Lockheed Martin has started construction of its supersonic X-plane, which could travel from New York to London in 3 hours.
The plane, which is called the X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft, is being built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works in California.
Peter Iosifidis, programme manager, said: “The start of manufacturing on the project marks a great leap forward for the X-59 and the future of quiet supersonic commercial travel.
“The long, slender design of the aircraft is the key to achieving a low sonic boom.
“As we enter into the manufacturing phase, the aircraft structure begins to take shape, bringing us one step closer to enabling supersonic travel for passengers around the world.”
Back in April, NASA selected Lockheed Martin to design, build and test the plane.
It’s designed to cruise at 55,000 feet at a speed of about 940 mph and create a sound about as loud as a car door closing, instead of a sonic boom.
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This low noise could help NASA to overturn current regulations which ban supersonic travel over land.
And thankfully, it won’t be long before the plane will be in action.
The X-59 will conduct its first flight in 2021.
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