868 X-59 Supersonic Aircraft
<p>The first flight of the Lockheed Martin X-59 supersonic Aircraft, Boom Supersonic, the end of SeatGuru, JetBlue emergency landing, new Navy jet trainer, and an Airbus A400M is delivered to Indonesia. Also, a talk with Cranky Flier and the certification of Chinese commercial jets.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Aviation News</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/supersonic-jet-test-nasa-lockheed-martin-87ec24ff97b982d5d120914e0076fb0a#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>NASA takes one step closer to launching quiet supersonic jets</strong></a></h3>
<p>Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, in partnership with NASA, completed the first flight of the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft. The X-59 is designed to demonstrate the ability to fly at supersonic speeds while reducing the sonic boom to a “gentle thump.” </p>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lockheed_Martin_X59_First_Flight_500.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="285" src="https://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lockheed_Martin_X59_First_Flight_500.jpg" alt="The Lockheed Martin X59 in flight." class="wp-image-11019" srcset="http://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lockheed_Martin_X59_First_Flight_500.jpg 500w, http://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lockheed_Martin_X59_First_Flight_500-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lockheed Martin X59 first flight.</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The X-59 took off from Skunk Works’ facility at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, before landing near NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Lockheed Martin says “the X-59 performed exactly as planned.”</p>
<p>Working with NASA, Skunk Works will continue to lead the aircraft’s initial flight test campaign to expand the X-59’s flight envelope over the coming months. Part of this test will include the X-59’s first supersonic flights and enable NASA to operate the X-59 to measure its sound signature and conduct community acceptance testing.</p>
<p>Lockheed Martin press release: <a href="https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2025-10-28-X-59-Soars-A-New-Era-in-Supersonic-Flight-Begins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-59 Soars: A New Era in Supersonic Flight Begins</a>.</p>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Douglas-X-3-Stiletto_500.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="231" src="https://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Douglas-X-3-Stiletto_500.jpg" alt="The Douglas X-3 Stiletto on the tarmac." class="wp-image-11020" srcset="http://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Douglas-X-3-Stiletto_500.jpg 500w, http://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Douglas-X-3-Stiletto_500-300x139.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Douglas X-3 Stiletto.</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Related: <a href="https://flightplan.forecastinternational.com/2025/08/25/boom-supersonic-overture-airliner-program-outlook/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boom Supersonic – Overture Airliner Program Outlook</a>. The Overture remains targeted for a first flight in 2027, followed by a goal of certification by 2029. Boom is assembling and testing components for its in-house Symphony turbofan engine, with manufacturing and validation underway at its Colorado R&D facility. Full-scale engine tests are anticipated in 2026.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/30/us/jetblue-flight-emergency-landing-florida" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>At least 15 people sent to hospital after JetBlue flight drops altitude, forcing emergency landing in Florida, officials say</strong></a></h3>
<p>In a statement, JetBlue said Flight 1230 from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, “experienced a drop in altitude.” The plane diverted to Tampa International Airport, and at least 15 people were sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and discharged. The Airbus A320 dropped about 100 feet in about seven seconds. The FAA is investigating a “flight control issue.”</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://onemileatatime.com/news/seatguru-shuts-down/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>End Of An Era: SeatGuru Officially Shuts Down, Redirects To TripAdvisor</strong></a></h3>
<p>SeatGuru was launched in 2001 and was widely used by air travelers to examine airline seat maps of most aircraft types. TripAdvisor acquired SeatGuru in 2007, but by early 2020, updates to the seat maps ceased. <a href="http://seatguru.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seatguru.com</a> now displays the message “SeatGuru has closed down, please visit Tripadvisor to plan your next trip.” TripAdvisor doesn’t offer the service that SeatGuru once did.</p>
<p>Alternatives include <a href="https://www.aerolopa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AeroLOPA</a>, <a href="https://seatmaps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SeatMaps</a>, <a href="https://www.expertflyer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Expert Flyer</a>, and <a href="https://awardfares.com/product/seats" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AwardFares</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/11/02/united-airlines-ceo-aligns-with-trump-eyes-jetblue-merger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>United Airlines CEO Aligns With Trump, Eyes JetBlue Merger?</strong></a></h3>
