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Lockheed Martin X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft

Lockheed Martin X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft

Brand: Lockheed Martin
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed Mach 1.4 (1,490 km/h)
Range ~1,000 miles (1,600 km)
Payload Capacity N/A (Experimental aircraft)
Crew 1

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	X-59 Quiet Supersonic Demonstrator
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	2024 (Testing phase)
Status	Experimental
Category	Research / Demonstrator
Crew	1
Unit Cost	~$247 million (program cost)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	99.7 ft (30.4 m)
Wingspan	29.5 ft (9 m)
Height	14 ft (4.2 m)
Wing Area	512 sq ft (approx.)
Empty Weight	~14,300 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~15,800 kg

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.4
Range	~1,000 miles (1,600 km)
Combat Radius	N/A
Service Ceiling	55,000 ft
Rate of Climb	Classified / N/A

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	1 × GE F414-GE-100 turbofan
Thrust (per engine)	22,000 lbf
Total Thrust	22,000 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	N/A
Weapons Bay	None
Compatible Weapons	None
Hardpoints	None

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	Research avionics suite
Navigation	GPS / Inertial
Electronic Warfare (EW)	None
Stealth Features	Acoustic shaping, low-boom design

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	NASA
Conflict Usage	None
Notable Missions	Quesst community noise tests

8. Additional Information

Variants	None
Successor / Future Replacement	Commercial supersonic projects
Notable Features	xternal Vision System, low-boom design
Estimated Operational Life	10–15 years (testing phase)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Stealth Capability 8 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Electronic Warfare 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10

PROS

Revolutionary noise-reduction technology
Potential to lift supersonic flight restrictions
Advanced aerodynamic shaping
Uses proven F414 engine technology
Supports future commercial aviation standards

CONS

Extremely high R&D cost
Limited to research and testing roles
Requires extensive community testing data
Dependent on regulatory outcomes

NASA X-59 Quiet Supersonic Demonstrator

The NASA X-59 Quiet Supersonic Demonstrator represents a major step forward in next-generation aviation technology. Developed under NASA’s Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator (LBFD) program and built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, the X-59 is designed to fly faster than sound—without the disruptive sonic booms that have long restricted supersonic travel over land.

Unveiled as part of NASA’s Quesst Mission, the X-59’s primary objective is to gather data on how communities respond to its uniquely quiet sonic signature, a sound closer to a gentle thump than a boom. This data will help regulators like the FAA and ICAO reconsider bans on supersonic flights over populated areas—paving the way for commercial supersonic travel.

Powered by a General Electric F414-GE-100 turbofan engine, the X-59 can cruise at approximately Mach 1.4 (1,490 km/h) at 55,000 feet. Its sleek 99.7-foot frame and narrow fuselage are optimized for acoustic shaping, ensuring pressure waves do not coalesce into loud booms. Instead, the sound is diffused, significantly lowering ground-level noise impact.

Unlike combat aircraft, the X-59 carries no weapons or payload; its mission is purely experimental. It uses advanced avionics and an external vision system that replaces a traditional cockpit window, giving pilots high-resolution forward visibility through cameras and displays.

NASA X-59 Quiet Supersonic Demonstrator Price in US

While the X-59 is not a commercial product, the total program cost is estimated at $247 million, including design, construction, and testing. If successful, it could spark a new era of quiet supersonic airliners and influence future U.S. aerospace design and commercial regulations.

Reviews

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Stealth Capability:

8
Payload Capacity:

8
Range & Endurance:

8
Electronic Warfare:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

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Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

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