NASA’s X-59 Completes Electromagnetic Testing: A Step Closer to Quieter Supersonic Flight
For Immediate Release: 2025-02-25 22:48 EST
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California – NASA’s X-59, the experimental supersonic aircraft designed to significantly reduce the sonic boom to a gentle “thump,” has successfully completed comprehensive electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing. This critical milestone brings the X-59 closer to its anticipated first flight and paves the way for future community overflights aimed at gathering public feedback on the aircraft’s unique low-boom signature.
The X-59, a key component of NASA’s Quesst mission, aims to break down the barriers that have restricted commercial supersonic flight over land for decades. The current restriction stems from the disruptive sonic booms produced by traditional supersonic aircraft. By carefully shaping the X-59, NASA engineers are confident in reducing the sonic boom to a softer sonic “thump,” potentially opening up new possibilities for faster air travel.
Electromagnetic Testing: Ensuring a Smooth and Safe Flight
The recently completed EMI/EMC testing is crucial for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the X-59. This series of rigorous tests evaluated the aircraft’s electrical systems to ensure they operate correctly in the presence of electromagnetic interference. The tests covered a wide range of scenarios, including:
- Emissions Testing: Measuring the electromagnetic energy emitted by the X-59’s various systems (avionics, engines, flight controls) to ensure they do not interfere with other onboard equipment or external communication systems.
- Susceptibility Testing: Assessing the aircraft’s ability to withstand external electromagnetic fields, such as those generated by radar systems, communication towers, and other aircraft, without experiencing malfunctions or performance degradation.
- Lightning Strike Simulation: Simulating the effects of a lightning strike on the X-59 to ensure its systems can withstand the surge of electricity and maintain functionality.
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Testing: Evaluating the aircraft’s sensitivity to ESD events, which can occur when a charged object, such as a human body, comes into contact with the aircraft.
“Electromagnetic compatibility is paramount for any aircraft, especially one as technologically advanced as the X-59,” said Dr. Emily Carter, lead engineer for the X-59’s EMI/EMC testing program at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, where the aircraft is being built. “These tests confirm that the X-59’s systems are shielded from electromagnetic interference and that the aircraft itself does not generate excessive electromagnetic radiation that could interfere with other technologies.”
The testing was conducted at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California, using specialized facilities and equipment. The results of the testing were thoroughly analyzed and documented to ensure compliance with stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and industry standards.
Next Steps: First Flight and Community Overflights
With the successful completion of EMI/EMC testing, the X-59 is now one step closer to its highly anticipated first flight, currently scheduled for late Spring 2025. Following initial flight testing, NASA plans to conduct a series of community overflights in select areas of the United States. These overflights will allow residents to experience the X-59’s low-boom signature firsthand and provide valuable feedback to NASA.
The data collected during the community overflights will be crucial in shaping future regulations regarding supersonic flight over land. NASA will share this data with the FAA and international regulatory bodies, ultimately aiming to enable the development and certification of future generations of quiet supersonic aircraft.
“The X-59 is more than just an experimental aircraft; it’s a potential game-changer for the aviation industry,” stated Peter Coen, NASA’s Quesst mission manager. “By demonstrating the feasibility of low-boom supersonic flight, we can unlock new opportunities for faster and more efficient air travel, while minimizing the impact on communities below.”
About the Quesst Mission:
NASA’s Quesst mission is a multi-faceted program aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of low-boom supersonic flight and informing regulatory decisions for future commercial supersonic aircraft. The X-59, designed and built by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, is the centerpiece of the Quesst mission. By flying the X-59 over communities and collecting public feedback, NASA hopes to usher in a new era of quiet supersonic flight over land.
Contact:
NASA Public Affairs Office
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0001
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NASA’s X-59 Completes Electromagnetic Testing
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