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 commenced initial engine testing of its experimental X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft, a critical step in its development.
The X-59 project aims to gather data to enable future commercial supersonic flight over land by significantly reducing the noise of sonic booms, which previously led to a ban.
The modified F414-GE-100 engine, designed for Mach 1.4 flight and positioned uniquely on the aircraft for quieter operation, underwent initial checks to verify system functionality and prepare for upcoming 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.