NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described flight-test progress on the X-59 quiet-supersonic aircraft as “extremely encouraging” during an on-stage appearance at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. Built by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works under NASA’s Quesst programme, the aircraft has entered higher-altitude and higher-speed testing aimed at supporting future commercial supersonic operations over land.
Isaacman discussed the X-59 with former Space Shuttle Commander Charlie Precourt on 20 October, as NASA presented the programme within wider efforts to accelerate testing and restore work on high-altitude, high-speed flight. The NBAA-BACE convention runs through 22 October.
NASA’s campaign is intended to establish whether the X-59 can replace the disruptive sonic boom with a quieter sonic “thump”. The agency plans to combine acoustic measurements with public-response surveys during future community overflights, providing data for US and international regulators considering noise limits for supersonic flight over land.
The aircraft had completed 38 flights by 16 October. A recent six-flight week included a new top speed of Mach 1.53, while subsequent maintenance inspections found no engine damage or foreign-object debris. NASA has not disclosed new measured noise levels, specific results from the latest testing or a timetable for public overflights. Any future regulatory change could affect commercial supersonic routes and the design and operating profiles of next-generation supersonic business aircraft.