Single-aisle passenger aircraft, which contribute to almost half of the aviation industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, are set to undergo a transformation thanks to a revolutionary new wing design developed by NASA and Boeing. This innovative design, called the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing, features a longer and thinner wing supported by struts, enabling the aircraft to utilize its gliding potential more efficiently, resulting in a 30% reduction in emissions.
The collaboration between NASA, Boeing, and its industry partners will involve a total investment of $1.15 billion, with NASA contributing $425 million. The project aims to build, test, and fly a full-scale demonstrator of the X-66A, as it is known in the US Air Force test program. The X-66A represents a major step towards the decarbonization of the aerospace industry and a greener, cleaner, and quieter era of aviation.
By combining the trussed wing design with advanced propulsion plans, new aerospace materials, and electronic systems architecture, the project aims to achieve a 30% reduction in fuel consumption compared to current best-in-class aircraft. Boeing estimates that the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing could potentially reduce emissions and fuel costs by 60% compared to aircraft manufactured in 2005.
The X66-A, which has been designated as an experimental X-plane by the US Air Force, is part of NASA’s efforts to achieve a completely carbon-neutral aviation industry by implementing the goals outlined in the White House’s US Aviation Climate Action Plan.
The research and development of the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing design have been ongoing for over a decade, with extensive testing conducted at Boeing and the NASA Ames Research Center. Previously known as the Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research program, or SUGAR, the project now aims to build the X-66A using the airframe of a McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft.
The X-66A is scheduled to fly in 2028, and Boeing aims to introduce a fleet of aircraft featuring this new design by the mid-to-late 2030s. Despite concerns about the feasibility of the timeline, Boeing’s CEO Stan Deal emphasized the extensive research and development that has already taken place, highlighting that they are not starting from scratch.
In conclusion, the collaboration between NASA and Boeing aims to revolutionize commercial aviation by introducing a game-changing wing design that significantly reduces emissions and fuel consumption. This innovative approach will pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future in the aerospace industry.
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