Airplane Arrives at Boeing Site for X-66A Modification

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing has ferried an MD-90 airplane to the site where it will be modified for NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. The modified aircraft, X-66A, will test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) configuration. The TTBW design could lead to reductions in fuel use and emissions by up to 30%. Ground and flight testing is expected to begin in 2028.

PALMDALE, Calif., Aug. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] has ferried an MD-90 airplane to the site where it will be modified to test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) configuration as part of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. 

As Boeing, NASA and community leaders gathered at the company's facility today to recognize the milestone in development of the experimental X-66A aircraft, Boeing released photos of the jet's journey from Victorville, Calif., to Palmdale.

The X-66A is NASA's first experimental plane focused on helping the U.S. achieve its goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions. Modification will begin soon and ground and flight testing is expected to begin in 2028.

"This marks an important step in the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, advances Boeing's commitment to sustainability and brings us closer to testing and validating the TTBW design," said Boeing Chief Technology Officer Todd Citron.

With ultrathin wings braced by struts with larger spans and higher-aspect ratios, the TTBW design and other expected technological advances could lead to reductions in fuel use and emissions by up to 30%. Boeing and NASA have collaborated for more than a decade on the concept through the Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research (SUGAR) Program.

"We at NASA are excited to be working with Boeing on the X-66A Sustainable Flight Demonstrator making critical contributions to accelerate aviation towards its 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emission goal," said Ed Waggoner, deputy associate administrator for programs in the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.

"Aerospace Valley has a long and distinguished history as the cradle of aerospace innovation, and this unveiling is a continuation of that critical work. Palmdale's talented workforce and infrastructure make it the perfect location for this important project," said Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-27).

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

Contact:
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

 

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

What is the purpose of the X-66A aircraft?

The X-66A is NASA's first experimental plane focused on helping the U.S. achieve its goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the TTBW configuration?

The Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) design features ultrathin wings braced by struts with larger spans and higher-aspect ratios.

When will the ground and flight testing of the X-66A begin?

Ground and flight testing of the X-66A is expected to begin in 2028.

What are the potential benefits of the TTBW design?

The TTBW design and other technological advances could lead to reductions in fuel use and emissions by up to 30%.

How long have Boeing and NASA collaborated on the TTBW concept?

Boeing and NASA have collaborated for more than a decade on the TTBW concept through the Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research (SUGAR) Program.

What is the role of Palmdale in this project?

Palmdale's talented workforce and infrastructure make it the perfect location for this important project.

What does Boeing do as a company?

Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.

What are Boeing's core values?

Boeing's core values are safety, quality, and integrity.