NASA and JAXA Successfully Test X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft

Experts from NASA and Japan’s space agency JAXA have successfully completed key tests of a full-scale model of the experimental X-59 aircraft. These tests were conducted in JAXA’s high-speed wind tunnel located in the city of Chofu.

The main purpose of the tests was to measure the noise level generated by the aircraft, which is crucial for evaluating its impact on people on the ground.

The X-59 is specially designed for high-speed flight without creating loud sonic booms. For the tests, a model at 1.62% of the aircraft’s original size was used, and it was subjected to airflow simulating speeds of Mach 1.4 (approximately 1488 km/h or 925 mph).

Currently, the X-59 is undergoing the final phase of ground testing in Palmdale, California, USA.