F-15 and F/A-18 fighters will chase NASA's X-59 supersonic aircraft to gather information

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) continues to assemble the supersonic X-59 QueSST aircraft. It received an engine last autumn and this week it was announced that the first flight will take place before the end of 2023. The X-59 will be chased by two aircraft during testing.

Here's What We Know

Back in 2021, NASA announced that an F-15 Eagle fighter jet would chase the X-59 to measure and visualise the sound waves generated by the experimental aircraft at supersonic speed. To do so, it has been equipped with a tool called the Airborne Location Integrating Geospatial Navigation System (ALIGNS). The antenna will help the fighter pilot coordinate his movements while behind the target.

As it turns out, the F-15 alone is not enough to collect data. The X-59 will be chased not only by the Eagle, but also by the Super Hornet. NASA will use the F/A-18D as a platform for videographers and photographers who will try to document supersonic flight.

The space agency received the F/A-18D from the US Marine Corps. It was based at US Naval Base Patuxent River in Maryland until 2021. All military equipment has been removed.

Source: autoevolution