ABOVE: the X-59 has so far reached transonic speeds
The innovative X-59 supersonic testbed recently returned to the skies after a comprehensive round of maintenance and software upgrades following its first flight. It has now officially entered the aircraft’s envelope expansion campaign, where it will be flying higher, faster and farther at a rapid pace.
Thus far, this highly advanced aircraft has completed nine flights over ten hours, during the course of which it reached a maximum altitude of 43,000ft and a top speed of Mach 0.95. The longest flight was 1.7 hours.
By successfully completing the jet’s envelope expansion flights, the programme moves closer to delivering a scientifically validated low-boom specification that regulators can use to certify future supersonic operations over populated areas, eventually leading to the return of supersonic commercial air travel.
PHOTO: NASA
