JET OF THE FUTURE:

This undated illustration released by Nasa on Dec 16 shows the completed X-59 QueSST landing on a runway at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Nasa’s first large scale, piloted X-plane in more than three decades is cleared for final assembly and integration of its systems following a major project review by senior managers held Thursday at Nasa Headquarters in Washington. Nasa’s first large scale, piloted X-plane in more than three decades is cleared for final assembly and integration of its systems following a major project review by senior managers held Dec 12 at Nasa Headquarters in Washington, DC. The management review, known as Key Decision Point-D (KDP-D), was the last programmatic hurdle for the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft to clear before officials meet again in late 2020 to approve the airplane’s first flight in 2021. — AFP photo