NASA's X-59 aircraft reached 1,625 kilometers per hour

NASA's X-59 aircraft reached a speed of 1,625 kilometers per hour

According to NASA, the X-59 aircraft took off twice a day on September 22, 24, and 25. With this, the number of flights in one week exceeded the previous record by two.

Following this series, the total number of test flights of the aircraft reached 38.

Intensive testing is being conducted as part of a program to gradually expand the flight capabilities of the X-59. Experts are checking how the aircraft performs at various speeds, altitudes, and maneuvers. The test conditions are being brought closer to the regimes in which the apparatus is planned to operate in the future.

During one of the flights, the X-59 reached Mach 1.53 — approximately 1,625 kilometers per hour. This is the highest speed recorded for the aircraft so far. The result is even higher than its cruising speed of Mach 1.4, which is intended for its regular flights.

The X-59 is being tested as part of NASA's Quesst mission. The goal of the project is to demonstrate technology that turns the loud sonic boom generated during supersonic flight into a much softer sound.

In the next stages, how people react to the aircraft's flights over populated areas will be studied. The collected data will be provided for use in establishing noise standards for commercial supersonic flights over land.

After a week rich in tests, the X-59 was sent for scheduled maintenance. This process is expected to take about three weeks.

After the maintenance is completed, specialists will conduct another check of the aircraft's systems. Following this, the team plans to resume flights and continue the intensive testing program.