High above the Mojave Desert, NASA's F-15 research jets conducted a series of flights in May to validate tools for measuring shock waves produced by the X-59 supersonic aircraft. The F-15s flew faster than the speed of sound to match the conditions expected for the X-59, which is part of NASA's Quesst mission aiming for quiet supersonic flight over land.

The project, known as SCHAMROQ, developed tools at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center to measure and visualize the X-59's shock waves at high altitudes. The team successfully tested three key tools: a shock wave-measuring probe, a guidance system, and a schlieren photography system.

Before the arrival of the F-15D aircraft, the team used an F-15B for testing. The dual F-15 flights allowed the collection of real-world data on shock waves formation and evolution. The validation of these tools is crucial for the upcoming X-59 flight tests.

For the Quesst mission, the F-15D will lead data collection efforts using the shock wave probe, while the F-15B will serve as a backup. The precise positioning of the aircraft during test flights will be guided by the Airborne Location Integrating Geospatial Navigation System (ALIGNS).

The schlieren photography system captures changes in air density and requires precise positioning of the aircraft against the sun's backdrop. ALIGNS software provides real-time guidance to ensure accurate data collection during flight tests.

This milestone confirms that NASA's tools for measuring shock waves are ready for studying the X-59's unique acoustics and confirming its quieter sonic profile.