NASA's quiet supersonic X-59 takes its maiden flight

Mission control clears NASA 859 for takeoff, and the experimental quiet supersonic aircraft accelerates down the runway before executing a clean liftoff.

NASA X-59 Cleared for Historic Maiden Takeoff

Flying with no forward window: NASA eXternal Vision

The test pilot executes flight test maneuvers while relying entirely on an external vision camera system and cockpit monitors instead of a forward windshield.

Flying Supersonic Without a Front Windshield

X-59 flying formation with F-18 chase jet

The chase plane tracks the X-59 high above the desert, confirming the new airframe remains exceptionally steady during cruise.

X-59 Cruises in Formation with F-18 Chase Plane

The test pilot brings the X-59 in over the runway, gently flaring and touching down smoothly before calling out that they are safely home.

NASA X-59 Lands Safely After Historic Test

The post-first-flight tradition never misses

After stepping down from the cockpit, the X-59 test pilot gets doused with a massive cooler of water in keeping with flight test tradition.

Test Pilot Gets Soaked in First Flight Tradition

[00:51] NASA X-59 Cleared for Historic Maiden Takeoff
[03:35] Flying Supersonic Without a Front Windshield
[04:36] X-59 Cruises in Formation with F-18 Chase Plane
[05:12] NASA X-59 Lands Safely After Historic Test
[07:28] Test Pilot Gets Soaked in First Flight Tradition

NASA's quiet supersonic X-59 takes its maiden flight

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