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 begun initial engine testing for its experimental X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft.
The X-59 aims to reduce the noise of sonic booms, collecting data to inform potential changes in regulations for commercial supersonic flight over land.
Powered by a modified F414-GE-100 engine, the aircraft is designed to fly at Mach 1.4 (925 mph), with the engine's unique top placement contributing to quieter operation.
The current multi-phase engine tests, conducted at Lockheed Martin, focus on verifying system functionality and integration before further flight preparations.

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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.