NASA Integrates Two Former U.S. Air Force F-15 Jets Into Fleet for X-59 Flight Testing Support

NASA integrates two former U.S. Air Force F-15 jets into fleet for X-59 flight testing support

One of the F-15s will return to flight as an active NASA research aircraft, while the second will be used to provide parts to support long-term fleet sustainment. The aircraft will play a role in testing activities connected to the Quesst mission, which aims to reduce the noise associated with supersonic flight. “These two aircraft will enable successful data collection and chase plane capabilities for the X-59 through the life of the Low Boom F…

NASA gets two F-15 jets for conduct supersonic research

It was announced on January 15, 2026, that NASA has received two F-15 fighter jets to support its supersonic flight research program.  The two jets have been transferred to NASA after having been retired from service by the United States Air Force (USAF) and arriving at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California on December 22, 2025.  Prior to their retirement and repurposing as research aircraft, the two F-15s…