[Regnum] American defense industry corporation Lockheed Martin, in partnership with NASA, conducted the first test flight of the X-59 experimental supersonic aircraft. The company's press service reported this on October 28.
The tests took place in Palmdale, California, where Lockheed Martin is located. The flight proceeded as planned, and the aircraft confirmed its flight characteristics and aerodynamic performance.
The statement quoted O.J. Sanchez, vice president of the corporation's Skunk Works division. The company specializes in aircraft design and related research and development.
"We are thrilled to have achieved the X-59's maiden flight. 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," he said.
The X-59 is designed to fly at Mach 1.4 at an altitude of about 57,000 feet, more than twice as fast and about 60% faster than conventional airliners.
It is specified that during subsequent test flights, the X-59 will ascend higher and reach greater speeds. The ultimate goal is to exceed the speed of sound and reach approximately 1,225 km/h at sea level.
The developers noted that the X-59 is not a prototype, but an experimental aircraft, and its use will help collect data for the development of new generations of supersonic passenger airliners.
In 2024, the American space agency (NASA) unveiled the X-59, an experimental supersonic aircraft capable of breaking the sound barrier without creating a sonic boom. The unveiling took place at the Skunk Works facility in Palmdale.