30.05.2026

NASA’s X‑59 quiet supersonic research aircraft is entering one of its most important testing phases yet. The X‑plane is preparing for a new block of flights that will include its first time exceeding the speed of sound, along with several other mission‑critical objectives.

After months of initial flights, the X‑59 team has reviewed their progress and is now focused on the next series of tests, which will push the aircraft to higher altitudes and faster speeds. These flights will show engineers how the X‑59 performs under the operational conditions required for NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to gather data on quiet supersonic flight.

The team expects the X-59 to fly supersonic—over 630 mph—for the first time at approximately 43,000 feet altitude during a series of test flights in early June, a major milestone for the aircraft. While the X-59 is designed to fly at supersonic speeds without producing a loud sonic boom, these early flights are not yet intended to demonstrate its quiet supersonic capabilities. The X-59 will be accompanied by a traditional supersonic chase plane, so any quiet thump it produces in the current phase of testing will be obscured by louder, traditional sonic booms from the chase. 

Quelle: NASA