NASA announced the crewed X-70 Fractal experimental aircraft on Wednesday at the UP.Summit at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The high-performance platform is designed to accelerate aviation technologies.
Design and Capabilities
The crewed X-70 Fractal features rapidly reconfigurable flight-control technology designed to explore aircraft maneuverability. According to NASA, the aircraft can accommodate up to 2,000 pounds of experimental payloads in both internal and external locations.
The experimental aircraft features a takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds. It is designed to cruise at Mach .75, reach altitudes up to 45,000 feet, and provide an operational range exceeding about 1,726 miles.
Flight Timeline and Goals
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency expects the aircraft's first flight under the NASA banner within the next two years. The X-70 will join a legacy of experimental aircraft including the Bell X-1, the X-15, and the X-59.
Laurie Grindle, director of the Aeronautics Division within NASA's Research and Technology Mission Directorate, stated that the new X-plane will drive aeronautics research.
Key facts and where they come from
- NASA unveiled the X-70 Fractal experimental aircraft during the UP.Summit at Kennedy Space Center.
On Wednesday, NASA unveiled its newest experimental aircraft, the X-70 Fractal, during the UP.Summit at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
- The crewed X-70 can accommodate up to 2,000 pounds of experimental payloads.
The aircraft can also accommodate up to 2,000 pounds of experimental payloads in internal and external locations
- The aircraft has a takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds and cruises at Mach .75.
The X-70 Fractal has a takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds and is designed to cruise at Mach .75
- NASA expects the first flight of the X-70 under its banner within two years.
We expect her first flight under the NASA banner within the next two years
