At NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, test pilot Nils Larson recently took a close look at a research aircraft fitted with an advanced shock-sensing probe. This high-tech gadget, perched on an F-15D aircraft, is key to collecting data on the shock waves created by NASA’s experimental X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft. It’s all part of NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to make supersonic travel over land a lot quieter.
In cutting-edge research like this, having the right tools is crucial. You also need backups to avoid any delays if something needs fixing. That’s why NASA has calibrated a new shock-sensing probe, ensuring that data collection goes on smoothly during the X-59’s test flights. The X-59 is designed to replace the usual sonic boom with a gentle thump, making supersonic travel less disruptive.
Over the past few weeks, NASA has been busy with calibration flights using a cone-shaped probe. Mounted on an F-15D, it will closely trail the X-59 to gather important shock wave data. This probe serves as NASA’s main near-field instrument, with an identical backup on a different F-15B aircraft to keep things running smoothly.
“If something happens to the probe, like a sensor failing, it’s not a quick fix,” explained Mike Frederick, the primary investigator for the probe. “The other factor is the aircraft itself. If one needs maintenance, we don’t want to delay X-59 flights.”
During calibration, the team measured shock waves from a NASA F/A-18 aircraft, confirming the probe’s ability to accurately capture pressure changes. They’re now reviewing the data to make sure it lines up with mathematical models and meets the precision needed for the upcoming X-59 flights.
Researchers at NASA Armstrong are gearing up for more tests with both the primary and backup probes on their F-15s. Each aircraft will carry out supersonic flights to gather comprehensive shock wave data, ensuring both probes are validated and fully redundant, providing a reliable backup system.
