NASA’s X-59 Supersonic Aircraft Ignites Engine for First Time, Poised for Takeoff
November 6, 2024
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its revolutionary X-59 supersonic aircraft. On November 6, 2024, at 18:08 EST, the aircraft’s engine roared to life for the first time, signaling a major step forward towards its maiden flight.
The X-59 is a cutting-edge research plane designed to pave the way for a new era of commercial supersonic travel. It incorporates advanced technologies that aim to reduce the deafening sonic boom typically associated with supersonic flight, making it quieter and more environmentally friendly.
The engine ignition marks a crucial moment in the aircraft’s development process. The single General Electric F414-400 engine, which produces up to 22,000 pounds of thrust, will power the X-59 through its supersonic testing phase.
The ignition test was conducted at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. Engineers and technicians meticulously monitored the engine’s performance, ensuring that all systems were functioning as expected. The engine ignition itself lasted for several minutes, allowing the team to gather valuable data on its operation and performance.
“This is a historic moment for the X-59 project,” said Ben Falcione, NASA’s X-59 project manager. “Ignition of the engine is a major milestone that brings us closer to flight.”
The next step in the X-59’s development will be a series of ground tests to further evaluate its systems and readiness for flight. Following these tests, the aircraft will be transferred to NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia for final preparations and flight testing.
The X-59’s flight testing is scheduled to begin in 2025. The aircraft will undergo a comprehensive flight test program aimed at demonstrating its advanced technologies and evaluating its supersonic performance. The data gathered during these tests will be crucial in shaping the future of commercial supersonic travel.
The X-59 program is a collaborative effort between NASA, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. Its success will not only contribute to the development of quieter supersonic aircraft but also pave the way for new transportation technologies and revolutionize air travel in the coming decades.
El X-59 enciende su motor por primera vez rumbo al despegue
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NASA a new article on 2024-11-06 18:08 titled “El X-59 enciende su motor por primera vez rumbo al despegue”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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