NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft successfully completed its first maximum afterburner engine test on December 12 at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. This critical ground test demonstrated the F414-GE-100 engine’s capability to generate additional thrust necessary for the aircraft to meet its supersonic speed requirements. It validated the engine’s performance within temperature limits and ensured it could operate effectively alongside the aircraft’s other subsystems. The X-59 is central to NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to address the noise barriers associated with supersonic flight over land by significantly reducing the intensity of sonic booms. The successful afterburner test represents an important milestone as the team moves toward preparing the X-59 for its inaugural flight, anticipated in 2025. The advancements made with the X-59 are expected to pave the way for quieter supersonic travel, potentially revolutionizing the aviation industry while balancing flight speed with environmental considerations.
