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NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft Nears First Flight

The X-59's first flight is a major milestone in the QueSST mission. It could pave the way for quieter supersonic travel over land.

In this image there are few flights on the runway, there are few poles and cables and some clouds...
In this image there are few flights on the runway, there are few poles and cables and some clouds in the sky.

NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft Nears First Flight

NASA's X-59 aircraft, the centerpiece of the Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) mission, is nearing its first flight. The initial test series is planned at Armstrong Flight Research Center, with Edwards Air Force Base serving as the takeoff and landing site.

The X-59, designed for quiet supersonic flight, will reach speeds of approximately 240 mph and an altitude of about 12,000 feet during its debut flight. This first flight is a crucial step in proving the aircraft's airworthiness and gathering data to inform U.S. and international regulators about new noise standards for supersonic commercial flight over land.

Before the flight, final ground tests, including medium- and high-speed taxi tests, are set to begin at Palmdale. The X-59 will then depart from there and land at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

The first flight test series of NASA's X-59 aircraft marks a significant milestone in the QueSST mission. Successful completion of these tests will pave the way for new noise standards, potentially opening the door for quieter supersonic commercial flight over land.

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