NASA’s quiet supersonic research aircraft, the X-59 aircraft, has completed an essential round of testing without ever leaving the ground
These evaluations mark a key milestone in the agency’s efforts to bring back supersonic flight over land while eliminating the disruptive sonic booms traditionally associated with it.
Simulating flight from the ground
As part of NASA’s Quesst mission, the X-59 aircraft underwent ground-based simulation tests designed to mimic real flight conditions. These simulations were conducted at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California in partnership with Lockheed Martin.
Engineers activated most of the aircraft’s systems during these tests, except for the engine. The goal was to simulate real-world flying conditions using ground computers that fed the X-59’s systems with electronic signals. These signals represented changes in speed, altitude, and environmental conditions.
While the aircraft remained firmly on the ground, pilots inside the cockpit operated the controls as if in the sky. The aircraft’s computer systems responded by moving control surfaces like rudders, just as they would in flight.
System stress tests and failure simulations
A key part of this testing involved assessing how the aircraft’s systems would handle unexpected issues.
Engineers introduced simulated system failures to evaluate the X-59’s ability to adapt and recover. These scenarios ensured the onboard software and flight systems could respond safely and effectively, providing valuable insight into how the aircraft might perform under stress.
Unlike traditional flight crew simulations, this process was not meant to surprise the pilots. Instead, pilots were aware of the test conditions and participated in planning them, helping engineers focus closely on how systems responded to specific challenges.
The “Aluminum Bird” approach
In typical aircraft development programs, engineers build a separate testbed, an “iron bird,” a metal frame outfitted with copies of the aircraft’s key systems. This allows testing without using the actual plane.
However, since the X-59 aircraft is a unique, one-of-a-kind aircraft, NASA chose a different approach. Engineers used the aircraft as the test platform, a method called “aluminium bird” testing, referring to the X-59’s aluminium construction. This decision saved costs and provided more accurate test results since all tests were conducted on the actual systems that will be used in flight.
Next steps: Taxi tests and first flight
With ground simulations complete, the next phase in the X-59’s journey will be taxi tests. These involve low-speed movements along airport taxiways to verify the aircraft’s steering, braking, and ground handling. These tests will occur at the Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, where the X-59 was built.
Once taxi tests are complete, the aircraft will be ready for its highly anticipated first flight.
Recent milestones achieved
In addition to the latest simulations, the X-59 aircraft program has already completed several important milestones:
- A Flight Readiness Review evaluating the team’s approach to safety.
- Structural integrity tests to ensure the aircraft can withstand vibrations.
- Successful engine tests, including operation with full afterburner.
- Electromagnetic compatibility testing of wiring and systems.
- Validation of the aircraft’s ability to maintain steady cruising speeds.
These achievements bring NASA closer to its goal of revolutionising commercial air travel with quiet, supersonic flight. The X-59 aircraft is expected to demonstrate that sonic booms can be softened into thumps.
