X-59的发动机开始测试

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits in its run stall at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, in this image from Oct. 30, 2024.

The engine-run tests, which began Oct. 30, allow the X-59 team to verify the aircraft’s systems are working together while powered by its own engine. In previous tests, the X-59 used external sources for power. The engine-run tests set the stage for the next phase of the experimental aircraft’s progress toward flight.

After the engine runs, the X-59 team will move to aluminum bird testing, where data will be fed to the aircraft under both normal and failure conditions. The team will then proceed with a series of taxi tests, where the aircraft will be put in motion on the ground. These tests will be followed by final preparations for first flight.

Image credit: NASA/Carla Thomas

这张照片拍摄于2024年10月30日，NASA的X-59安静超音速研究飞机坐在洛克希德·马丁公司位于加利福尼亚州帕姆代尔的臭鼬工厂的运转架上。

10月30日开始的发动机运行测试让X-59团队得以验证飞机在由自己的发动机提供动力的情况下协同工作。在之前的测试中，-59使用外部电源供电。发动机运行测试为实验飞机下一阶段的飞行奠定了基础。

发动机运行后，X-59团队将转入铝鸟测试，在正常和故障条件下向飞机馈送到飞机上。然后，团队将进行一系列滑行测试，飞机将在地面上启动。这些测试之后将为首次飞行做最后的准备。

影像来源: NASA/Carla Thomas