NASA Completes Engine Performance Tests on X-59 Research Aircraft

NASA has successfully concluded engine performance tests on its X-59 research aircraft, a crucial step towards reducing the sonic booms produced by supersonic aircraft. The tests, conducted in collaboration with Lockheed Martin between October and February, focused on the single modified F414-GE-100 engine that will power the aircraft and its subsystems.

According to Raymond Castner, X-59 propulsion lead at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, "We have successfully progressed through our engine ground tests as planned. We were getting smooth and steady airflow as predicted from wind tunnel testing. We didn’t have any structural or excessive vibration issues. And parts of the engine and aircraft that needed cooling were getting it." This milestone marks a significant achievement in the development of the X-59, which aims to mitigate the odious sonic booms associated with supersonic flight.

The Problem of Sonic Booms

When aircraft exceed Mach 1, the speed of sound (approximately 767 miles per hour or 1,234 kilometers per hour), they produce a loud crack, resulting from the combination of air pressure waves forming a shock wave. This sonic boom can startle people on the ground and even shatter windows, leading the Federal Aviation Administration to prohibit supersonic flight over land for non-military aircraft in 1973. The last commercial supersonic aircraft, the Concorde, was discontinued in 2003 due to its inefficiency, high operating costs, and noise complaints.

Testing and Development

NASA has released footage of the engine tests, showcasing the aircraft’s hydraulics, electrical, and environmental control systems. The tests also included throttle checks and afterburner firing, demonstrating the characteristic shock diamond patterns in the plume. The X-59, which rolled out of its hangar in January 2024, features a sleek, stiletto-like design intended to minimize disruption and reduce sonic booms to a mere "thump." The engine is mounted on top of the aircraft to reduce noise reaching the ground.

Private Sector Efforts

Meanwhile, private companies like Boom Supersonic are also working towards resurrecting supersonic travel. In late January, Boom Supersonic flew its experimental aircraft, the XB-1 demonstrator, faster than sound for the first time, achieving the feat three times in a single flight. The X-59, with a cruise altitude of 55,000 feet and designed to reach speeds of 925 miles per hour, is expected to undergo further tests, including electromagnetic interference checks and taxi tests, before its highly anticipated first flight.

Future Plans

Once the X-59 takes to the skies, NASA will conduct a series of tests to evaluate the aircraft’s sonic thump and its impact on the ground. These demonstrations, scheduled to run through 2027, will depend on the successful completion of the remaining tests and the aircraft’s maiden flight. With the X-59 and private sector efforts, the future of supersonic travel is looking promising, and the possibility of reducing sonic booms to a mere whisper is becoming increasingly realistic.