Sneak Peek of NASA and Boeing’s Sustainable Experimental Aircraft for Reduced Future Aviation Emissions
Sneak Peek of NASA and Boeing’s Sustainable Experimental Aircraft for Reduced Future Aviation Emissions
an experimental plane for the sake of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions
News Published 2024.03.19 | Ryan Lee
(Photo=NASA)
NASA and Boeing’s experimental aircraft for the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, X-66, has entered the early stages of production. It is a new aircraft of the X-series, a program that involves the creation of experimental aircraft for the sake of researching and evaluating new technologies. This is the first ever X-plane specifically designed to assist the U.S. government in achieving future net zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.
(Photo=NASA)
A key characteristic of X-66 is its thin and long wings that are supported by diagonal struts, which is known as the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing(TTBW). The wings are approximately 50% longer compared to the wings of an equivalent conventional aircraft. Combined with the advancements in materials, propulsion systems, and system architecture, this design is expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30% compared to today’s best aircraft. The aircraft will be produced by applying heavy modifications to the McDonnell Douglas-designed MD-90.
(Photo = Aviation Week)
The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project and X-66 aim to inform a new generation of more sustainable single-aisle aircraft for future planes, providing innovations to the traveling public while also enhancing the economy of the U.S.
#nasa #boeing
Ryan Lee (rlee2027@chadwickschool.org)
