{"id":390557,"date":"2026-03-21T09:27:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T23:27:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=976213"},"modified":"2026-03-21T09:27:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T23:27:18","slug":"nasas-x-59-experimental-supersonic-aircraft-makes-second-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=390557","title":{"rendered":"NASA\u2019s\u00a0X-59 Experimental Supersonic Aircraft Makes Second Flight\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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NASA\u2019s quiet supersonic X-59 aircraft flew its second flight on March 20, 2026, near NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Jim Ross<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NASA’s quiet supersonic X-59 aircraft made its second flight on Friday, kicking off a series of dozens of test flights in 2026. <\/p>\n

Although the flight duration was abbreviated due to a technical issue, the team was able to collect information that will inform future tests. <\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the early landing, this is a good day for the team. We collected more data, and the pilot landed safely,\u201d said Cathy Bahm, project manager for NASA\u2019s Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Edwards, California. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to getting back to flight as soon as possible.\u201d  <\/p>\n

The aircraft took off at 10:54 a.m. PDT from Edwards Air Force Base, near NASA Armstrong. Several minutes into the flight, pilot Jim \u201cClue\u201d Less saw a vehicle system warning in the aircraft\u2019s cockpit. Following flight procedures, the aircraft landed at 11:03 a.m. after a return-to-base was called. <\/p>\n

\u201cAs we like to say, it was just like the simulator \u2013 and that\u2019s what we like to hear,\u201d Less said. \u201cThis is just the beginning of a long flight campaign.\u201d <\/p>\n

The X-59 is designed to fly supersonic \u2013 or faster than the speed of sound \u2013 while generating only a quiet thump instead of a loud sonic boom. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA\u2019s Quesst mission, which is working to make commercial supersonic flight over land a reality. <\/p>\n

The aircraft is set to accelerate testing in 2026, demonstrating performance and airworthiness during a process known as envelope expansion, where it will gradually fly faster and higher, on its way to supersonic speeds.  <\/p>\n

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