Have you heard of the X-59, NASA's supersonic, silent airplane? In its quest to improve technology, the space agency is planning to develop a new, experimental means of flight. Aimed at reducing the noise of the supersonic boom, this aircraft has several features. One of these is the F414-GE-100 engine. Find out more about it.
What's the X-59's engine like?
Visit turbojet engine integrated into the supersonic aircraft is built by General Electric. It is 4 meters long and measures 90 cm in diameter. Weighing in at around 1,110 kg, it features a three-turbine, 7-stage axial compressor. It generates an estimated 10 tonnes of thrust.
The engine's nose, the main part responsible for reducing the supersonic bang, has a tapered shape. With this engine, the X-59 can reach a speed of 1500 km per hour, corresponding to 1.2 Mach. Further on, with the power available, the aircraft can reach a cruising speed of 1852.2 km per hour, or 1.5 Mach.
Why this engine?
There are several reasons why this engine was chosen for this experiment. The main ones are thrust and safety. The latter mainly concerns the possibility of single-engine use. It is also possible to study its performance using a heater and test the operating system.
Also note that the General Electric F414 model is known for its high-flying performance. It has been used on such well-known aircraft as the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and many others. The present F414-GE-100 is an advanced modification of this turbojet engine, like the F414-GE-400, F414-EDE, F414-EPE.
What do you know about the X-59 supersonic aircraft?
The X-59 is a very special aircraft.
X-59 features
Built by Lockheed Martin for NASA, it is said to have cost around US$247.5 million. Measuring 29.5 km long with a wingspan of 9.02 m, it is 4.27 cm high. In terms of mass, it holds 3,402 kg of kerosene per m3. Cargo capacity is 272 kg, with a ceiling of 55,000 feet.
Building the X-59
Modern means such as industrial robots were used in its manufacture. A high-precision multitasking robot called "COBRA" was used. This is combined with other tools such as computer-aided design and optical projections. In addition, a stimulator has been developed to estimate the intensity of the supersonic bang and its position on the ground.
Two engines are integrated into the aircraft, one main and one standby. Above the main engine is an aluminum-alloy fin. This is protected from heat by a coating that gives it a light-green color. The X-59 has a camera that gives the pilot a good view forward. This is due to its low, recessed cockpit.
Planned for 2021, but postponed until the following year, the first flights of this supersonic aircraft will confirm or deny the performance of the F414-GE-100 engine.
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