NASA X-59 jet reaches supersonic speed

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NASA's experimental X-59 research jet, built by Lockheed Martin, exceeded Mach 1 during a June 5 test flight, reaching about 713 mph at 43,400 feet, and later flew faster at 924 mph and 55,000 feet on June 12. The aircraft is designed to disperse shock waves so it produces a quieter 'thump' rather than a loud sonic boom. Phase 1 tests have expanded the flight envelope and phase 2, due later in 2026, will verify acoustic performance and include planned city overflights to gather public response data that could inform future regulatory changes.

X-59 reached supersonic speeds and will test quiet overland flights