NASA’s experimental X-59 supersonic jet completed its 25th flight on August 21, reaching a speed of Mach 1.2 and an altitude of approximately 49,000 feet during a 72-minute test over Edwards, California, according to the agency. The milestone brings the aircraft closer to its upcoming acoustic validation phase, where researchers will evaluate whether the jet successfully replaces traditional sonic booms with a much quieter sonic thump.
Inside the 25th Test Flight at Armstrong Flight Research Center
The aircraft took off from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, continuing a series of successful test runs monitored closely by an accompanying NASA F-15 chase plane. During these earlier flights, the chase plane’s sonic booms drowned out any noise produced by the X-59, keeping sound measurements on hold until the upcoming acoustic phase.
On June 5, the aircraft achieved supersonic speeds for the first time, hitting a maximum velocity of about Mach 1.1, which equates to 713 miles per hour. According to NASA, the aircraft has performed well during its test series without suffering unexpected phenomena such as instability or excessive vibration under aerodynamic forces.
Did you know? The X-59 features a distinctive sharp design and a top-mounted engine specifically configured to reduce the pressure changes and noise that reach the ground.
Preparing for the Acoustic Validation Phase
Engineers, pilots, and maintenance personnel have reviewed flight test data between every run, making only minor control software adjustments to resolve issues where systems interpreted nuisance alerts as caution warnings. NASA describes the upcoming acoustic phase as the biggest benchmark for the X-59, involving ground- and air-based tools to measure the jet’s acoustic signature.
“Through our ongoing flight tests with the X-59, we’ve gained invaluable insights into both the aircraft’s performance and the unique challenges of the aircraft design,” Cathy Bahm, project manager for NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstrator project, said in a statement. “Each test point has validated our models and predictions, and it has strengthened our confidence in the aircraft’s performance.”
Paving the Way for Commercial Supersonic Flight Over Land
The X-59 could pave the way for commercial supersonic flight over land.
“Building and flying a brand-new aircraft is an extraordinary accomplishment, but the next phase is where the real research begins,” Larry Cliatt, acoustic validation technical lead for NASA’s Quesst mission, said in a statement. “Acoustic validation will put the tools and methods used to design the X-59 to the test—tools that could ultimately become part of the DNA of every future commercial supersonic aircraft.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast did the X-59 fly during its 25th test flight?
The X-59 reached a speed of Mach 1.2 and an altitude of approximately 49,000 feet during its 72-minute flight on August 21, according to NASA.
Why does the X-59 fly with an F-15 chase plane?
The NASA F-15 chase plane accompanies the X-59 to monitor its flight performance. To keep tabs on the vehicle, a NASA F-15 chase plane flew alongside it throughout the journey, continuing a standard procedure from all prior test outings. The chase plane’s sonic booms drowned out any noise produced by the X-59.
What is the goal of the X-59’s acoustic validation phase?
Researchers will use ground- and air-based tools to measure the aircraft’s supersonic acoustic signature, confirming whether it produces a quiet sonic thump instead of a disruptive sonic boom.
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