NASA has successfully completed the first full burn test for its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development. Conducted on December 12 at NASA’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, the test confirmed that the afterburner operated within expected temperature limits and validated the team’s expectations for synchronization with other subsystems.
The X-59 is designed to produce “sonic thumps” rather than sonic booms, reducing noise generated by supersonic aircraft. The aircraft’s F414-GE-100 engine delivers 22,000 pounds of thrust, enabling it to reach Mach 1.4 at around 55,000 feet. Future tests will focus on flight testing in 2025.
A major goal of the X-59 project is to reduce sonic boom noise and enable supersonic aircraft to operate over populated areas. If successful, this could pave the way for reviving commercial supersonic transport from the Concorde era. The project collaborates with commercial partners to reduce long-distance flight times across the United States and globally.
Upcoming tests will include aluminum bird testing, failure condition simulations, and taxi tests. These preparations are essential for the X-59’s first flight in 2025.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/x-59-nasa-jet-first-full-afterburner-test