Watch Live: Rollout Of Supersonic Plane At Skunk Works Factory

Lockheed Martin Corp. and NASA will unveil the X-59 Quesst supersonic aircraft today from the defense contractor’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. The X-59 aims to demonstrate supersonic flight without generating loud sonic booms over populated areas. The aircraft’s design allows for quieter sonic “thumps,” and data from flight trials will be used to develop new sound-based rules for supersonic flight over land. If successful, the X-59 could pave the way for shorter travel times in commercial aviation. The return of supersonic commercial flight is expected later this decade.