NASA's X-59 Takes to the Skies on Quesst for Quiet Supersonic Flight

NASA's X-59 Takes to the Skies on Quesst for Quiet Supersonic Flight

"On Oct. 28, 2025, X-59 flew for the very first time. From takeoff at our Skunk Works' Palmdale facility to landing at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, everything performed exactly as planned. The X-59 moved with the kind of confidence that comes from years of innovation, teamwork and cutting-edge solutions." 

"This flight is not just a milestone—it is momentum. We are proving that the future of flight can be faster and quieter than ever before. And we are proud to be leading the charge." 

Learn about Lockheed's contributions to NASA's X-59: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/x-59-quiet-supersonic.html 

The X-59 aircraft builds on decades of supersonic flight research and is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission. The vast amount of data collected over the years has given designers the tools they needed to craft the shape of the X-59. The goal is to enable the aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds and reduce a loud sonic boom to a quieter “sonic thump.” Follow the X-59 team as they take on the exciting journey of building the X-59 and working toward quiet supersonic flight.

Data gathered during X-59 research flights will be shared with the U.S. and international regulators to inform the establishment of new, data-driven acceptable noise thresholds related to supersonic commercial flight over land.

The X-59’s engine, a modified F414-GE-100, packs 22,000 pounds of thrust. This will enable the X-59 to achieve the desired cruising speed of Mach 1.4 (925 miles per hour) at an altitude of approximately 55,000 feet. It sits in a nontraditional spot–atop the aircraft—to aid in making the X-59 quieter.

The X-59's goal is to help change existing national and international aviation rules that ban commercial supersonic flight over land.

Learn more about NASA's X-59:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission/quesst/
https://www.nasa.gov/flightlog

X-59 Free Maker Bundle (STEM Education):
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/x-59-maker-bundle-v8.pdf

Video Credit: Lockheed Martin
Duration: 1 minute, 21 seconds
Release Date: Oct. 29, 2025

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