Ferrari Press Agency
Supersonic 1
Ref 17259
29/10/2025
See Ferrari pictures
Picture MUST credit: Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
The first flight of a revolutionary, quiet supersonic aircraft designed to pave the way for faster commercial air travel has taken place.
The X-59 is being developed by aerospace company Lockheed Martin and its Skunk Works offshoot in tandem with US space agency NASA.
The successful mission is said to mark a major step toward the return of supersonic commercial air travel without sonic booms.
The aircraft lifted off from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California before landing near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
A spokesman said the X-59 performed exactly as planned, verifying initial flying qualities and air data performance on the way to a safe landing at its new home.
The X-59 is a one-of-a-kind supersonic aircraft designed to demonstrate the ability to fly at supersonic speeds while reducing the sonic boom to a gentle thump.
In doing so, the aircraft aims to overcome one of the primary barriers to supersonic commercial flight, which is currently restricted over land due to noise concerns.
It will pave the way for a new generation of supersonic aircraft that can efficiently and sustainably transport passengers and cargo twice as fast as current aircraft.
OPS: X-59 prototype first flight
Picture supplied by Ferrari,Image: 1048975486, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no
Profimedia
Ferrari Press Agency
Supersonic 1
Ref 17259
29/10/2025
See Ferrari pictures
Picture MUST credit: Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
The first flight of a revolutionary, quiet supersonic aircraft designed to pave the way for faster commercial air travel has taken place.
The X-59 is being developed by aerospace company Lockheed Martin and its Skunk Works offshoot in tandem with US space agency NASA.
The successful mission is said to mark a major step toward the return of supersonic commercial air travel without sonic booms.
The aircraft lifted off from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California before landing near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
A spokesman said the X-59 performed exactly as planned, verifying initial flying qualities and air data performance on the way to a safe landing at its new home.
The X-59 is a one-of-a-kind supersonic aircraft designed to demonstrate the ability to fly at supersonic speeds while reducing the sonic boom to a gentle thump.
In doing so, the aircraft aims to overcome one of the primary barriers to supersonic commercial flight, which is currently restricted over land due to noise concerns.
It will pave the way for a new generation of supersonic aircraft that can efficiently and sustainably transport passengers and cargo twice as fast as current aircraft.
OPS: X-59 prototype first flight
Picture supplied by Ferrari,Image: 1048975481, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no
