Lockheed Martin Unveils Prototype Supersonic Plane

U.S. arms maker Lockheed Martin has released a photo of the first prototype of its supersonic X-plane, the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology, during ​the beginning of the final assembly process.

The company says the aircraft is developing by the legendary Lockheed Martin Skunk Works advanced projects bureau in partnership with NASA.

X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) will be used to collect community response data on the acceptability of a quiet sonic boom generated by the unique design of the aircraft. The data will help NASA provide regulators with the information needed to establish an acceptable commercial supersonic noise standard to lift the ban on commercial supersonic travel over land.