NASA’s X-59 Supersonic Aircraft has successfully completed its flight readiness assessment, marking a key milestone towards its first flight.
The evaluation was conducted by independent experts from NASA, examining the project team’s approach to community safety and staff during ground testing and in-flight operations, as well as analyzing potential risks. The results of the assessment provided valuable insights and recommendations for the team as they prepare for the first flight of the jet, as reported by Space on May 31.
X-59 parked at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. (Photo: NASA/Steve Freeman)
Cathy Bahm, project manager for NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstrator, stated that team members will address the recommendations and work towards assessing flight safety and performance.
The X-59, built by Lockheed Martin, is a key component of NASA’s groundbreaking Quesst mission aimed at reducing the sonic boom associated with supersonic flight, which has been banned over land for more than 50 years. This ban is due to the vibrations and disruptive noise produced by aircraft when they exceed the speed of sound.
The X-59 is expected to generate a quieter sound, primarily due to its uniquely revolutionary shape. The aircraft features a long nose measuring 11.5 meters, accounting for more than one-third of its total length of 30 meters.
The flight readiness assessment is the first step in the flight certification process. The next step involves evaluating safety and flight capabilities, taking into consideration the project team’s response to the most recent assessment. Before the aircraft officially takes off, NASA authorities need to sign off on the flight permit. Meanwhile, the team will prepare for numerous ground tests, focusing on integrating systems and the effects of electromagnetic interference on the aircraft.
