NASA Aims To Fly F-15 Jets Through Supersonic Shockwaves From The X-59

To prepare for the reintroduction of commercial supersonic travel, NASA is preparing for a historic test. Under development since 2016, the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft aims to do away with the disruptive sonic booms that caused the United States to outlaw civilian supersonic travel in 1974. Rather, the X-59 is supposed to provide a soft “sonic thump,” similar to the sound of a car door shutting.

To validate its innovative design, NASA plans to mount advanced shock-sensing probes on F-15B jets. These cone-shaped probes, equipped with five precision pressure ports, will measure air disturbances caused by the X-59’s supersonic flight. Mike Frederick, NASA’s principal investigator, explained that the probes capture static pressure changes and airflow characteristics to understand the aircraft’s shockwave dynamics.

Initially, the probes will be tested by one F-15 pursuing another during supersonic flight, simulating the X-59’s behavior. Eventually, the jets will “follow-the-leader” with the X-59 itself, capturing data to compare with computer simulations. This information is crucial for refining the X-59’s design to ensure minimal ground-level noise.

Improvements in probe design have enhanced data accuracy. In the latest version, transducers measuring air pressure are positioned just 5 inches (12.7 cm) from the ports, reducing delays and distortions. Additionally, built-in heating systems stabilize the equipment during high-altitude flights.

While the Lockheed Martin-built X-59’s first flight date remains unannounced, milestones such as its public unveiling earlier this year and initial engine tests last month indicate significant progress.

If successful, NASA’s efforts could revolutionize air travel, offering quieter, faster flights while overcoming long-standing regulatory barriers. The X-59 represents a giant leap toward a future where supersonic travel becomes a practical, eco-friendly, and noise-conscious reality.