NASA Begins Engine Tests on Experimental X-59

Supersonic research aircraft's powerplant fired up for the first time at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, November 07, 2024 at 12:28 PM ET

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Kimberly Johnson

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits in its run stall at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. [Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas]

Key Takeaways:

NASA has successfully fired up the engine of its experimental X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft for the first time, initiating a phase of system testing.
The X-59 project is part of NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstration, aiming to gather data to potentially revise regulations for commercial supersonic flight over land, which was previously banned due to loud sonic booms.
The modified F414-GE-100 engine is designed to propel the aircraft to Mach 1.4 (around 925 mph) and is strategically placed on top for quieter operation.
The engine tests began on October 30 at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, verifying system functionality and leading to subsequent bird, taxi, and flight tests.

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NASA has fired up the engine of its experimental X-59 supersonic aircraft for the first time, marking the launch of testing to ensure the powerplant and systems work together.

The one-of-a-kind X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft is part of NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstration project aimed at collecting data to help shape regulations for possible future commercial supersonic flight over land 50 years after it was banned by the FAA due to the noise of the sonic boom.