NASA and Lockheed Martin have debuted the agency’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft this Friday. Using the one-of -a kind experimental airplane, NASA aims to gather data that could revolutionize air travel, setting the stage for a new generation of commercial aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound.
In a recent post on X, NASA said “Together with LockheedMartin, we have unveiled our new X059 supersonic plane. The X-59 will fly this year on the Quest mission to test quieter sonic booms”
NASA Deputy administrator Pam Melroy asserted, “This is a major accomplishment made possible only through the hard work and ingenuity from NASA and the entire X-59 team”. “In just a few short years we have gone from an ambitious concept to reality, NASA’s X-59 will help change the way we travel, bringing us closer together in much less time”, he further added.
The X-59 plays a central role in NASA's Quesst mission, which aims to gather data for reconsidering regulations that currently prohibit supersonic flight over land. Such restrictions have been in place for 50 years due to the disruptive sonic booms generated by high-speed aircraft.
The X-59 is designed to fly at 1.4 times the speed of sound, or 925 mph, utilizing specific shaping and technologies to produce a quieter sonic thump.
Bob Pearce, the associate administrator for aeronautics research at NASA Headquarters, expressed enthusiasm for Quesst's ambitious goals and potential benefits.
The mission aims to provide data and technology to regulators and the industry, demonstrating the feasibility of quiet supersonic travel over land.
The ultimate objective is to open new commercial markets for U.S. companies and enhance the travel experience globally.
Having completed the rollout phase, the Quesst team will now focus on integrated systems testing, engine runs, and taxi testing to prepare for the X-59's inaugural flight.
“Across both teams, talented, dedicated and passionate scientists, engineers and production artisans have collaborated to develop and produce this aircraft, we are honoured to be a part of this journey to shape the future of supersonic travel over land alongside NASA and our suppliers”, said John Clark, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
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