X-59 starts engine for the first time

[Zaphod58]

I am greatly disturbed by the length label reading "99'7 IN." rather than "99 FT. 7 IN."

Once you see it, you can't unsee it.

It’s just a demonstrator so it’s pretty small.

[Sirius]

Noise abatement. They’re trying to reduce all the noise they possibly can.

Now I might not be an engineer, but if I had to point to the source of the noise it would be the giant jet engine on the back


It's looks very sick, will be keeping my eyes out for the X-59.

[Zaphod58]

Now I might not be an engineer, but if I had to point to the source of the noise it would be the giant jet engine on the back


It's looks very sick, will be keeping my eyes out for the X-59.

Putting it on top shields some of the noise better than having it embedded in the fuselage. It reduces the engine noise on the ground, which further quiets things.

[Tecate]

Ok, pretty much what I thought.

Very cool.

Thanks Zaphod.

Tecate

[Zaphod58]

Engine runs are ongoing, and going well according to word from Lockheed. We'll probably see first flight in the first quarter of 2025 if all goes well.

[Zaphod58]

The maximum afterburner engine run has been completed.

[Zaphod58]

New pictures of the X-59 doing afterburner tests. 

[ARM1968]

Stunning!

And in a Monty Python tradition, it's only wafer-thin! 

 

Where does she come from, Nose City?

[Mantiss2021]

Beautiful bird.

Reminds me of the (very) old X-3 Stiletto.

[Zaphod58]

Lockheed announced that simulated flight testing is complete, and taxi testing is up next.