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Manta Ray Shaped Airplane Could Cut Fuel Consumption in Half

** Boeing's X-48C Blended Wing Body research
aircraft has flown several times, testing the
controllability of the unique design. NASA
researchers are working on developing a
similar full-scale hybrid wing structure that
can withstand traditional forces of flight.**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • NASA engineers have developed a robust carbon-composite structure, enabling the creation of "flying wing" aircraft designs that overcome previous aerodynamic force limitations.
  • These sleeker, manta ray-like aircraft could reduce structural weight by 25% and slash fuel consumption by half compared to contemporary designs.
  • NASA is currently testing a larger, pressurized model of this design and expects the technology to inform and improve aircraft design well before its full realization in two decades.
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If NASA’s recent research efforts come to fruition, air travel of the future could take place in flatter, sleeker aircraft that resemble manta rays and require drastically less fuel than contemporary designs.

Such designs have often been posed throughout history as potential solutions in the drive to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, but the technology needed to create flying wing structures that can withstand the necessary aerodynamic forces has never been developed. Until now, that is.

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