Skunk Works is the official alias for Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs (ADP). It functions as a research and development facility, known for its rapid prototyping and development of groundbreaking aircraft and technologies. Skunk Works has a history of developing cutting-edge solutions in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, hypersonics, and joint all-domain operations. It partners with organizations like NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Orlando Sanchez Jr. most recently led Skunk Works at Lockheed Martin.
Skunk Works will conduct the initial flight test program, expanding the X-59's operational envelope over the coming months.
The X-59, also known as the QUiEt SuperSonic Technology (Quesst) mission, was designed by NASA and manufactured by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division.
Skunk Works will lead the X-59's initial flight test campaign and work closely with NASA to expand its flight envelope.
The X-59 took off from Skunk Works' facility at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, and landed near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
The UMCS was powered by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works MDCX autonomy platform.
Assembly of the Quesst mission’s X-59 supersonic aircraft at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works in California was completed during 2023 with the installation of its jet engine, tail, and lower empennage.