New Experimental Lockheed Supersonic Jet Starts Production

Lockheed Martin's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft is officially in 'the manufacturing phase,' bringing the company 'one step closer to enabling supersonic travel for passengers around the world.' The experimental jet was awarded a contract from NASA earlier this year as it is capable of flying at supersonic speeds without creating loud supersonic booms. Currently, commercial supersonic aircraft are banned from flying over land because of the noise and potential damage the booms may cause. WTOP reports: 'The long, slender design of the aircraft is the key to achieving a low sonic boom,' said Peter Iosifidis, Low Boom Flight Demonstrator program manager at Lockheed Martin. 'As we enter into the manufacturing phase, the aircraft structure begins to take shape, bringing us one step closer to enabling supersonic travel for passengers around the world,' he said.

Lockheed expects to conduct its first flight in 2021 and gather community response data on the acceptability of the 'quiet sonic boom' the plane creates. NASA will use that information to establish an acceptable commercial supersonic noise standard to overturn current regulations banning supersonic travel over land. The X-59 will cruise at a speed of about 940 mph and an altitude of 55,000 feet. Lockheed says it will create a sound about as loud as a car door closing, instead of a deafening sonic boom.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.