NASA and Lockheed Martin Unveil X-59 Supersonic Jet

Simple Flying

The aircraft will test new technologies to reduce the sonic boom to a dull thud and gather data to support eventual supersonic flights over land.

Photo: Jonathan E. Hendry | Simple Flying

Lockheed Martin and NASA have unveiled the X-59 supersonic jet, which will gather data to support reconsidering laws against supersonic flight over land.
The X-59 features a unique cockpit design with an "eXternal Vision System" built into the heads-up display and requires pilots to wear partial pressure suits.
The next steps for the X-59 include engine testing, integrated systems testing, and its first flight later this year, followed by further testing stages to validate sound levels and measure noise on the ground.