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During NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft test flights in 2026, a chase aircraft flies closely alongside for safety and data collection. Pilots Jim Less and Nils Larson alternate roles, maintaining a safe distance (typically 500-1,000 feet) to monitor the aircraft, calibrate instruments, and capture aerial footage.
Different chase jets are used based on mission needs: the agile F/A-18 is ideal for photography, while the faster F-15 carries specialized sensors to measure shock waves for NASA’s Quesst mission. This partnership ensures safe testing while validating the X-59’s quieter “thump” for future supersonic travel.
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