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The team behind NASA\u2019s X-59 completed another critical ground test in March, ensuring the quiet supersonic aircraft will be able to maintain a specific speed during operation. The test, known as engine speed hold, is the latest marker of progress as the X-59 nears first flight this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngine speed hold is essentially the aircraft\u2019s version of cruise control,\u201d said Paul Dees, NASA\u2019s X-59 deputy propulsion lead at the agency\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. \u201cThe pilot engages speed hold at their current speed, then can adjust it incrementally up or down as needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The X-59 team had previously conducted a similar test on the engine \u2013 but only as an isolated system. The March test verified the speed hold functions properly after integration into the aircraft\u2019s avionics.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe needed to verify that speed hold worked not just within the engine itself but as part of the entire aircraft system.\u201d Dees explained. \u201cThis test confirmed that all components \u2013 software, mechanical linkages, and control laws \u2013 work together as intended.\u201d<\/p>\n
The successful test confirmed the aircraft\u2019s ability to precisely control speed, which will be invaluable during flight. This capability will increase pilot safety, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of flight operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pilot is going to be very busy during first flight, ensuring the aircraft is stable and controllable,\u201d Dees said. \u201cHaving speed hold offload some of that workload makes first flight that much safer.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team originally planned to check the speed hold as part of an upcoming series of ground test trials where they will feed the aircraft with a robust set of data to verify functionality under both normal and failure conditions, known as aluminum bird tests. But the team recognized a chance to test sooner.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a target of opportunity,\u201d Dees said. \u201cWe realized we were ready to test engine speed hold separately while other systems continued with finalizing their software. If we can learn something earlier, that\u2019s always better.\u201d <\/p>\n
With every successful test, the integrated NASA and Lockheed Martin team brings the X-59 closer to first flight, and closer to making aviation history through quiet supersonic technology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n