NASA recently completed engine performance tests for its X-59 research aircraft. This aircraft aims to reduce the loud sonic booms caused by supersonic flight. The tests were conducted in collaboration with Lockheed Martin.
From October to February, NASA and Lockheed Martin tested the modified F414-GE-100 engine. This engine powers the X-59 and its subsystems.
“We successfully completed our planned engine ground tests,” said Raymond Castner, propulsion lead at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. The engine performed as expected, with smooth airflow and no structural or vibration issues. Cooling systems also worked effectively.
Sonic booms occur when planes exceed Mach 1, or the speed of sound (767 mph or 1,234 km/h). These loud cracks are caused by pressure waves forming a shock wave. Sonic booms can startle people and even shatter windows. Due to this, the FAA banned supersonic flight over land in 1973.
The Concorde, a commercial supersonic jet, last flew in 2003. Although stylish, it was noisy, expensive, and inefficient.
NASA’s X-59 aims to change that. The aircraft’s sleek, needle-like design minimizes air pressure changes. This reduces a sonic boom to a quieter “sonic thump.” A NASA engineer compared it to the sound of a car door closing. The X-59’s engine is mounted on top, further reducing noise reaching the ground.
The X-59 first emerged from its hangar in January 2024 in Palmdale, California. The aircraft is 99 feet (30 m) long, 14 feet (4.27 m) tall, and 29.5 feet (9 m) wide. Its stiletto-like design helps it cut through the air with minimal disruption.
The engine tests included hydraulic and electrical system checks. NASA also tested throttle control and ran the afterburners at full power. Shock diamonds, patterns created by exhaust gases at supersonic speeds, were visible during testing.
The X-59 will cruise at 55,000 feet (16,764 m) and reach speeds of 925 mph (1,489 km/h). Its goal is to make supersonic flight quieter and feasible over land.
NASA’s release didn’t provide a new timeline for the first flight. The plane was initially scheduled to fly last year. Before that, the team will conduct more tests, including:
- Electromagnetic interference tests.
- System data handling in normal and failure conditions.
- Taxi tests to ensure ground maneuverability.
Once airborne, NASA will conduct ground tests to measure how the sonic thump is experienced. These demonstrations will continue through 2027, depending on the first flight date.
Efforts to revive supersonic travel are also underway in the private sector. In January, Boom’s Supersonic XB-1 demonstrator exceeded the speed of sound three times in a single flight.
The X-59 could revolutionize supersonic travel by making it quieter and more practical for future aviation.
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