WASHINGTON/BETHESDA, MARYLAND — Lockheed Martin and NASA have partnered to develop a quiet supersonic plane named the X-59.
According to information from the space agency's website, the proposed single-pilot craft has a wingspan of 29.5 feet, is 94 feet long and weighs 32,300 pounds at total fuel capacity. NASA says the X-59 will be powered by a General Electric F414 engine. This is the same engine used by F/A-18 E/F fighter jets.
The craft's hull is designed to abate the noise from shockwaves traditionally associated with mach speed travel. During that, shockwaves come together and create loud sonic booms. The space agency says the X-59 is designed to separate these shockwaves, resulting in a much less noise reaching the ground.
The aircraft's first test flight is scheduled for 2021, according to a Lockheed Martin news release.
