Every Bulletin story and press release covering Lockheed Martin Skunk Works X-59 QueSST, newest first.
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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.
Swift Engineering used Collier Aerospace’s HyperX software to achieve over 25% weight reduction on the X-59’s nose cone, meeting critical design requirements.
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.
The X-59 is scheduled to take flight this year. Once fully operational and tested, NASA plans to fly the aircraft over select U.S. cities in 2026 and gather feedback from the public on the sound it produces.
Years of research, development and production of this one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator aircraft should reduce the loudness of sonic booms to a gentle thump.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It may be based on the design of the Gripen's engine, but the F414-GE-39E is a whole brand-new engine birthed from raw metal. It will have longer duration missions at high altitude with high power.
