NASA’s X-59 Supersonic Jet Engine Roars to Life Ahead of Flight Tests
November 6, 2024
Mojave, California – NASA has successfully ignited the GE Aviation Affinity engine that will power the agency’s experimental X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft, marking a significant milestone ahead of flight testing.
The engine start took place at GE Aviation’s facility in Peebles, Ohio, on November 5, 2024. The engine ran for approximately 30 minutes, reaching full power and demonstrating stability.
“This is a major step forward for the X-59 program,” said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. “The successful engine start is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the NASA and GE Aviation teams.”
The X-59 is designed to fly at speeds of Mach 1.42 (about 1,050 mph) without producing a sonic boom that can be heard on the ground. This will allow future supersonic passenger planes to travel over land without disturbing people below.
The X-59’s engine is a key part of the aircraft’s revolutionary design. The engine features a number of innovative technologies, including a variable-cycle fan that can adjust its shape to reduce noise.
“The Affinity engine is a game-changer for supersonic flight,” said David Tweedie, general manager of GE Aviation’s Advanced Programs. “It will enable the X-59 to fly supersonic without the loud sonic boom that has traditionally been associated with this type of aircraft.”
The X-59 is scheduled to begin flight testing in 2025. The aircraft will be based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
NASA’s goal is to use the X-59 to demonstrate the feasibility of quiet supersonic flight and to help pave the way for the development of a new generation of supersonic passenger planes.
X-59’s Engine Started for Testing
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
NASA a new article on 2024-11-06 19:36 titled “X-59’s Engine Started for Testing”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
32