Airframer
Log in
Quintus Technologies Quintus Technologies

The Airframer Bulletin

Airframer · Lockheed Martin Skunk Works X-59 QueSST · Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
All news ✕ Clear ‹ Current edition

Every Bulletin story and press release covering Airframer · Lockheed Martin Skunk Works X-59 QueSST · Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, newest first.

15 items

2025
30 October The aircraft’s design aims to reduce the sonic boom to ‘a gentle thump’.

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.

2024
13 November The X-59 is a one-of-a-kind test aircraft designed to achieve quiet supersonic flight and transform future commercial air travel.

X-59's engine fires up for last major ground test

Following these successful engine runs, the X-59 will be evaluated for electromagnetic interference effects, simulated in-flight failure modes and validation of the emergency power system.

2022
11 February

ReleaseNASA's X-59 calls on Texas for key testing

6 January NASA’s X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft (QueSST) is pictured here at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in California, wrapped up in preparation for its move to Texas.

Quiet supersonic demonstrator starts ground testing in Texas

While in Texas, ground testing of the X-59 will ensure the aircraft can withstand the loads and stresses that typically occur during flight. The team will also calibrate and test the fuel systems.

2021
25 November A view of the X-59 being supported by ground supports in preparation for installation of the landing gear and other hardware required for structural testing.

Supersonic X-59 enters final assembly phase

Removed from its jig, the X-59 is ready for final assembly including the first power-on of the aircraft to test its internal systems. The first flight is planned for 2022.

29 September During the testing the X-59 will fly at supersonic speeds over communities as part of the low boom flight demonstration. NASA will then gather community feedback to the noise of the quiet supersonic flight.

X-59 prepares for quiet supersonic flight testing

The Lockheed Martin X-59's nose design should allow for quiet supersonic flight, turning the usual sonic boom into a quiet sonic thump. The aircraft will be tested over residential areas and noise feedback will be collected.

3 August

ReleaseX-59 resembles actual aircraft

13 May The X-59 is fitted with Quiet Supersonic Technologies (QueSST).

NASA's quiet supersonic research aircraft could fly in 2022

Innovative features on top of the X-59 wing should re-shape the shock wave pattern, substantially reducing the sonic boom to more of a sonic "thump" when it reaches the ground. Collins is onboard for the avionics.

2020
13 November

ReleaseX-59 assembly presses on

29 October The cockpit of the X-59 at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works factory in Palmdale.

X-59 assembly progresses despite pandemic challenges

Lockheed Martin is assembling the experimental aircraft for NASA in anticipation of its first flight some time in mid-2022, and is now turning its attention to the cockpit space.

15 June

ReleaseMore pieces of the X-59 are coming together

30 April

ReleaseWork on X-59 QueSST wing nears completion

17 January

ReleaseX-59 construction reaches halfway point

2019
16 December

ReleaseNASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic research aircraft cleared for final assembly

2018
19 November

ReleaseNASA's quiet supersonic technology project passes major milestone