NASA's X-59 completes 25 flights, moves toward acoustic supersonic testing

NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic experimental aircraft has completed 25 test flights, wrapping up the first phase of flight testing and moving toward acoustic evaluation at supersonic speeds.

The 25th flight took off from NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on August 21. The 72-minute sortie climbed to Mach 1.2 and 49,000 feet. A chase plane accompanied the X-59, its own sonic booms masking any noise from the test aircraft.

NASA said the X-59's real-world flight characteristics have closely matched simulations, with agreement across flying qualities, stability margin, and flight loads. No unexpected instability or excessive vibration was observed. A real-time digital twin compares live flight data against simulated predictions.

Cathy Bahm, project manager for NASA's Low Boom Flight Demonstrator project, said the flights have validated models and predictions and strengthened confidence in the aircraft's performance. The team is now preparing for the next phase, which will demonstrate the X-59's quiet supersonic technology.