NASA Adds Two F-15 Aircraft to Support Supersonic Flight Research

NASA has taken a significant step forward in advancing supersonic flight technology by acquiring two retired U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jets for its research program[1]. These aircraft arrived at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on December 22, 2025, marking an important addition to the agency’s flight research capabilities[2].

The Transfer and Purpose

The two F-15s were transferred from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field after completing their final missions with the Air Force[3]. Rather than being decommissioned entirely, these aircraft will now play a crucial role in supporting NASA’s Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities project, with a primary focus on testing the agency’s experimental X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft[2].

One of the jets will be restored to active flight status as a research aircraft, while the second will serve as a source of spare parts to ensure long-term fleet maintenance and sustainability[3]. This dual-purpose approach maximizes the value of both aircraft while supporting NASA’s ambitious supersonic research agenda.

Supporting the X-59 Mission

The X-59 represents NASA’s centerpiece effort to revolutionize supersonic flight through its Quesst mission, which aims to develop low-boom supersonic technology[2]. The aircraft achieved its significant first flight in October 2024, developed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division[1]. Unlike the Concorde, which produced a disruptive sonic boom, the X-59 is designed to replace that noise with a softer “thump,” potentially opening the door to commercial supersonic flights over land[2].

According to Troy Asher, director of flight operations at NASA Armstrong, “These two aircraft will enable successful data collection and chase plane capabilities for the X-59 through the life of the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator project”[3]. Chase planes are essential for flight research, as they allow pilots to observe and document the behavior of experimental aircraft during test flights. The F-15s will also enable NASA to resume operations with various external partners, including government agencies and commercial aviation companies[3].

Why the F-15 is Ideal for This Work

The F-15 platform possesses several characteristics that make it uniquely suited for advanced aerospace research. First, it can operate at extremely high altitudes—NASA has already been operating two modified F-15s capable of reaching up to 60,000 feet[3]. This capability is particularly important because the X-59 is designed to cruise at 55,000 feet, requiring chase aircraft that can operate safely at comparable altitudes[2].

Second, the F-15’s robust design and ground clearance allow researchers to install a broad range of sensors and experimental equipment beneath the wings or along the central fuselage[2]. This payload capacity enables scientists to gather comprehensive data during flight tests without requiring structural modifications that might compromise the aircraft’s integrity.

Third, the aircraft’s systems are highly adaptable. NASA can modify the F-15’s flight controls, software, and electronic systems to meet specific mission requirements[1]. This flexibility allows researchers to customize each aircraft for particular experiments and test scenarios.

A Legacy of Research

NASA’s use of F-15s for research is not new. The agency has been operating F-15s since the early 1970s, when some of the earliest models became available[3]. Over the decades, dozens of scientific experiments have been conducted using NASA’s F-15 fleet, contributing significantly to aeronautics and high-speed flight research[3]. The new aircraft will continue this proud tradition while supporting cutting-edge supersonic technology development.

Prior to receiving these two additional jets, NASA maintained a smaller fleet of F-15s at Armstrong. The addition of these aircraft substantially enhances the agency’s research capacity and allows for more ambitious testing schedules and collaborative projects[2].

The Broader Context of Supersonic Revival

The arrival of these aircraft comes at a time of renewed interest in supersonic flight. Several private startups, including Boom Supersonic and Spike Aerospace, are also working on low-boom supersonic technology[2]. Additionally, legislative proposals have emerged to relax supersonic flight restrictions, and President Trump issued an Executive Order in June 2025 setting the groundwork for the comeback of civilian supersonic flight[2].

This convergence of government research efforts, private sector innovation, and regulatory support suggests that commercial supersonic travel over land may become a reality in the coming decades—something that has been impossible since the Concorde’s retirement in 2003.

Looking Forward

The modifications NASA plans to implement on the active F-15 will bring it in line with the agency’s existing modified F-15s, enabling safe operations at altitudes up to 60,000 feet[3]. As Asher noted, “The priority is for them to successfully support the X-59 through completion of that mission,” with longer-term plans to use these aircraft for continued advanced aeronautics research and partnerships[3].

The addition of these two F-15s represents a strategic investment in aerospace innovation. By providing NASA with enhanced data collection capabilities, chase plane support, and a more robust research platform, these aircraft will help accelerate the development of quiet supersonic flight technology—potentially transforming the future of aviation and making supersonic travel accessible to commercial passengers once again.

Original source: NASA – Breaking News – NASA Adds Two F-15 Aircraft to Support Supersonic Flight Research