Aircraft
NASA Supersonic Demonstrator Heads To Final Assembly
The NASA/Lockheed Martin X-59 supersonic research aircraft recently was removed from the jig and is undergoing testing for final assembly.
The NASA/Lockheed Martin X-59 research aircraft is being prepped for a move to Fort Worth, Texas after remaining under development in Palmdale, California since 2018. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The NASA/Lockheed Martin X-59 research aircraft is being prepped for a move to Fort Worth, Texas after remaining under development in Palmdale, California since 2018. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

The NASA and Lockheed Martin X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) research aircraft is moving toward final assembly and “stand[ing] on its own,” NASA reported. To be used to conduct noise trials involving quiet supersonic technology, the X-59 was recently removed from the jig and will be tested for its structural soundness and readiness for final assembly. 

According to NASA, the aircraft will have its first “power-on” to test internal systems and then head to Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, for structural testing. First flight is planned for 2022.

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