X-59 Low-Boom Supersonic Flight Tests Scheduled

Envelope expansion marks the first of three main flight test phases planned for the X-59. The second phase, starting in 2023, will consist of acoustic validation flights with measurements of the pressure taken in-flight at mid-field distances and on the ground. The target is to lower the classic “double thump” of a sonic boom to 75 perceived decibels or less in supersonic cruise at Mach 1.4. The X-59 experimental testbed uses components from other Lockheed...