NASA Achieves Historic First Flight with X-59 Supersonic Aircraft
Yesterday, on October 28, 2025, at 11:14 a.m. EDT, the world witnessed history unfold as the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took to the skies for its maiden voyage from Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California.
The groundbreaking flight lasted an impressive 67 minutes before touching down and taxiing to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Under the skilled hands of test pilot Nils Larson, the X-59 soared to an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet at a top speed of around 230 miles per hour - a feat that aligned with every carefully planned detail.
Notably, the plane's landing gear remained stowed throughout the entire flight, a common practice for experimental aircraft on their inaugural flights. This success marked a crucial milestone in NASA's Quesst mission, which is dedicated to paving the way for quiet supersonic flight through innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
The next phase of testing will focus on pushing the X-59 to even greater heights - literally and speed-wise - with a series of upcoming test flights at higher altitudes and supersonic speeds. This rigorous process is aimed at ensuring that the aircraft meets NASA's stringent performance and safety expectations.
By virtue of this milestone, NASA is poised to usher in an era of hushed-but-firm supersonic flight, one that promises to redefine the future of air travel while minimizing sonic disruptions.
Yesterday, on October 28, 2025, at 11:14 a.m. EDT, the world witnessed history unfold as the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took to the skies for its maiden voyage from Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California.
The groundbreaking flight lasted an impressive 67 minutes before touching down and taxiing to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Under the skilled hands of test pilot Nils Larson, the X-59 soared to an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet at a top speed of around 230 miles per hour - a feat that aligned with every carefully planned detail.
Notably, the plane's landing gear remained stowed throughout the entire flight, a common practice for experimental aircraft on their inaugural flights. This success marked a crucial milestone in NASA's Quesst mission, which is dedicated to paving the way for quiet supersonic flight through innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
The next phase of testing will focus on pushing the X-59 to even greater heights - literally and speed-wise - with a series of upcoming test flights at higher altitudes and supersonic speeds. This rigorous process is aimed at ensuring that the aircraft meets NASA's stringent performance and safety expectations.
By virtue of this milestone, NASA is poised to usher in an era of hushed-but-firm supersonic flight, one that promises to redefine the future of air travel while minimizing sonic disruptions.