ANAHEIM — NASA test pilot Nils Larson has received a top honor from the Society of Experimental Test Pilots for piloting the first flight of the agency’s quiet supersonic X-59 aircraft in 2025, according to Robert Margetta, a public affairs specialist for NASA.
Larson received the society’s Iven C. Kincheloe Award on Sept. 26 for leading the X-59 through its first flight and safely expanding its flight envelope to Mach 1.4 at 55,000 feet, Margetta said. He is the first to receive the award for a NASA test flight project in 44 years.
The award was presented during the society’s annual symposium and banquet at Disney’s Grand California Hotel.
Larson also helped shape the research and simulations that went into the X-59’s development, according to Margetta.
As NASA flies the X-59 at a variety of altitudes, speeds and conditions, Larson has alternated piloting duties with Jim “Clue” Less. Margetta said their work has helped advance NASA’s goal of enabling commercial quiet supersonic flight over land.
More information about NASA’s Quesst mission is available online.
Source: NASA Armstrong website