Boeing X-66A Mods Begin to Create the Truss-Braced Wing Aircraft

The strutted airplane will be designed to reduce carbon emissions.

Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:52 AM ET

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Boeing will modify this MD-90 to test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing configuration as part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. [Courtesy: NASA]

Key Takeaways:

Boeing is modifying an MD-90 aircraft into the X-66A experimental plane to test its Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) configuration.
This project, part of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 30% compared to current efficient aircraft, contributing to net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.
The TTBW design features ultra-thin, strut-braced wings, a concept Boeing and NASA have collaborated on for over a decade, with ground and flight testing expected to begin in 2028.

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In short order Boeing (NYSE:BA) will begin modifications to a McDonnell Douglas MD-90 to test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) configuration as part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project.

The MD-90 was flown from Victorville to Palmdale, California, where it will undergo “extensive modification” to test TTBW) as part of NASA’s undertaking. The aircraft is designated the X-66A.