NASA has added two retired F-15 jets to its fleet at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, marking a new era in supersonic flight research. The aircraft, previously flown by the US Air Force, will support critical missions for NASA's Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities project, with a focus on testing the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft.
One of the jets will be restored to active duty as a research aircraft, while the other will be repurposed for parts to sustain the existing fleet. The F-15s bring a unique set of capabilities to the table, including high-altitude flight-testing environments and the ability to carry experimental hardware externally.
According to Troy Asher, director of flight operations at NASA Armstrong, the new aircraft will enable successful data collection and chase plane capabilities for the X-59, allowing NASA to resume operations with external partners, including the Department of War and commercial aviation companies. The F-15s have a proven track record in high-speed flight research, having been used by NASA since the early 1970s.
The aircraft's ability to operate at extremely high altitudes, up to 60,000 feet, makes it an ideal platform for testing the X-59, which will cruise at 55,000 feet. The F-15s' ground clearance also allows researchers to install instruments and experiments that would not fit on other aircraft.
NASA has already modified its existing F-15 fleet to accommodate safe operation at such high altitudes, but the addition of these two new aircraft takes the capability to the next level. Asher emphasized the importance of successfully supporting the X-59 mission, with plans to use the new aircraft to drive advancements in aerospace research and partnerships.
With their unique combination of capability, capacity, and adaptability, the F-15s are poised to play a critical role in NASA's supersonic flight research efforts, marking an exciting new chapter for the agency's fleet.
One of the jets will be restored to active duty as a research aircraft, while the other will be repurposed for parts to sustain the existing fleet. The F-15s bring a unique set of capabilities to the table, including high-altitude flight-testing environments and the ability to carry experimental hardware externally.
According to Troy Asher, director of flight operations at NASA Armstrong, the new aircraft will enable successful data collection and chase plane capabilities for the X-59, allowing NASA to resume operations with external partners, including the Department of War and commercial aviation companies. The F-15s have a proven track record in high-speed flight research, having been used by NASA since the early 1970s.
The aircraft's ability to operate at extremely high altitudes, up to 60,000 feet, makes it an ideal platform for testing the X-59, which will cruise at 55,000 feet. The F-15s' ground clearance also allows researchers to install instruments and experiments that would not fit on other aircraft.
NASA has already modified its existing F-15 fleet to accommodate safe operation at such high altitudes, but the addition of these two new aircraft takes the capability to the next level. Asher emphasized the importance of successfully supporting the X-59 mission, with plans to use the new aircraft to drive advancements in aerospace research and partnerships.
With their unique combination of capability, capacity, and adaptability, the F-15s are poised to play a critical role in NASA's supersonic flight research efforts, marking an exciting new chapter for the agency's fleet.
i mean who needs fancy new planes when u got a proven track record? plus the fact that they can fly at such high altitudes is just mind blown 
the x 59 quiet supersonic research aircraft is gonna be so much more effective with these jets on board 
The F-15s bring this whole new level of coolness to NASA's operations. And can you imagine the views from 60,000 feet? Mind-blowing! 
The fact that they've modified their existing F-15 fleet to make it safe for high-altitude operations shows that NASA is really pushing the boundaries of what's possible. And let's be real, having these jets around must give the researchers a serious adrenaline rush! 
. The fact that they'll be using them for quiet supersonic research is huge, we've all been waiting to see if they can really make planes go supersonic without breaking the sound barrier 
. I mean, 60k feet of altitude is crazy, who needs that much room up there? It's not just about speed, it's about getting data and pushing boundaries 
. What do you guys think about NASA's new plans for supersonic flight?
just thought it was so cool that NASA is repurposing old jets to help them with their super sonic research 
the idea of having a plane do 60k feet is just crazy mind boggling stuff, can't wait to see what kind of breakthroughs come out of this project 
anyway its cool i guess that they get 2 fly around at super high altitudes and stuff. but isnt it weird that they need 2 planes 2 do the same job? shouldnt they jus have 1 or somethin? 
this is like totally awesome!!! can't wait to see these jets rockin' the skies again 
60,000 feet is like whoa mind blown 
love how NASA is partnering with commercial aviation companies too 