Skunk Works® Rolls Out X-59, NASA's Newest X-Plane

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Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (LMT) has rolled out the X-59, an experimental aircraft designed to reduce the loudness of sonic booms to a gentle thump, marking a significant milestone in the journey to solve the challenges of supersonic flight. The project, a collaboration between Lockheed Martin and NASA, aims to provide statistically valid data to regulators for new rules that could allow quiet commercial supersonic flight over land, cutting commercial flight times in half.

PALMDALE, Calif., Jan. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works^® (NYSE: LMT) rolled out the X-59, a unique experimental aircraft designed to quiet the sonic boom, at a ceremony in Palmdale, California. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Lockheed Martin's and NASA's decades-long journey to solve one of the most persistent challenges of supersonic flight – the sonic boom.

"We're thrilled to take on this challenge alongside NASA, whose quiet supersonic technology mission will have lasting, transformational impacts for people around the world," said John Clark, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "This project is just one example of the broader ingenuity of our industry as we continually strive to push the envelope of what's possible."

Rollout ceremonies are a long-standing aviation tradition, and in the case of the X-59, it celebrated technical advancements, collaboration and innovation that stemmed from years of research, development and production of a one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator aircraft that will reduce the loudness of sonic booms to a gentle thump.

"The entire X-59 team leaned into the expertise of both legendary organizations, NASA and Lockheed Martin, to ensure success for this program. I am extremely proud of everyone who made this historic moment possible," said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Lockheed Martin, NASA and government leaders attended the ceremony to include:

• Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
• John Clark, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
• Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator
• Jim Free, NASA Associate Administrator
• Bob Pearce, NASA Associate Administrator
• Dee Dee Myers, California's Senior Economic Advisor to the Governor

An X-59 media kit containing photo and video from the ceremony and more is available here.

Next, the aircraft will complete ground tests including engine-run and taxi tests before its next major milestone, first flight, later this year. After the aircraft is validated in initial flight tests, it will move into the acoustic testing phase. This phase will include flights over populated areas to provide U.S. and international regulators with statistically valid data required to help approve new rules that could allow quiet commercial supersonic flight over land. This would cut commercial flight times to half of what they are today, transforming travel for people around the world.

For additional information, visit our website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/x-59-quiet-supersonic/x-59-rollout-event.html

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Please follow @LMNews on X for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

What is the purpose of the X-59 aircraft rolled out by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works?

The X-59 is an experimental aircraft designed to reduce the loudness of sonic booms to a gentle thump, aiming to solve the challenges of supersonic flight.

What is the significance of the X-59 rollout event?

The X-59 rollout event marked a significant milestone in the journey to solve the challenges of supersonic flight and aims to provide statistically valid data to regulators for new rules that could allow quiet commercial supersonic flight over land.

What are the next steps for the X-59 aircraft?

The aircraft will complete ground tests, including engine-run and taxi tests, before its first flight, followed by the acoustic testing phase to provide regulators with the required data.

How will the X-59 project impact commercial flight times?

If successful, the project could allow quiet commercial supersonic flight over land, cutting commercial flight times in half.

Who attended the X-59 rollout ceremony?

Government leaders, including executives from Lockheed Martin and NASA, attended the X-59 rollout ceremony in Palmdale, California.

Where can additional information about the X-59 be found?

Additional information about the X-59 can be found on the Lockheed Martin website.