X-59 Makes Returned To Base Early On Second Flight The X-59 Quiet Supersonic experimental program that is being undertaken by NASA and Lockheed Martin flew its second overall flight on March 20th, 2026. The flight ended prematurely due to a 'technical issue' but the team was able to collect information that will inform future tests. The aircraft departed at approximately 10:54 a.m. PDT from Edwards Air Force Base, near NASA Armstrong. Several minutes into the flight, pilot Jim “Clue” Less saw a vehicle system warning in the aircraft’s cockpit. Following flight procedures, the aircraft landed at 11:03 a.m. after a return-to-base was called.
“Despite the early landing, this is a good day for the team. We collected more data, and the pilot landed safely,” said Cathy Bahm, project manager for NASA’s Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Edwards, California. “We’re looking forward to getting back to flight as soon as possible.”
The X-59 is designed to fly supersonic – or faster than the speed of sound – while generating only a quiet thump instead of a loud sonic boom. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which is working to make commercial supersonic flight over land a reality.
The second flight only lasted approximately 9 minutes but it is better to be cautious rather than push things when there is an indication and have a crash. “As we like to say, it was just like the simulator – and that’s what we like to hear,” said pilot Jim "Clue" Less. “This is just the beginning of a long flight campaign.” In 2026 we will see the gradual envelope expansion of the X-59 which will push it to higher altitudes as well as higher speeds towards supersonic flight. For more information: Lockheed Martin Corporation 6801 Rockledge Dr Bethesda, MD www.lockheedmartin.com ***
