NASA Prepares to Launch Supersonic Jet for Quiet Sonic Boom Testing

Please note: This article does not provide investment advice, and the author holds no positions in any of the stocks mentioned.

NASA Announces Progress on X-59 Supersonic Research Aircraft

NASA has reached a pivotal milestone with its advanced X-59 aircraft, designed for quiet supersonic flight, as the agency successfully powered the aircraft’s engines and initiated taxi tests. Development of the X-59 began in 2023, following the integration of its tail and body. Despite some delays in the project, NASA recently confirmed the aircraft powered up for its first taxiing test.

NASA X-59 supersonic aircraft on runway with mountains in the background. — NASA’s X-59 taxis on a runway for the first time. Image: NASA/Carla Thomas

Uniquely, the X-59 lacks front-facing windows due to its elongated nose, which is essential for conducting research on supersonic flight. NASA aims to test how this aircraft can achieve supersonic speeds with minimized noise levels. A ceremony was held in January to unveil the fully assembled aircraft, which has since accomplished important milestones, including engine speed hold tests and electromagnetic proofing.

The latest test took place on the 10th, where the X-59 was taxied across the runway at the Air Force’s Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. This momentous event marked the aircraft’s initial movement on internal power, setting the stage for more comprehensive testing leading up to its historic flight.

In the coming days, NASA plans to continue testing the X-59, gradually increasing its speed as the aircraft undergoes rigorous assessments. Engineers are focused on evaluating various performance metrics, including handling, steering, and braking capabilities.

Quesst Mission and Its Goals

The X-59 is an integral part of NASA’s Quesst mission, which seeks to investigate quiet supersonic flight and assess the performance of aircraft without traditional cockpit windows. The X-59 is engineered to fly at speeds reaching 1.5 times the speed of sound, utilizing its uniquely designed nose to mitigate shockwaves that typically cause disruptive noise. This cutting-edge design not only enhances the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency but also ensures sound dispersion is optimized, with the nose accounting for nearly one-third of its impressive length of close to 100 meters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5yr94yGZKk

NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft Begins Taxi Tests (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5yr94yGZKk)

For more information, you can visit the source.