A quality inspector checks NASA’s X-59 aircraft during the construction phase. The X-59 was built in Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. Once the aircraft and ground testing are complete, the X-59 will undergo flight testing, which will demonstrate the plane’s ability to fly supersonic - faster than the speed of sound - while reducing the loud sonic boom. This could enable commercial supersonic air travel over land.
Photographer Garry Tice
Date March 15, 2023
EngineFit CheckNozzleOpenTeam MembersWorkingX-59 Quesst Quesst Mission Quiet Supersonic Technology Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Low-Boom Sonic thump X-plane Low-Boom X-59 assembly ground testing LBFD Low boom Lockheed Martin Skunk Works ARMD Supersonic Quality Assurance Inspection Aeronautics General Electric Quest wiring LaRC ARC AFRC GRC