NASA’s experimental Since late October, engineers at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, have been conducting phased engine testing to evaluate the X-59’s performance and systems integration. These tests are an important step toward the aircraft’s initial flight, although an official date for this event has not been set.
Engine Testing and Performance Evaluation
Engine testing began with low-speed operation, allowing engineers to inspect for leaks and verify that major systems, such as hydraulics and electrical components, functioned smoothly with the engine running. Once basic checks were completed, the X-59’s engines were fully fired for initial evaluation. Jay Brandon, NASA’s X-59 chief engineer, explained that the tests serve as a “warmup” to ensure that the engine is functioning correctly and supporting various critical aircraft systems.
The jet is powered with a modified F414-GE-100 engine, a version of the F414 series used in the US Navy’s Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. To predict the sound level generated by the X-59, NASA used an F/A-18 jet to simulate the aircraft’s unique sound profile, which is quieter than conventional sonic booms.
Design features and goals
The X-59 is designed to reach Mach 1.4 with a target altitude of 55,000 feet. Its long, streamlined nose – extending over 11 meters – is designed to reduce the sonic boom to a gentle “thump” sound, rather than the disruptive noise traditionally associated with supersonic travel. With its size, the X-59 can support regulatory changes allowing quieter supersonic flights over populated areas.
In January 2024, NASA unveiled the X-59’s revolutionary cockpit design, which lacks a forward-looking window. To compensate, pilots rely on an “external vision system” that provides a view ahead through a digital display, combining camera feeds with augmented reality. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy highlighted this technology as a means to overcome limitations in visibility caused by the design of the aircraft.
Next Steps and Community Research
The upcoming test phases will examine the aircraft’s responses in various simulated scenarios and will also include taxi trials to ensure smooth ground operations. Once in flight, the X-59 will fly over select US cities to gauge the public’s reaction to its quiet sound profile. The data collected will support NASA’s goal of demonstrating viable, noise-minimized supersonic flight for potential future commercial applications.
