NASA Ready To Move Forward With Final Assembly Of X-59 QueSST The X-59 QueSST (Quiet Super Sonic Technology) is ready to move on to the next phase of development, which is Final Assembly. The major product review of the pending aircraft was held in mid December 2019 and looks to be green-lighted to move into the physical final assembly of the X-59 QueSST. They will then meet again around the same time towards the end of this year to evaluate the first flight in 2021.
One of the major drawbacks of flying supersonic over land is the sonic boom created. This project is aimed at reducing that boom to as much as a quiet thump. The project also known as the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator. The target speed is MACH 1.4 at FL500. The X-59 is a research aircraft specifically being designed to learn if supersonic airplanes can operate without producing loud sonic booms. Since the 70s, commercial supersonic aircraft have been banned from operating over land in the U.S by the FAA. This current attempt -if it continues to be successful- would be the first to achieve in thirty years. For more information: Lockheed Martin Corporation 6801 Rockledge Dr Bethesda, MD www.lockheedmartin.com ***