Boeing has reached an important milestone in their Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project in partnership with NASA. On August 17, 2023 Boeing received a MD-90 aircraft what will begin the conversion process for a transonic truss based wing testbed. The aircraft will have the designation of X-66A. This is NASA and Boeing’s first experimental passenger aircraft with the critical mission of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Modification and flight testing is estimated to commence in 2028.
A Sustainable Future For Commercial Aviation
Boeing and NASA are developing the X-66A with a forward thinking design not currently seen on current modern airliners. According to Boeing, the ultrathin wings will be braced by struts and higher aspect ratios. The technological design advances are expected to decrease emissions and fuel use by 30%. Boeing and NASA will test the X-66A in Palmdale California. Palmdale is a catalyst for aviation innovation with major defense contractors and aerospace companies developing top secret advanced future aircraft. The X-66A will shape the future for sustainable and efficient air travel for airlines and the general public.
