NASA's X-59 supersonic aircraft completes first test flight
NASA and Lockheed Martin have tested the experimental supersonic aircraft X-59 on a first test flight to check onboard systems.
The Lockheed Martin X-59 in flight. Due to the missing window, the pilot has no forward visibility.
(Image: Lockheed Martin)
NASA's needle-shaped X-59 supersonic experimental aircraft completed its maiden flight on Tuesday from Palmdale, California. Basic systems were initially tested. The aircraft did not yet reach supersonic speed.
NASA's X-59 is intended to reach supersonic speed while flying, particularly quietly. The aircraft is designed as a research aircraft to develop new techniques within the scope of the Quesst program (Quiet Supersonic Transport) that will make supersonic flights quieter. The goal: to minimize the sound of flight and the sonic boom that typically occurs when breaking the sound barrier.
During the first test flight of the X-59, which led from Palmdale to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, the aircraft built by Lockheed Martin was not yet able to demonstrate this. During the one hour and seven minute flight, the aircraft reached a maximum speed of 385 km/h at an altitude of 3600 m.
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The flight was not about pushing the aircraft to its limits but about verifying the general functions and safety of the aircraft in the first of three test phases. Test pilot Nils Larson and the ground crew checked the X-59's critical systems, such as onboard instruments, flight control, autopilot, engines, and air data measurement. Special attention was paid to the onboard electronics. This is because the pilot can only fly the aircraft visually to a very limited extent. The pilot has no forward visibility because a window is missing. This is superfluous because the long nose cone is in the way.
Flight according to plan
According to Lockheed Martin stated that the first test went “exactly as planned.” The expected flight characteristics were confirmed during the flight. Further flights will now take place in the first test phase, gradually expanding to reach supersonic speed. In addition to technical developments, NASA and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works aim to determine the optimal speed and altitude for achieving the quietest possible sonic boom.
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Noise development is considered the biggest obstacle to supersonic flights in civil aviation. Due to noise pollution and resulting legal regulations, supersonic flights over land are not yet feasible with current technology. NASA and Lockheed Martin intend to use the research aircraft to transfer the techniques developed with it into civil aviation. Such a new generation of supersonic aircraft could then transport passengers and cargo at higher speeds and thus faster.
(olb)
