NASA’s newest X-plane, the X-59, is designed to break the sound barrier without the violent sonic booms that normally occur when a plane goes supersonic. Instead, the Quesst will make a much quieter “thump” sound that can be heard indoors, similar to the sound of a car door slamming. If successful, the jet could revolutionize supersonic flight and aviation in general.

After years of development, NASA and Lockheed Martin unveiled the completed X-59 Mission (Quiet Supersonic Technology) today (January 12) to a crowd of approximately 150 people at the legendary Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California. It is a research and development site generally known for its confidentiality.

“It’s a rare occasion when we have the opportunity to host so many visitors at the Skunk Works, and even a rare occasion when we get to publicly display one of our aircraft,” said John Clark, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager. Hard working.

When the curtain finally came down to reveal the The plane’s long beak-like nose stood out prominently, highlighting the fact that it did not have a forward-facing window.

“This is a moment that future generations will look back on with awe and admiration,” said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of aviation. “Skunk Works’ mantra of fast, quiet and quality takes on a whole new meaning. “We herald the hope of a new era in silent supersonic travel made possible by our collaboration with NASA.”

During the opening ceremony, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy noted the agency’s long history of innovation in aviation.

“The first letter ‘A’ in NASA stands for aeronautics. And we are all pursuing breakthrough aerospace innovation,” Melroy said. “X-59 is proud to continue this legacy by delivering cutting-edge technology that moves aviation forward.”

NASA’s latest X-plane (“X” stands for “experimental”) is the result of decades of research and incorporates completely different manufacturing approaches, including new augmented reality systems, robotic drilling and 3D modeling techniques.

“This isn’t just an airplane, it’s an X-plane,” Melroy added. “This is a manifestation of the genius of collaboration.”

However, Melroy admitted that he initially had some doubts about the revolutionary plane. “When I first looked at the design as a test pilot I thought ‘hmm’, I actually had some questions about it.”

Melroy was specifically referring to the fact that the X-59 did not have a forward-facing window, a design that helps reduce the aircraft’s sonic boom. Instead, there’s what NASA calls an external vision system, or XVS, consisting of a cockpit-mounted camera and a display that gives pilots an augmented reality view of what’s in front of the jet.

Melroy said the system has the potential to revolutionize aircraft design.

“We were not comfortable building a manned aircraft without testing it first, so this groundbreaking technology is a real beacon leading us towards a future where visibility barriers in aircraft design can be overcome with this creative solution.”