In movies and some places (sometimes in real life too), the number 13 might be the ultimate bad luck charm, but on the periodic table, this number represents one of the most sustainable and recyclable metals on earth – aluminium. Aluminium, the silent hero, is making its presence felt not only on the grounds but also in the sky. NASA's cutting-edge X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft, featuring mostly aluminium in its construction, has made a significant stride in its journey.
Nicknamed as the "aluminium bird," testing, X-59 was put through its paces as its subsystems and flight computer were rigorously tested to ensure seamless coordination between hardware and software. This major milestone clears the runway for the X-59's highly anticipated first flight later this year, bringing the dream of quieter supersonic travel closer to reality.
X-59's surprising act
The supersonic research aircraft has just soared through a crucial phase without ever taking off. In a significant round of ground-based testing, engineers simulated high-altitude cruising conditions to fine-tune the aircraft's performance.
During testing simulations, engineers from NASA and Lockheed Martin brought the X-59's systems to life, minus the engine. When a pilot moved the control stick, the flight computer responded by adjusting the rudder or other control surfaces, just as it would in actual flight.
"The idea behind these tests is to command the airplane's subsystems and flight computer to function as if it is flying. We thought we might find a few things during the tests that would prompt us to go back and tweak them to work better, especially with some of the software, and that's what we wound up experiencing. So, these tests were very helpful," said Yohan Lin, the X-59's lead avionics engineer at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Centre in Edwards, California.
