Boeing-NASA's X-66A Sets Course For Net-Zero Air Travel: Is It The Future Of Flying?

The Boeing Co BA has officially designated its aircraft produced through NASA‘s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project as the X-66A, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of achieving net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.

What Happened: After being selected by NASA for the project earlier this year, Boeing promptly sought X-plane status for the aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force grants the X-plane designation to research aircraft designed to test new technologies and designs that could be incorporated into future aircraft models.

The Boeing-NASA collaborative project aims to develop and fly a single-aisle airliner with reduced emissions.

Named the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept, the aircraft features elongated, slender wings supported by diagonal struts, enhancing fuel efficiency compared to traditional airliners.

“The X-66A will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation, ushering in a new era of greener, cleaner, and quieter aircraft, while opening up new possibilities for both the flying public and the American aviation industry,” commented NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

NASA is set to invest $425 million over seven years in the project, while Boeing will provide the remaining funding estimated at approximately $725 million.

“With the valuable insights gained from design, construction, and flight testing, we will have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of aviation and contribute to the decarbonization of the aerospace industry,” said Boeing CTO Todd Citron.

Why It Matters: According to NASA, single-aisle aircraft account for nearly half of global aviation emissions, given their widespread use by passenger airlines worldwide. The space agency anticipates completing testing for the project by the late 2020s, enabling it to inform the development of the next generation of aircraft that will enter service in the 2030s.

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Photo courtesy: NASA