An artist’s concept of Boeing’s experimental X-66 transonic truss-braced wing concept. [Courtesy: Boeing]
Key Takeaways:
Boeing has paused its experimental X-66 flight demonstrator project, a joint effort with NASA aimed at developing sustainable aviation technology.
Instead of continuing with the X-66's transonic truss-braced wing, Boeing will focus on a simpler ground-based testbed to demonstrate thin-wing technology.
Boeing believes this new approach offers a quicker path to delivering value and can be applied to a broader range of aircraft designs.
The X-66 project, with a budget of $1.15 billion, sought to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in single-aisle aircraft to help achieve net-zero aviation goals.
Boeing is pumping the brakes on its experimental X-66 flight demonstrator.
The aircraft—being developed with a transonic truss-braced wing—is on “pause for later consideration” after Boeing proposed to focus on a ground-based testbed, which will instead demonstrate simpler, thin-wing technology, NASA said Thursday.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
