NASA’s X-59 undergoes tests on the way to flight

The team preparing NASA’s X-59 continues to conduct tests to prepare the quiet, supersonic aircraft for its first flight, including three key structural tests and critical inspections en route to flight.

The X-59 is an experimental aircraft that can fly faster than sound without creating a loud sonic boom. It will be the first of its kind to fly, with the goal of collecting sound data for NASA’s Quest mission, which could open the door to commercial supersonic flights over land in the future.

Because of its unique design, the X-59 development team must do everything in their power to predict every aspect of the aircraft before it even takes off, including how the fuselage, wings and control surfaces will perform in flight. This means conducting tests on the ground to give the team the data they need to validate the models they develop.

“The tests will tell us not only how strong the structure of the aircraft is, but also what forces it can withstand once it’s in the air,” said Walt Silva, a senior scientist at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, who serves as the X-59’s structural lead.

The X-59’s structural testing is providing the team with valuable feedback. From 2022 to 2024, engineers collected data on the forces the aircraft will face in flight and the potential impact of vibrations on the aircraft.

“You do these tests, you get the data and things are comparable in some areas, and in other areas you want to improve them,” Silva said. “So you figure all that out and then work to make it better.”

Earlier this year, the X-59 underwent structural coupling tests, which involved moving its control surfaces, including ailerons, flaps and rudder, by computer. This was the last of three major structural tests. In 2023, engineers deployed “shakers” on parts of the aircraft to evaluate its response to vibrations, and in early 2022 they conducted a proof test to ensure the aircraft would absorb the forces it will face during flight. This year, the X-59’s ejection seat was installed and passed testing. The ejection seat is an additional safety measure that is critical to the pilot’s safety during all aspects of flight.

After structural testing and installation of ejection seats are completed, the aircraft reaches a new milestone: it starts its engines for a series of ground tests.

In addition, the X-59 will undergo tests of the aircraft’s avionics and extensive cabling for possible electromagnetic interference, simulation of flight conditions in a ground test environment and, finally, taxiing tests to validate ground mobility before the first flight.

“First flights are always very exciting,” said Natalie Spivey, an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif. “There’s a lot of anticipation, but we’re ready to get there and see how the aircraft performs in the air. It’s going to be very exciting.”