Integrated Aviation Systems Program

Ames Research Center

Langley Research Center

Quesst (X-59)

Quesst: The Vehicle

NASA X-59’s Latest Testing Milestone: Simulating Flight from the Ground

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft successfully completed a critical series of tests in which the airplane was put through its paces for cruising high above the California desert – all without ever leaving the ground. “The idea behind these tests is to command the airplane’s subsystems and flight computer to function as if it […]

Posted May 16, 2025

Aeronautics

Sustainable Flight Demonstrator

NASA, Boeing, Consider New Thin-Wing Aircraft Research Focus

NASA and Boeing are currently evaluating an updated approach to the agency’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project that would focus on demonstrating thin-wing technology with broad applications for multiple aircraft configurations.

Posted April 24, 2025

Aeronautics

Quesst (X-59)

NASA Runs X-59 Engine with Maximum Afterburner for First Time

NASA completed the first maximum afterburner engine run test on its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft on Dec. 12. The ground test, conducted at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, marks a significant milestone as the X-59 team progresses toward flight.

Posted December 20, 2024

Advanced Air Vehicles Program

Aeronautics

Quesst (X-59)

NASA to Test Technology for X-59’s Unique Shock Wave Measurements

NASA will soon test advancements made on a key tool for measuring the unique “sonic thumps” that its quiet supersonic X-59 research aircraft will make while flying. A shock-sensing probe is a cone-shaped air data probe developed with specific features to capture the unique shock waves the X-59 will produce.

Posted December 6, 2024

Aeronautics

Electrified Powertrain Flight Demo

Research Plane Dons New Colors for NASA Hybrid Electric Flight Tests

Parked under the lights inside a hangar in Seattle, a hybrid electric research aircraft from electric motor manufacturer magniX showed off a new look symbolizing its journey toward helping NASA make sustainable aviation a reality. During a special unveiling ceremony hosted by magniX on Aug.

Posted September 4, 2024

Aeronautics

Electrified Powertrain Flight Demo

NASA, MagniX Altitude Tests Lay Groundwork for Hybrid Electric Planes

At a simulated 27,500 feet inside an altitude chamber at NASA’s Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility, engineers at magniX recently demonstrated the capabilities of a battery-powered engine that could help turn hybrid electric flight into a reality. This milestone, completed in April 2024, marks the end of the first phase in a series of altit

Posted June 18, 2024

Aeronautics

Ames Research Center

Langley Research Center

Quesst (X-59)

Quesst: The Flights

Quesst: The Vehicle

NASA’s X-59 Passes Milestone Toward Safe First Flight

NASA has taken the next step toward verifying the airworthiness for its quiet supersonic X-59 aircraft with the completion of a milestone review that will allow it to progress toward flight. A Flight Readiness Review board composed of independent experts from across NASA has completed a study of the X-59 project team’s approach to safety […]

Posted May 15, 2024

Aeronautics

Sustainable Flight Demonstrator

New Look at NASA, Boeing Sustainable Experimental Airliner

As NASA and Boeing enter the early stages of producing the X-66, the first X-plane specifically focused on helping the United States achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, the team is already picturing what the aircraft will look like soaring above the clouds. A new rendering of the X-66 from Boeing demonstrates the aircraft’s signature […]

Posted March 7, 2024

Aeronautics

Ames Research Center

Langley Research Center

NASA Aircraft

Quesst (X-59)

Quesst: The Vehicle