NASA has completed its first maximum afterburner engine test for the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft. The test, carried out on December 12 at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, is an important step as the aircraft moves closer to its first flight in 2025.
The test involved running the X-59’s F414-GE-100 engine at full power with the afterburner engaged, which helps generate the additional thrust needed for supersonic speeds. The test showed that the engine could operate within temperature limits and maintain the necessary airflow, while also syncing with the aircraft’s other systems.
The X-59 is part of NASA’s Quesst (Quiet Supersonic Technology) mission, which aims to reduce the loud sonic booms typically heard during supersonic flight. The X-59’s design focuses on quieting the sonic boom to a soft “thump,” which could make supersonic flights over land more feasible.
Next Steps for the X-59
After the successful afterburner test, the next step for the X-59 is its first flight, expected in 2025. Following the flight tests, the aircraft will undergo acoustic testing, including flights over populated areas to gather data. This data will be used to help regulators determine if quiet supersonic flights can be safely approved for commercial use.
The X-59 aims to demonstrate the possibility of faster commercial flights with less noise, potentially reducing flight times by half in the future.
