April 29, 2024

NASA’s X-59: A Supersonic Aircraft’s Patriotic Paint Transformation

The airplane made the relocate to the paint barn on November 14, 2023. The team will take last measurements of its weight and precise shape to improve computer system modeling once it is painted.
Artists illustration of the X-59 in flight in white clouds and blue skies. Credit: RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom
” We are extremely delighted to reach this step in the objective. When the X-59 emerges from the paint barn with fresh paint and livery, I anticipate the moment to take my breath away because Ill see our vision coming to life,” said Cathy Bahm, the low boom flight demonstrator project manager. “The year ahead will be a huge one for the X-59, and it will be delighting for the beyond the aircraft to lastly match the spectacular mission ahead.”
The X-59 is a speculative airplane created to fly faster than the speed of sound while lowering the sound of the normal sonic boom to a sonic thump. The aircraft is the centerpiece of NASAs Quesst mission. Through Quesst, NASA will fly the X-59 over several to-be-selected U.S. neighborhoods and collect information about peoples understandings about the noise it makes. NASA will provide that data to regulators which could potentially adjust existing guidelines that restrict industrial supersonic flight over land.

NASAs X-59, set to undergo painting, is an experimental aircraft designed to decrease sonic booms. It is a crucial part of the Quesst mission, which aims to change perceptions of supersonic travel and impact guidelines on commercial supersonic flight over land. Credit: Lockheed Martin
The X-59, part of NASAs Quesst mission, is undergoing painting at Lockheed Martin. This aircraft intends to make supersonic flight quieter and more appropriate for overland travel.
NASAs X-59 quiet supersonic airplane continues to make development, most recently transferring to the paint barn at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California.
The X-59s paint plan will consist of a mainly white body, a NASA “sonic blue” underside, and red accents on the wings. The paint doesnt simply add cosmetic value. It likewise serves a purpose– the paint helps to protect the airplane from wetness and deterioration and consists of key safety markings to assist with ground and flight operations.

NASAs X-59, set to undergo painting, is a speculative aircraft designed to decrease sonic booms. “The year ahead will be a big one for the X-59, and it will be thrilling for the outside of the airplane to lastly match the spectacular mission ahead.”
The X-59 is an experimental aircraft created to fly faster than the speed of sound while decreasing the sound of the normal sonic boom to a sonic thump.