NASA's X 59 Stands on its Own Jig Removal

The NASA and Lockheed Martin team behind the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) have recently removed the aircraft from its jig system, or external supports. The next step is proving the research aircraft is structurally sound and ready for final assembly. The team has made significant progress on the X-59 QueSST assembly. They pulled the aircraft away from the jig support system. The jig, which is similar to scaffolding, helped ensure all of the aircraft’s hardware were placed together correctly throughout the manufacturing process. With the jig removed, the X-59 completed its final assembly. The aircraft was prepared for shipment to Fort Worth, Texas where it will undergo structural testing at Lockheed Martin's facility in early 2022.