X-59 Supersonic Jet Enters Production Written 19 November 2018

CNBC reported that Lockheed Martin’s experimental X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft “has officially entered production, the defense giant announced Friday.” The X-59, which is designed to “cruise at 55,000 feet and reach speeds of about 940 miles per hour,” was developed as part of a $250 million NASA contract. The new aircraft is expected to “create a noise level akin to the sound of a car door closing.” Although current regulations “ban commercial supersonic aircraft from operating over land,” NASA and Lockheed hope to “advance the technology through noise reduction to overturn regulations.” According to Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Program Manager Peter Iosifidis, 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 X-59 is scheduled to conduct its first test flight in 2021. 
More Info (CNBC)