Tail Installed on NASA’s X-59

In this time lapse, you’ll see NASA’s X-59 undergo final installation of its lower empennage, better known as the tail assembly. This time lapse was taken at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California. The installation allows the team to continue final wiring and system checkouts on the aircraft as it prepares for integrated ground testing, which will include engine runs and taxi tests. The X-59 aircraft is designed to demonstrate the ability to fly supersonic while reducing the loud sonic boom to a quiet sonic thump and is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission.