NASA Set To Unveil X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft on Jan 12

NASA is preparing to unveil its new X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft on January 12th

NASA's Quesst, is a collaborative effort between NASA researchers and prime contractor Lockheed Martin Skunk Works who are developing and testing the next generation experimental aircraft, the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft. 

The X-59 stands out as an experimental aircraft that combines innovative design with components sourced from various established aircraft. Notably, its landing gear is adapted from an F-16, and its life-support system has been repurposed from an F-15.

This integration of technologies aims to create a supersonic aircraft capable of reducing the traditional sonic boom to a quieter sonic thump, potentially paving the way for changes in regulations regarding commercial supersonic flight over land.

Throughout 2023, the Quesst team encountered many technical challenges that have prompted the rescheduling of the X-59's first flight to later in 2024.

The Quesst team is working to address issues related to integrating systems into the aircraft and resolving intermittent problems with safety-redundant computers responsible for controlling the aircraft's systems.

Despite these challenges, Quesst has made significant strides toward its first test flight over the past year.

Teams completed the final touches on the X-59's tail structure, allowing for the completion of electrical wiring and critical ground tests. The aircraft has transitioned from its assembly facility to the flight line, where structural testing is currently underway.

The X-59's primary objective is to demonstrate supersonic flight capabilities while minimizing the disruptive sonic boom.

The X-59 is expected to fly at a cruising speed of Mach 1.42 (1,510 km/h; 937 mph) at an altitude of 55,000 ft (16,800 m). 

NASA plans to conduct flights over several communities to gather valuable data on how people perceive the aircraft's sound. This data will be crucial for informing U.S. and international regulators with the aim of potentially revising rules restricting commercial supersonic flights over land.

Safety remains a paramount concern for NASA, and the agency is committed to ensuring the success of the Quesst mission. The X-59 is currently undergoing integrated testing, a critical phase that must be completed before proceeding to the flight readiness review.

Following successful integrated testing, NASA plans to provide a more specific timeline for the X-59's first flight.