It’s a couple of years later than planned, but Lockheed Martin and NASA have finally rolled out the X-59 quiet supersonic experimental airplane on Friday. The aircraft with its unusually long nose should demonstrate if supersonic flight is possible without the notorious shockwaves that come from crossing the barrier of sound.
During a rare roll-out event with so many visitors at Lockheed Martin’s famous Skunk Works in Palmdale (California), Vice President and General Manager of the premises, John Clarke, stressed the importance of the X-59. “The X-59 has the potential to shape supersonic travel over land, cutting flight times in half of what they are today. But the X-59 is not just about cutting-edge advancements. It represents the best of our collective team and our unwavering commitment to make a positive difference in the world.”
Active as a journalist since 1987, with a background in newspapers, magazines, and a regional news station, Richard has been covering commercial aviation on a freelance basis since late 2016.
Richard is contributing to AirInsight since December 2018. He also writes for Airliner World, Aviation News, Piloot & Vliegtuig, and Luchtvaartnieuws Magazine. Twitter: @rschuur_aero.
