The Daily Mail reports that NASA’s collaboration “to build, test, and fly a full-scale demonstrator – which will carry the US Air Force test name X-66A – will see a $425 million commitment from the space agency as well as $725 million invested by Boeing and its industry partners.” A new wing design will be utilized on the X-66A, dubbed the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing, “which makes better use of the gliding potential, requiring less fuel to propel it forward.” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, “The X-66A will help shape the future of aviation. A new era where aircraft are greener, cleaner, and quieter, and create new possibilities for the flying public and American industry alike.” NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate’s Associate Administrator Bob Pearce “announced the US Air Force’s X-plane designation last week at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Forum in San Diego.”
Full Story (Daily Mail)
Tag: X66-A
Airlines Form Coalition to Provide Feedback to Boeing and NASA on X-66A Demonstrator
AirInsight reports that five major US airlines “have formed a sustainable aviation coalition that will provide feedback to Boeing and NASA on the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) demonstrator aircraft, also known as the X-66A.” American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines “have joined the advisory group.” The TTBW concept “was designated X-66A by the US Air Force in June, having received funding from NASA in January.” The Boeing Company and NASA “will jointly develop a demonstrator aircraft based on a McDonnell Douglas MD-90, which should fly in 2028.” The high and thin wing “with a high aspect ratio has demonstrated a nine-percent fuel burn improvement during numerous wind tunnel tests.”
Full Story (AirInsight)
NASA and Boeing Pause X-66 Development to Focus on Ultra-Thin Wing Design
Interesting Engineering reports, “NASA and Boeing are pausing the development of the X-66 full-scale Sustainable Flight Demonstrator. Instead, they will re-focus their efforts on demonstrating the benefits of thin-wing technology. Until recently, the US space agency and Boeing touted the X-66as a great leap for sustainable aviation. That aircraft design featured extra-long, thin wings supported by diagonal struts. Though those plans have been put on ice, they still believe in the benefits of thin-wing technology.”
Full Story (Interesting Technology)
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