NASA’s X-59 Supersonic Jet Gets Patriotic New Paint Job Ahead of First Flight
NASA’s experimental supersonic jet, the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (Quesst) jet, is set to make a statement with its new red, white, and blue color scheme as it prepares for its first flight. The jet, which is designed to break the sound barrier over Earth while creating minimum noise, recently underwent a makeover at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ facility in Palmdale, California.
The X-59’s green exterior was changed to a white body with a sonic blue underside and red wing accents. According to NASA, the new patriotic paint job is not just for aesthetic purposes but also serves to protect the jet from moisture and corrosion. Additionally, the design features key safety markings that will assist with ground and flight operations.
Cathy Bahm, the project manager for the Low Boom flight demonstrator, expressed her excitement about reaching this milestone, stating, “The year ahead will be a big one for the X-59, and it will be thrilling for the outside of the aircraft to finally match the spectacular mission ahead.”
The X-59 aims to break the sound barrier with a sonic “thump” instead of a loud sonic boom, and it is being built by Lockheed Martin through its advanced aircraft manufacturing facility in California. Once completed, the jet will fly over select U.S. communities to gather data on the noise created by supersonic flight. If successful, the program has the potential to reshape rules that currently prohibit the flight of supersonic jets over land.
With its new paint job and cutting-edge technology, the X-59 is set to revolutionize the future of supersonic flight and pave the way for quieter, more sustainable air travel.