NASA and Boeing announced on Monday that the U.S. Air Force has designated their new aircraft, called the X-66A, which is part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project.
The X-66A is an experimental plane that aims to develop more eco-friendly single-aisle aircraft, commonly used by passenger airlines. NASA and Boeing will build a full-scale demonstrator aircraft with long, thin wings supported by diagonal struts. This new design, called the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept, will make the plane more fuel-efficient and reduce emissions.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained that the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project builds on NASA’s leading efforts in aeronautics and climate. The X-66A will shape the future of aviation by creating greener, cleaner, and quieter aircraft, offering new possibilities for passengers and the American aviation industry.
The X-66A is the first X-plane dedicated to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in aviation, in line with the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan.
Bob Pearce, from NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, highlighted the importance of transformative aircraft concepts like the X-66A in reducing aviation emissions. The experimental aircraft will demonstrate energy-saving and emissions-reducing technologies crucial for the aviation industry.
The X-66A’s designation by the Air Force confirms its role in testing and validating the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing configuration. This new wing design, along with advancements in propulsion systems, materials, and systems architecture, has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30% compared to current efficient aircraft.
Single-aisle aircraft are responsible for almost half of global aviation emissions due to their heavy use. Developing sustainable designs and technologies for these planes could have a significant impact on reducing emissions.
NASA has a long history of X-plane designations, and the X-66A is the latest addition to their program. The project will receive funding from NASA, Boeing, and other partners. NASA will provide technical expertise and facilities to support the project’s development.
The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project is part of NASA’s efforts to create a more sustainable aviation industry through innovative technologies.
Image Source: NASA