Karman Space and Defense Spearheads Subsystem Development for NASA's X-59 Supersonic Quest
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 19, 2024

Karman Space and Defense ("Karman") is at the forefront as a principal supplier of critical subsystems for the X-59 supersonic aircraft, a result of the collaboration between Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and NASA's Quesst Mission. This partnership signifies a leap in aerospace technology, aiming to revolutionize supersonic flight with minimal noise impact.

The introduction of the X-59 by NASA heralds a new era in aviation, designed for experiments in reducing sonic booms to gentle thumps. Slated to fly at speeds of 1.4 times the speed of sound, approximately 925 mph, the aircraft incorporates advanced design and technology to mitigate noise during supersonic travel. The X-59's impending flights this year are a critical step towards redefining the future of commercial supersonic travel.

NASA's ambitious plan involves flying the X-59 over selected U.S. cities by 2026 to collect public perception data on its reduced noise footprint. This initiative will guide the development of new regulations for supersonic flight over land, potentially lifting existing restrictions and opening new avenues for commercial aviation.

Karman Space and Defense has played a crucial role in this venture, contributing key components such as control surfaces, T-tails, bulkheads, forebody keels, frames, canopy fairings, spars, skins, and stiffeners. This extensive portfolio of advanced subsystems and technologies underscores Karman's comprehensive capabilities in tackling the aerospace industry's most demanding challenges.

Stephanie Sawhill, Chief Business Development Officer at Karman, expressed enthusiasm for their participation in this pioneering project, "Karman is honored to contribute to NASA's mission to innovate for quieter supersonic travel. Our expertise in delivering high-quality subsystems has been pivotal in advancing the X-59 project, demonstrating our commitment to aerospace excellence."

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