NASA’s X-59 Aircraft Flies Supersonic for First Time
- NASA’s experimental X-59 flew supersonic for the first time on June 5, 2026, reaching about Mach 1.1 (713 mph) and 43,400 ft during an 81‑minute test from Edwards Air Force Base. - Test pilot Jim “Clue” Less conducted the flight focused on flying qualities across subsonic and supersonic regimes, monitored by an F‑15 chase plane. - NASA plans a near-term “mission conditions” flight at Mach 1.4 (~925 mph) and ~55,000 ft to gather community perception data of the X-59’s quiet “thump.” - The X-59 supports the Quesst mission to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and inform noise standards for future commercial overland supersonic travel.
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