Palmdale to Edwards in California as part of a NASA programme to reduce the impact of sonic booms and enable future overland supersonic travel.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in partnership with NASA, has completed the first flight of the X-59, a quiet supersonic aircraft designed to enable faster commercial travel.

The aircraft took off from 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 X-59 performed as expected, confirming its initial flight qualities and air data performance.

“We are thrilled to achieve the first flight of the X-59,” says OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “This 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.”

The X-59 is designed to demonstrate supersonic flight while reducing the sonic boom to ‘a gentle thump’, addressing a major barrier to commercial supersonic travel over land. NASA and Lockheed Martin will use flight data to help establish acceptable noise thresholds for future supersonic operations.

“X-59 is a symbol of American ingenuity,” says Sean Duffy, acting NASA Administrator. “This work sustains America’s place as the leader in aviation and has the potential to change the way the public flies.”

Skunk Works and NASA will continue the aircraft’s test campaign in the coming months, including its first supersonic flights.