NASA/Boeing X-66A Next-Generation Airliner Design Work Underway
NASA and Boeing have launched a joint project to build an experimental aircraft to explore and demonstrate sustainable flight technologies and dubbed it the X-66A. Based on a McDonnell Douglas MD-90 airliner, the initial design features a high aspect ratio wing braced by an external truss. In addition to exploring new and emerging airframe technologies, the aircraft will be able to test various engines, including traditional turbofans as well as new open-rotor designs.
Topics Related To: FUTURE OF FLIGHT
NASA Releases New X-59 Photo as Test Flights Top 55,000 Feet
A newly released image shows NASA’s X-59 from above, highlighting the airframe designed to eliminate sonic booms. Recent flights have exceeded 55,000 feet and have approached 900 miles per hour.
CFM’s Open Fan Engine Clears Key Milestones, with Flight Tests Targeting Late-2020s
CFM International completed critical design reviews for its Open Fan engine. Flight tests are on track this decade, with efforts aimed at achieving 20% better fuel efficiency than today’s engines.
AW609 Civil Tiltrotor: 3 Things to Know About Leonardo’s Path to 2027 Entry Into Service
Leonardo’s AW609 tiltrotor targets 2027 civil certification as three milestones, including a flying next-generation prototype, demonstrate progress toward certification.
