NASA’s Revolutionary X-59 Jet Promises a Sonic Boom Breakthrough

NASA and Lockheed Martin have officially revealed the agency’s highly-anticipated X-59 experimental aircraft, a crucial step towards enabling faster commercial air travel and reshaping aviation regulations.

The pioneering X-59 jet aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight, generating sonic “thumps” instead of startling booms that prompted bans over land decades ago. Data gathered from upcoming test flights with the 99.7-foot-long aircraft could convince regulators to update rules and create new markets for U.S. aerospace companies.

“This major milestone was only possible through the incredible efforts of the NASA and Lockheed Martin teams,” said NASA’s Pam Melroy at the unveiling Friday. “In just a few years, we’ve gone from concept to completed aircraft that can transform air travel, bringing people closer together.”

Central to NASA’s QueSST mission, the uniquely-shaped X-59 incorporates advanced technologies to break sound barriers quietly. Its highly-elongated 30-foot nose, positioned ahead of the cockpit and absent windows, is designed to manipulate shockwaves. The engines mount on top to prevent turbulent merging behind the smooth underside.

Later this year, the X-59 will conduct ground tests before its highly anticipated first flight. Following initial trials at Lockheed’s Skunk Works, it will transfer to NASA’s Armstrong Center to serve as base for community overflights. The resulting acoustic data will be given to the FAA and global regulators to update rules on supersonic travel.

While not intended for passenger travel itself, the X-59 experimental jet could enable a new generation of faster commercial airliners. The X-59 can fly at 1.4 times the speed of sound, or 925 mph. NASA’s cutting-edge research, advanced by Lockheed’s engineering, brings quiet supersonic transportation closer to reality.

More Articles for You

For Malaysian Market Jaecoo Rebrands As Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia

In line with Chery’s export market strategy, Jaecoo Malaysia has officially rebranded as Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia, marking its first anniversary …

New Honda 0 Series Captures Top Gear’s ‘Best EV Design’ Gong

Better known for its sports cars, like the NSX, Civic Type R, and S2000, Honda has neglected electric vehicles. In …

Tesla Rival Zeekr 7X To Debut At Malaysia Autoshow

In the lead-up to the Zeekr 7X’s debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2025, pundits and fans got their first glimpse of …

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri Snatches Strong Win From Max In Miami F1 GP

With a strong victory at the Miami Grand Prix yesterday, Australia’s Oscar Piastri made it a hat-trick of wins as …

Cadillac F1 Team Unveils New Logo At Ritzy Miami Launch

During a star-studded event at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix on Saturday, the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team debuted their …

Lotus Emira Clark Edition Debuts As Tribute To Jim Clark

Scottish legend Jim Clark is considered as one of the greatest F1 drivers ever. Lotus has a rich history in …