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 test-fired the engine of its experimental X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft for the first time, marking the start of system integration testing.
The X-59 project aims to collect data to help shape regulations for future commercial supersonic flight over land, which has been banned for 50 years due to loud sonic booms.
The modified F414-GE-100 engine, positioned on top for reduced noise, is designed to enable the aircraft to fly at Mach 1.4 (around 925 mph).
Initial engine tests involved low-speed rotation and low-power operation to check for leaks, verify system communication, and bring the powerplant out of preservation mode.

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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.