<p>United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby appeared at the White House alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, voicing strong support for reopening the U.S. government without conditions. Kirby emphasized the strain on air traffic control and the airline industry amid the prolonged government shutdown. He called for a “clean continuing resolution.” Some observers speculate that Kirby has a strategy to integrate JetBlue’s operations in the Northeast with United’s existing Newark operations and a potential Boston expansion.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/october/t-45-depart-pattern" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>T-45 to Depart the Pattern</strong></a></h3>
<p>The T-45 Goshawk Navy jet trainer was originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, which merged with Boeing in 1997. The Navy wants a replacement for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. Vying for the contract are the <a href="https://www.sncorp.com/news-archive/redefining-naval-aviation-training-excellence-snc-unveils-freedom-trainer-jet-at-tailhook-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SNC Freedom Trainer</a> and the <a href="https://defense.txtav.com/en/m-346n" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beechcraft M-346N</a>. The Navy expects to formally announce a request for proposals in December 2025 and award a contract in January 2027.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-11-airbus-delivers-first-a400m-to-indonesia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Airbus delivers first A400M to Indonesia</strong></a></h3>
<p>The Indonesian Air Force will operate the Airbus Defence and Space <a href="https://airbusus.com/a400m/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A400M</a> heavy tactical airlift aircraft. The second A400M is expected to be delivered to Indonesia in 2026. Airbus will be providing the Indonesian Air Force with training and support services. Indonesia will study the potential integration of the newly developed A400M roll-on / roll-off modular firefighting kit on board both aircraft.</p>
<p>The Airbus A400M is powered by four Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop engines, each rated at 11,000 horsepower. These are the most powerful turboprop engines in operational use in the Western world. On each wing, using a gearbox, one engine’s propeller rotates clockwise and the other counterclockwise to optimize lift and avoid premature stalling. Called “down between engines” (DBE), the propeller closer to the fuselage rotates so its blade tips move downward between the two engines on that wing, while the outboard engine’s propeller rotates in the opposite direction.</p>
<p>Video: <a href="https://youtu.be/E7ZtXcTkEp0?si=a0cPn3roU10nZuPn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus A400M Engine Start up at linz airport</a></p>
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https://youtu.be/E7ZtXcTkEp0?si=a0cPn3roU10nZuPn
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cranky Flier</strong></h2>
<p>Brian Coleman ran into <a href="https://crankyflier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brett Snyder</a> at the 2025 APEX show. They discuss Cranky Dorkfest / SpotLAX, which is planned for the Weekend of September 18 – 20, 2026.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://apex.aero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airline Passenger Experience Association</a> (APEX) held two main conferences in 2025: APEX TECH in Los Angeles, CA, from May 20 to 21, and the APEX Global EXPO in Long Beach, CA, from September 9 to 11. APEX TECH focused on in-flight connectivity and data use cases, while the Global EXPO, co-located with FTE Global (<a href="https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future Travel Experience</a>) and IFSA (<a href="https://ifsa.aero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Flight Services Association</a>), showcased innovations in all aspects of the passenger journey.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Plane Spotting</strong></h2>
<p>Micah found this C-21 at the MacJets FBO. It’s the military version of the LearJet.</p>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/C-21_500.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="227" src="https://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/C-21_500.jpg" alt="C-21 on the tarmac." class="wp-image-11025" srcset="http://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/C-21_500.jpg 500w, http://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/C-21_500-300x136.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mentioned</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/01/trust-in-transition-why-global-aviation-is-starting-to-fly-on-chinese-certification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trust in Transition: Why Global Aviation Is Starting to Fly on Chinese Certification</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Hosts this Episode</strong></h2>
<p>Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and David Vanderhoof.</p>
