NASA ’s groundbreaking supersonic research aircraft, the X-59, has successfully completed electromagnetic interference testing , paving the way for its long-awaited first flight. Conducted at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, the tests ensure that all of the aircraft’s electronic systems can operate safely without causing interference with each other.
The X-59 tests
The engineering team put the X-59 through a series of tests to verify the compatibility of its radios, sensors and navigation equipment. Electromagnetic interference can seriously affect the safety of an aircraft by disrupting essential electronic signals, so this process is a key step in the flight certification of the aircraft.
“Reaching this stage shows that aircraft integration is moving forward,” said Yohan Lin, NASA’s X-59 avionics manager. “It’s exciting to see the progress, knowing that we’ve overcome a major hurdle that brings us closer to first flight of the X-59.”
explained Yohan Lin, head of X-59 avionics at NASA.
Interaction with other aircraft
Another key aspect of these tests was evaluating the X-59’s compatibility with other aircraft . To do this, researchers positioned a NASA F-15D research aircraft at different distances from the X-59, simulating close flight conditions. This procedure made it possible to analyze how their electronic systems interact and verify that no interference occurs when they operate together in the air.
During these tests, the X-59 ‘s engine was fired while the F-15D activated its radar, C-band radar transponder, and radios. The data collected was sent to NASA’s Mobile Operations Facility, where engineers monitored for any potential anomalies.
Next steps before takeoff
With electromagnetic tests passed, the aircraft is now moving on to the “aluminium bird” testing phase, where data transmission will be evaluated under normal conditions and in failure scenarios. Taxiing tests will then be carried out before the maiden flight.
The X-59 is part of NASA’s Quest mission, which aims to demonstrate that sonic booms can be reduced to a rumble, thereby eliminating current restrictions on supersonic flight over land. If successful, the X-59 could pave the way for a new era of faster, more efficient commercial air travel.
Follow us on social media and don’t miss any of our posts!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok
Source and photo: NASA
