A collaborative project between Lockheed Martin and NASA, the X-59 supersonic aircraft is due to make its maiden flight early next year. It reached a notable milestone at the beginning of November, by switching on its engine for the first time
It doesn’t fly yet, but its engine was finally able to roar. During the day of November 6, the American space agency provided news of the X-59, this supersonic aircraft project expected to make its first flight very soon. And for the first time, the experimental aircraft was able to engage its engine.
A satisfactory step for the team, although qualified by bad news. The schedule for the inaugural flight will not be kept, once again. Recently, there was talk of air tests in 2024. This will not happen. The update to NASA’s agenda now speaks of an attempt at the beginning of next year, without further details.
No matter: at least a new phase could be reached. The lighting campaign began on October 30, allowing staff “ to verify that the aircraft’s systems are functioning properly when powered by its own engine “. Previously, the X-59 needed to rely on external power sources.
An old project (it dates back to the mid-2010s), the X-59 does not particularly shine with its aerial performance. If it is capable of breaking the sound barrier and becoming supersonic, it must operate at Mach 1.4 (approximately 1,728 km/h). Its top speed doesn’t go much higher. A warplane like the Rafale can climb to Mach 1.8.
Pass the sound barrier discreetly
However, the particularity of the X-59 lies elsewhere: it must cross the sound barrier without producing the characteristic bang, thanks to a very unusual fuselage design. The plane is very long, with an extremely thin nose, which gives the impression of a metal spike piercing the air. A needle splitting the skies.
It would be an exaggeration to say that the X-59 will not produce any sound. The idea is above all to make it silent and inaudible to people on the ground. In previous descriptions, the expected volume of sound was described as a “dull” and “discreet” sound resembling a car door being slammed (normally).
When it is ready, the X-59 will notably have to fly over the United States at an altitude of 55,000 feet (around 16.7 km altitude), above the current heights observed by aircraft of line (40,000 feet). These tests will investigate how the sound of going supersonic is perceived from the ground.
