NASA's X-59 supersonic aircraft inches closer to historic first flight with key tests underway

X-59’s ejection seat is installed into the aircraft at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ facilities in Palmdale, California. (Image credit: Lockheed Martin/NASA)

NASA's X-59 aircraft is moving closer to its historic first flight, with a series of crucial tests and inspections now underway. Designed to fly faster than the speed of sound without generating a disruptive sonic boom, the X-59 aims to revolutionize supersonic travel, potentially paving the way for commercial flights over land.

NASA said the experimental plane X-59 is currently undergoing a rigorous testing phase to ensure its unique design performs. This phase includes important structural tests and evaluations of the aircraft’s fuselage, wings, and control surfaces. Engineers are focused on predicting and validating how these components will interact during flight, using extensive ground testing to refine their models.

According to NASA, the engineering team since 2022 has gathered valuable data on the X-59's structural integrity, and tests have assessed the aircraft's response to various forces and vibrations. "You do these tests, you get the data, and things compare well in some areas and in other areas you want to improve them," said Walt Silva, Senior Research Scientist at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, who serves as structures lead for the X-59. "The testing not only tells us how structurally sound the aircraft is, but also what kind of forces it can take once it is in the air. So, you figure that all out and then you work towards making it better."

The American space agency said this year, the X-59 successfully completed its final trio of critical structural tests. These included structural coupling tests where computer-controlled movements tested the aircraft’s control surfaces, vibration response tests using "shakers" and a proof test to ensure the aircraft can handle flight forces. Additionally, the agency said the ejection seat was installed and passed inspection, enhancing pilot safety.

With these milestones achieved, NASA highlighted the X-59 is set to progress to its next phase: engine start-ups for ground tests, and upcoming tasks will involve evaluating the aircraft’s avionics and wiring for electromagnetic interference, simulating flight conditions on the ground, and conducting taxi tests to confirm ground mobility before the inaugural flight.

“First flights are always very intense,” said Natalie Spivey, aerospace engineer at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. “There’s lots of anticipation, but we’re ready to get there and see how the aircraft responds in the air. It’ll be very exciting.”

The successful completion of these tests will mark significant progress for the X-59, bringing it closer to achieving its goal of enabling quieter supersonic travel and transforming the future of aviation.