NASA’s Quiet Supersonic X-59 Jet Conducts First Taxi Test in California | Aviation International News

NASA’s Quiet Supersonic Jet Completes First Taxi Tests

Low-speed taxi validates steering and braking systems

NASA X-59 supersonic research aircraft performs first taxi tests in California, July 2025 — © NASA | Carla Thomas

By Amy Wilder • Writer

July 18, 2025

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft completed its first taxi test on July 10, the initial movement of the experimental jet under its own power. The test took place at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, and signals the start of the final phase of ground testing before first flight.

Conducted by NASA and Lockheed Martin personnel, the low-speed taxi test was led by NASA test pilot Nils Larson. The team monitored the X-59’s steering, braking, and stability as it moved across the runway to validate system performance and ground-handling behavior. Over the coming weeks, the aircraft will continue taxi testing at gradually increasing speeds, culminating in a high-speed run that will take the X-59 to the verge of liftoff.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Embraer Delivers First Praetor 600E Ahead of Schedule

Launch customer Flexjet accepts first of the upgraded super-midsize jets

Embraer Praetor 600E in flight

Aura Aero Flies Former VoltAero Aircraft As Testbed

Aura Aero makes first flight of hybrid-electric testbed since acquiring assets

Modified Cessna 337 Skymaster over coast r

ACJ: Strong Large-aircraft Market Growth Ahead in Asia

Research finds most financiers and brokers in Asia see market demand increasing

Airbus Corporate Jets ACJTwoTwenty

Britten-Norman Targets Eight New-build Islanders Annually

UK production expansion follows inaugural flight of latest Bembridge-built unit

Britten-Norman Islander

Bizjet Market Value To Reach $60B per Year in Next Decade

Market estimated to grow from $27 billion in 2025 to more than $60.5 billion

Phenom 100

Atlas Will Build Electra’s EL9 Hybrid-electric Prototypes

Wichita-based aerospace manufacturing group has partnered with the U.S. start-up

Electra EL9 aircraft

Honda Aircraft Finishes Echelon Wing, Delays 1st Flight

Final assembly of the first jet will take place early next year

Honda Aircraft team and the Echelon wing

Cape Air To Add Eight Caravans for Montana Service

Will introduce aircraft in 2027 to the Montana network

Textron Aviation Cessna Grand Caravan EX