NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Jet Breaks Sound Barrier at Mach 1.1

Executive Briefing

• Achieved first supersonic flight on June 5 at Edwards Air Force Base, reaching Mach 1.1 (713 mph)
• Plans next mission-conditions flight at Mach 1.4 and 55,000 feet to measure public noise perception
• Designed to replace thunderous sonic booms with a softer 'sonic thump,' enabling overland commercial supersonic travel
• Built by Lockheed Martin under a $247.5 million NASA contract after nearly a decade of development
• Upcoming community flyovers will gather data to support new FAA noise standards for commercial supersonic flight