TechnologyNASA adds two former U.S. Air Force F-15s to support supersonic research
NASA has added two retired U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jets to its flight research fleet at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, to expand its capabilities for supersonic and high-altitude flight testing.
The aircraft, transferred from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, arrived at NASA Armstrong on December 22, 2025, following their final military flights. One of the F-15s will return to flight as an active NASA research aircraft, while the second will be used as a source of spare parts to support long-term fleet sustainment.
The newly acquired aircraft will support NASA’s Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities project, with a primary role in backing the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft developed under the Quesst mission. The F-15s will be used for data collection, systems evaluation and chase plane duties during X-59 flight testing.
According to NASA, the F-15 platform offers a combination of speed, altitude and payload capacity well suited to experimental work. The aircraft can operate in high-speed, high-altitude regimes and carry experimental hardware externally, either under the wings or on the centerline, allowing flexibility for a wide range of research configurations.
NASA has operated F-15 aircraft for flight research since the early 1970s, using them to support numerous aeronautics experiments related to high-speed flight, propulsion and aircraft systems. Existing NASA F-15s have been modified to allow operations at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet, matching the upper flight envelope required for X-59 support missions.
The F-15 that will return to flight under NASA control will receive similar modifications, enabling it to operate safely at altitudes beyond the reach of most conventional aircraft. Its ground clearance also allows the installation of instruments and experimental equipment that would be impractical on other platforms.
NASA said the immediate priority for the aircraft is to support the X-59 program through completion of its flight test campaign. Beyond that, the F-15s are expected to remain part of NASA’s research fleet, supporting future aeronautics programs and cooperative projects with government and industry partners.
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