NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft has taken its maiden voyage on October 28th, marking a pivotal moment for the Quesst mission. The one-of-a-kind quiet supersonic research aircraft soared into the skies from Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California at 11:14 a.m. EDT, setting off an era of hushed supersonic flight.
During its groundbreaking first flight, test pilot Nils Larson navigated the X-59 to an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet and reached speeds of around 230 mph - all within the planned specifications. Notably, the aircraft's landing gear remained deployed throughout the entire 67-minute flight, a common practice for experimental planes embarking on their maiden flights.
With this milestone achieved, the team now focuses on preparing for subsequent test flights that will push the X-59 to higher altitudes and supersonic speeds. This critical phase of the Quesst mission aims to guarantee the aircraft meets performance and safety standards set forth by NASA.
Ultimately, the Quesst mission seeks to revolutionize supersonic travel with the innovative design and cutting-edge technology of the X-59. The success of this maiden flight brings humanity closer to a new era of whisper-quiet supersonic flight, poised to redefine air travel forever.
During its groundbreaking first flight, test pilot Nils Larson navigated the X-59 to an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet and reached speeds of around 230 mph - all within the planned specifications. Notably, the aircraft's landing gear remained deployed throughout the entire 67-minute flight, a common practice for experimental planes embarking on their maiden flights.
With this milestone achieved, the team now focuses on preparing for subsequent test flights that will push the X-59 to higher altitudes and supersonic speeds. This critical phase of the Quesst mission aims to guarantee the aircraft meets performance and safety standards set forth by NASA.
Ultimately, the Quesst mission seeks to revolutionize supersonic travel with the innovative design and cutting-edge technology of the X-59. The success of this maiden flight brings humanity closer to a new era of whisper-quiet supersonic flight, poised to redefine air travel forever.
Like, can you even believe we're getting close to having super quiet planes that can actually fly fast without being too loud? It's all about the future of air travel, you know? I mean, think about it, if we could make supersonic flight less noisy and more efficient, it would be a game-changer. Just imagine flying from LA to NYC in like, 3 hours instead of 8 
. Anyway, NASA is killing it with this X-59 thingy, and I'm all for it 
. i mean, most experimental planes on their first flight usually have to land pretty quickly because it's all about getting data and testing systems. but these guys were able to keep everything up for almost an hour? that says a lot about their prep and the design of the x-59. now we gotta see how they push the limits further 
! Now, I'm not exactly sure when this all goes live, but I hope they can make it happen ASAP. I'm just excited to see what the future holds for air travel 
. The fact that they were able to keep the landing gear deployed during the entire flight is a huge win 
. Now, let's see how it performs at higher altitudes and speeds 
. Fingers crossed that we'll get to experience whisper-quiet supersonic flights soon! 
but if this tech actually works we might be able to fly from ny to la in under 3 hours without, like, hearing it 
! But let's be real, 230 mph is still pretty loud for my liking 
. I mean, I get what they're trying to do here – reduce sonic booms and all that jazz – but can't we aim a bit lower? Maybe a more realistic goal would be to reach 220-225 mph instead of 230? Just saying 
.
. Not that I'm not excited about the potential benefits, but it's all about balance, right? We don't want to trade in our peace and quiet for a hefty price tag 
.
anyway back to the plane itself, 230 mph is no joke, and that it stayed stable at 12k feet during the whole flight is a major win. can't wait to see what they do next 
. It's all sounds good and cool but have they thought about what happens when you land? Like, how do you slow down a plane that's moving that fast in such a short distance? And what's up with the landing gear being left deployed during the whole flight? That's a safety risk if I ever saw one... Just don't want to be on one of those planes just yet 
.
️, just imagine taking a flight from LA to NYC in like an hour 
, crazy!
I've been following this project for ages and it's finally happening! The idea of quiet supersonic flight is a GAME CHANGER for long-haul flights and we're one step closer to making that a reality 
. 230 mph is INSANE!! Did you see the video of that thing take off? 
NASA's Quesst mission is finally taking off (literally!) and it's going to change the game for supersonic travel!!! 
I mean, 230 mph? 
anyways, NASA's on a roll with this X-59 thingy and im lovin the innovation they're bringin to supersonic travel! 230 mph in a quiet plane? thats straight fire 
. now they just need to make this thing faster and more efficient. I mean, who wouldn't want to travel from NY to LA in like 3 hours not 6? 
it's like something straight outta sci-fi! 
I drew a quick diagram to visualize the flight: