NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of a key phase of wind tunnel tests using a model of the experimental X-66 aircraft. These tests, conducted at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, are essential in advancing the agency’s goal of developing more sustainable aviation technologies.
The X-66 aircraft is designed to achieve greater fuel efficiency through its innovative wing design, known as the transonic truss-braced wing. This design features extra-long wings supported by diagonal struts, which could lead to a more fuel-efficient airliner. Before the full-size demonstrator is built, NASA must test several smaller models to ensure the concept’s viability.
During the recent tests, a nearly 6-foot wingspan model of the X-66 was placed in the 12-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. The team measured various aerodynamic forces, including lift and drag, across different flight conditions and configurations. The data gathered from these tests will help engineers determine if any design modifications are needed before progressing to high-speed wind tunnel tests in the next phase.
The SFD project is part of NASA’s broader effort to develop more efficient airframes and support the transition to sustainable aviation. Aiming to shape the future of commercial air travel, the project focuses on the design of next-generation single-aisle airliners, which are the backbone of global commercial aviation. Boeing is partnering with NASA in the development of the X-66 experimental demonstrator.
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