Lockheed Skunk Works’ X‑59 QueSST made its maiden flight from the U.S. Air Force’s Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. The Skunk Works‑built demonstrator will begin airborne low‑boom acoustic measurements intended to supply regulators with data needed to enable overland commercial supersonic operations.
Discovered |
Briefing
The first flight shifts the X‑59 into airborne low‑boom testing, beginning collection of the acoustic data regulators need to evaluate overland Mach‑1+ operations. (see NASA's X-59 programme nearing first flight: https://hype.aero/?story=f2d1c6d8-f603-44db-91b2-c2511167a628)
It follows extensive ground work and high‑speed taxi testing at Palmdale, advancing the programme beyond prior delays and schedule risk. (see high‑speed taxi testing progress: https://hype.aero/?story=f24d11bf-05e8-4c8d-a7f3-4d489013141b)
The milestone validates Skunk Works’ build and systems integration at Plant 42 as the demonstrator moves from ramp tests to flight envelope expansion. (see positioning on the ramp at Palmdale for ground tests: https://hype.aero/?story=6ef99cee-3182-4156-820d-a5ad1498e753)
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(ES) First flight of the X-59 ushers in a new era for supersonic flight • actualidadaeroespacial.com
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(ES) NASA and Lockheed Martin X-59 Completes Its First Historic Flight • aviaciondigital.com
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X-59 completes maiden flight in California, advancing quiet supersonic research • defence-industry.eu
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NASA’s X-59 QueSST Completes Maiden Flight from Palmdale • The Aviationist
The War Zone
• Thomas Newdick