NASA Chase Aircraft Ensures X-59’s Safety in Flight

Staying Close: The Crucial Role of Chase Aircraft in NASA's X-59 Flight Tests

As NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft continues to push the boundaries of flight, a critical component of its testing process is often overlooked: the chase aircraft. These specially equipped planes play a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of the X-59's flight tests, providing an extra set of eyes and a wealth of data to help the research team refine their mission.

A Bird's-Eye View: The X-59's First Flight

On October 28, 2025, the X-59 made its maiden flight from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. As the experimental aircraft lifted off, a NASA F/A-18 research aircraft, piloted by Jim "Clue" Less, took to the skies to serve as chase. The F/A-18 flew in close proximity to the X-59, capturing stunning images and video of the test aircraft as it soared through the California high desert.

The Art of Being Close: How Chase Pilots Ensure Safety

So, how close do chase aircraft fly to the X-59? According to Less, it's a delicate balance between getting close enough to gather valuable data and staying far enough away to avoid jeopardizing safety. "We fly as close as we need to, but no closer than we need to," he explained. During the X-59's first flight, the chase aircraft moved to within a wingspan of the experimental aircraft, allowing the research team to calibrate their instruments and gather critical data.

Airborne Photo Opportunity: Capturing the Moment

One of the benefits of having a chase aircraft is the opportunity to capture stunning images and video of the test aircraft in action. For the X-59's first flight, a NASA photographer, fully trained and certified to fly in a high-performance jet, sat in the chase aircraft's rear seat to record the moment. "We really have the best views," Less said. "The top focus of the test team is always a safe flight and landing. But if we get some great shots in the process, it's an added bonus."

The Instrumentation: Gathering Data from the Sky

In addition to capturing images and video, the chase aircraft can also carry sensors that gather data during the flight that would be impossible to obtain from the ground. In a future phase of X-59 flights, the chase aircraft will carry a probe to measure the X-59's supersonic shock waves and help validate that the airplane is producing a quieter sonic "thump," rather than a loud sonic boom to people on the ground. The instrumentation was successfully tested using a pair of NASA F-15 research jets earlier this year.

The Choice of Chase Aircraft: F/A-18 vs. F-15

At NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, two different types of research aircraft are available to serve as chase for X-59 flights: NASA-operated F/A-18 Hornets and F-15 Eagles. While both types are qualified as chase aircraft for the X-59, each has characteristics that make them appropriate for certain tasks. The F/A-18 is a little more agile flying at lower speeds, making it the preferred aircraft for Armstrong's in-flight photographers. At the same time, the F-15 is more capable of keeping pace with the X-59 during supersonic test flights and carries the instrumentation that will measure the X-59's shock waves.

The Future of Flight: What the X-59's Success Means

The X-59's success is a crucial step towards making supersonic flight a reality for commercial air travel. With the ability to fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.4 without producing a sonic boom, the X-59 has the potential to revolutionize the way we travel. The data gathered during the X-59's flight tests will be used to refine the design of future supersonic aircraft, making them quieter, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

The X-59's flight tests are a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. The chase aircraft, with their ability to gather data and provide an extra set of eyes, are a critical component of the testing process. As the X-59 continues to push the boundaries of flight, it's clear that the future of aviation is bright, and the possibilities are endless.

Related Terms:

Aeronautics
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
Armstrong Flight Research Center
Integrated Aviation Systems Program
Low Boom Flight Demonstrator
NASA Aircraft
Quesst (X-59)
Supersonic Flight

About the Author:

Jim Banke is a veteran aviation and aerospace communicator with more than 40 years of experience as a writer, producer, consultant, and project manager based at Cape Canaveral, Florida. He is part of NASA Aeronautics' Strategic Communications Team and is Managing Editor for the Aeronautics topic on the NASA website.

Contact:

Kristen Hatfield kristen.hatfield@nasa.gov

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Last Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Editor: Jim Banke

Contact: Kristen Hatfield

kristen.hatfield@nasa.gov

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