X-59 Engine Roars, Lockheed Martin Starts Last Major Ground Test
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in collaboration with NASA Aeronautics, has initiated X-59 engine run testing, marking the final major system evaluation before taxi tests and first flight. This milestone represents the first time the X-59 operates on full internal power, focusing on verifying inlet and nozzle performance, structural interfaces, and engine control algorithms. The testing phase will include evaluations for electromagnetic interference, simulated in-flight failure modes, and emergency power system validation, followed by low-speed and high-speed taxi tests. The X-59 is designed to achieve quiet supersonic flight and aims to transform future commercial air travel.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in collaborazione con NASA Aeronautics, ha avviato i test del motore dell'X-59, segnando l'ultima grande valutazione del sistema prima dei test di taxi e del primo volo. Questo traguardo segna la prima volta che l'X-59 funziona a piena potenza interna, concentrandosi sulla verifica delle prestazioni dell'ingresso e dell'ugello, delle interfacce strutturali e degli algoritmi di controllo del motore. La fase di test includerà valutazioni per le interferenze elettromagnetiche, modalità di guasto simulate in volo e validazione del sistema di alimentazione di emergenza, seguite da test di taxi a bassa e alta velocità. L'X-59 è progettato per raggiungere un volo supersonico silenzioso e mira a trasformare i futuri viaggi aerei commerciali.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, en colaboración con NASA Aeronautics, ha iniciado la prueba de motor del X-59, marcando la última evaluación importante del sistema antes de las pruebas de taxi y el primer vuelo. Este hito representa la primera vez que el X-59 opera con plena potencia interna, centrándose en verificar el rendimiento de la entrada y la boquilla, las interfaces estructurales y los algoritmos de control del motor. La fase de pruebas incluirá evaluaciones de interferencia electromagnética, modos de fallo simulados en vuelo y validación del sistema de energía de emergencia, seguidas de pruebas de taxi a baja y alta velocidad. El X-59 está diseñado para lograr vuelos supersónicos silenciosos y tiene como objetivo transformar los futuros viajes aéreos comerciales.
록히드 마틴 스컹크 웍스는 NASA 항공국과 협력하여 X-59 엔진 가동 테스트를 시작하였으며, 이는 택시 테스트와 첫 비행 전에 수행되는 마지막 주요 시스템 평가입니다. 이 이정표는 X-59가 내부 전원으로 완전 작동하는 첫 번째 사례로, 흡입구와 노즐 성능, 구조적 인터페이스 및 엔진 제어 알고리즘 검증에 중점을 두고 있습니다. 테스트 단계에서는 전자기 간섭 평가, 비행 중 고장 모드 시뮬레이션 및 비상 전원 시스템 검증이 포함되며, 이어서 저속 및 고속 택시 테스트가 진행됩니다. X-59는 조용한 초음속 비행을 달성하도록 설계되었으며, 미래의 상업 항공 여행을 혁신하려고 합니다.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, en collaboration avec NASA Aeronautics, a lancé les tests de fonctionnement du moteur X-59, marquant la dernière évaluation majeure du système avant les tests de roulage et le premier vol. Cette étape représente la première fois que le X-59 fonctionne avec une pleine puissance interne, en mettant l'accent sur la vérification des performances d'entrée et de buse, des interfaces structurelles et des algorithmes de contrôle du moteur. La phase de test comprendra des évaluations concernant les interférences électromagnétiques, les modes de défaillance simulés en vol et la validation du système d'alimentation d'urgence, suivis de tests de roulage à basse et haute vitesse. Le X-59 est conçu pour réaliser un vol supersonique silencieux et vise à transformer le voyage aérien commercial futur.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works hat in Zusammenarbeit mit NASA Aeronautics die Motorprüfung des X-59 initiiert, was die letzte wesentliche Systembewertung vor den Taxi-Tests und dem ersten Flug darstellt. Dieser Meilenstein markiert das erste Mal, dass der X-59 mit voller interner Leistung arbeitet, wobei der Fokus auf der Überprüfung der Einlass- und Düsennutzung, der strukturellen Schnittstellen und der Motorsteuerungsalgorithmen liegt. Die Testphase wird Bewertungen zur elektromagnetischen Störung, simulierten Fehlermodi im Flug und der Validierung des Notstromsystems beinhalten, gefolgt von Taxi-Tests bei niedriger und hoher Geschwindigkeit. Der X-59 ist darauf ausgelegt, einen lautlosen Überschallflug zu erreichen und zielt darauf ab, die zukünftigen kommerziellen Flugreisen zu revolutionieren.
- Achievement of major technical milestone with X-59 engine testing
- Progress toward commercial supersonic flight technology development
- Strategic partnership with NASA strengthening market position
- None.
Insights
The X-59 engine test milestone represents a critical technical advancement in supersonic aviation. The successful internal power operation validates the complex integration of propulsion, electrical and control systems. This achievement de-risks several technical challenges in the program, particularly the inlet-engine compatibility and nozzle performance verification.
The progression to taxi tests indicates the program is maintaining momentum toward first flight. However, this is primarily a research and development program with long-term commercial implications rather than immediate revenue impact. While positive for Lockheed Martin's technical capabilities, the X-59 program represents a small portion of the company's
During the tests, Lockheed Martin is verifying inlet and nozzle performance, aircraft and engine structural and system interfaces, and engine control algorithms. Previously, the X-59 had been powered externally – electrically, hydraulically and pneumatically.
"It was an emotional high to see and hear another innovative, boundary-pushing Skunk Works X-plane come to life," said Pat LeBeau, X-59 program manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "The team has done an incredible job, and we remain focused on the path forward to a safe and successful first flight."
Engine runs are the last, critical system check-out prior to first flight that verifies proper functionality of the X-59 as an integrated system operating on its own power. The tests ensure the engine can be controlled through the vehicle management system and engine computer. They also verify management of the fuel system, vibration and temperature interactions and more.
Following these successful engine runs, the X-59 will be evaluated for electromagnetic interference effects, simulated in-flight failure modes and validation of the emergency power system. Once those are complete, the aircraft will undergo low-speed and high-speed taxi tests in preparation for first flight.
The X-59 is a one-of-a-kind test aircraft designed to achieve quiet supersonic flight and transform future commercial air travel. It is a singularly unique, national asset. Lockheed Martin and NASA are taking every precaution in a paced, systematic and disciplined approach to ensure safety and success of the mission.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
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