NASA’s X-59 Flight-test Program Now Gaining Momentum | Aviation International News

NASA’s X-59 Flight-test Program Now Gaining Momentum

Aircraft is prepping for fifth flight test

NASA X-59 supersonic demonstrator in flight — After a shortened second flight, NASA’s X-59 supersonic demonstrator has begun a series of flight tests and envelope expansion flights over the Mojave Desert near Edwards, California.

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

April 2, 2026

NASA’s flight-test program for its X-59 supersonic demonstrator has begun to pick up steam, now prepping for a fifth flight this week that will reach altitudes up to 32,000 feet and speeds of up to 275 keas. The momentum follows a March 20 second flight of the Mach 1.4 aircraft that lasted just nine minutes, cut short after a vehicle system warning light illuminated.

Agency officials said they determined the warning indicator light ultimately was a false positive, adding, “A post-flight investigation found the indicator’s instrumentation was incorrectly installed, creating a false positive of a problem. The team resolved the issue prior to the X-59’s third flight.”

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