NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Jet Poised for Historic First Flight
"What comes next is the first time this one-of-a-kind aircraft will fly supersonic." – Cathy Bahm, NASA Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Project Manager
WASHINGTON, D.C. – NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft is preparing to enter a critical new phase of flight testing, setting the stage for its first supersonic flight in early June 2026. The aircraft, central to the agency’s Quesst mission, has already completed 14 successful flights since March, demonstrating steady progress in its envelope expansion campaign.
Flight History and Current Status
Since its latest testing block began, the X-59 has achieved several key milestones, including its first landing gear retraction and dual-flight days. To date, the aircraft has reached:
- Altitude: Up to 43,000 feet
- Speed: Up to Mach 0.95 (approximately 627 mph)
These flights not only deepen our confidence in the X-59’s performance – they mark our progression toward the future phases of the mission, Bahm added.
Upcoming Supersonic Milestones
The next sequence of tests will dramatically expand the aircraft’s operational envelope. The schedule includes:
- First Supersonic Flight: Expected in early June 2026, the X-59 will exceed Mach 1 (over 630 mph) for the first time at approximately 43,000 feet.
- Mission-Conditions Flight: Shortly after, the aircraft will ascend to 55,000 feet and accelerate to Mach 1.4 (925 mph) .
- Maximum Performance: Later in the testing block, the X-59 is expected to reach its ultimate design limits of Mach 1.6 (1,218 mph) and 60,000 feet altitude.
Testing Protocol and Design Purpose
While the X-59 is specifically designed to replace the loud sonic boom with a quiet sonic "thump," these initial supersonic tests will not yet demonstrate that capability.
During this block of flights, the aircraft will be accompanied by a traditional supersonic chase plane for safety and observation. In a parallel effort, the team will deploy a shock-sensing probe mounted on an F-15 aircraft to precisely measure the X-59’s shock waves as it breaks the sound barrier.
Looking Ahead: The Quesst Mission
These upcoming flights represent the final major efforts of Phase 1 of the Quesst mission, which is focused entirely on proving the aircraft’s airworthiness.
Phase 2 is scheduled to begin later in 2026. This subsequent phase will focus on measuring and verifying the X-59’s quiet supersonic signature, marking the true test of the aircraft’s revolutionary design.