NASA has achieved a significant milestone in its quest to revolutionize supersonic air travel. The agency recently completed the first full burn test for the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft, with a step toward full flight testing.
The flight was conducted on December 12 at NASA’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. The X-59 aims to eliminate one of the most significant barriers to supersonic travel: the disruptive sonic boom. By reducing this phenomenon to a gentler “sonic thump,” the project seeks to enable supersonic flights over populated areas—a feat that has eluded aviation since the Concorde’s retirement.
The recent burn test focused on the X-59’s F414-GE-100 engine, equipped with an afterburner essential for reaching supersonic speeds. NASA confirmed the engine operated within expected temperature limits and delivered the required performance parameters, including airflow consistency and subsystem synchronization. These results validate the engineering team’s expectations and signal the aircraft’s readiness for future stages of testing.
The X-59’s engine produces 22,000 pounds of thrust, propelling the aircraft to Mach 1.4 at an altitude of 55,000 feet. The engine placement—a nacelle atop the aircraft—mirrors the configuration of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10’s third engine and serves to minimize noise during supersonic flight.
This full burn test follows an earlier engine run-up conducted in October 2023, which focused on low-speed operations to identify potential leaks or mechanical issues. Both tests represent critical milestones in the X-59’s development, demonstrating steady progress despite delays since NASA’s public unveiling of the project in 2023.
Looking ahead, the X-59 is set to undergo an extensive testing phase leading up to its first flights in 2025. Following the current engine evaluations, the team will conduct “aluminum bird” tests, simulating various operational conditions, including failure scenarios. These will be followed by ground taxi tests, during which the X-59 will move under its own power for the first time.
The insights gained from these tests will inform the design’s ability to mitigate sonic booms and refine its performance capabilities. Importantly, the data collected will contribute to regulatory discussions on lifting current bans on supersonic flights over the continental United States.
