Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and NASA have announced the successful first flight of the X-59, a supersonic aircraft designed to reduce the sonic boom associated with high-speed travel. The test took place at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, with the plane landing near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
The flight met all planned objectives, confirming initial flying qualities and air data performance. OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, stated: "We are thrilled to achieve the first flight of the X-59. 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 project aims to address noise concerns that have limited commercial supersonic flights over land by demonstrating an aircraft capable of flying at such speeds while minimizing noise disturbance. If successful, this effort could help establish new standards for acceptable noise levels from supersonic commercial aircraft and enable faster passenger and cargo transport.
Sean Duffy, acting NASA Administrator, commented: "X-59 is a symbol of American ingenuity. The American spirit knows no bounds. It's part of our DNA – the desire to go farther, faster, and even quieter than anyone has ever gone before. This work sustains America's place as the leader in aviation and has the potential to change the way the public flies."
Skunk Works will continue leading further testing phases alongside NASA over coming months. These will include achieving optimal speed and altitude for reduced-noise supersonic flights as well as community acceptance tests based on sound measurements.
Lockheed Martin describes this milestone as evidence of its ongoing commitment to aerospace innovation.
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