Aircraft
NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Demonstrator Gets Engine
First flight of NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic demonstration aircraft is expected early next year.
NASA’s X-59 supersonic research aircraft has had its single GE F414-GE-100 engine installed as the program progresses toward first flight early next year. The X-59 will be used to measure the acoustical impact of mitigated sonic boom technologies via community overflights, potentially paving the way for regulations that would allow supersonic overland flights. (Photo: NASA)
NASA’s X-59 supersonic research aircraft has had its single GE F414-GE-100 engine installed as the program progresses toward first flight early next year. The X-59 will be used to measure the acoustical impact of mitigated sonic boom technologies via community overflights, potentially paving the way for regulations that would allow supersonic overland flights. (Photo: NASA)

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has installed the single GE F414-GE-100 engine in NASA’s X-59 supersonic research aircraft ahead of anticipated first flight early next year. The engine is rated to 22,000 pounds of thrust and is expected to propel the X-59 to speeds up to Mach 1.4 at 55,000 feet. 


Loading…