NASA’s quiet supersonic aircraft, the X-59, ignited its engines for the first time last week as part of a series of engine tests. This testing phase was conducted to confirm that the X-59’s systems could operate solely on its engine power, marking a successful milestone as the initial engine-powered tests without an external power source were completed.
Testing Phases and Procedures
The initial phase of tests, which started on October 30 at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, involved running the engine at low speeds to verify that the aircraft’s systemssuch as hydraulics, electrical, and environmental controls functioned smoothly under engine power. Jay Brandon, NASA’s lead engineer for the X-59, confirmed that this was the “first real engine startup” and emphasized that all systems performed as expected.
The next phases will simulate flight conditions with increased throttle variations, and the aircraft will undergo aluminum bird strike tests under both normal and failure scenarios. Following these, taxi tests will be conducted in preparation for the final steps before the maiden flight.
X-59’s Performance
The X-59 is equipped with a modified F414-GE-100 engine that allows it to reach speeds of Mach 1.4 (approximately 925 mph) at an altitude of 55,000 feet. NASA received these engines in August 2020, and they were transferred from Edwards Air Force Base to the Skunk Works facilities for integration.
First Flight and Future Plans
Though NASA has postponed the X-59’s maiden flight to early 2025, this timeline is dependent on further ground test outcomes. Paul Dees, NASA’s X-59 propulsion lead, compared the test process to a “symphony,” emphasizing that these initial tests showcase the effectiveness of team collaboration.
The Future of Quiet Supersonic Travel
The X-59 is part of NASA’s Quesst Mission, which aims to make commercial supersonic flights quieter. Conventional supersonic jets produce loud sonic booms when breaking the sound barrier; however, the X-59 is designed to produce a softer “thump” instead. If successful, this innovation could help relax noise regulations over land and pave the way for future supersonic travel.
Upcoming Phases and Trials
Built at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, the X-59’s initial test flights will be completed before the aircraft is transferred to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. The second phase will focus on assessing noise levels produced by the aircraft, while the third phase will involve community flights to test ground-level noise impacts.
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