Green Aviation Tech

NASA, Boeing, Consider New Thin-Wing Aircraft Research Focus

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NASA, Boeing, Consider New Thin-Wing Aircraft Research Focus

NASA and Boeing are currently evaluating an updated approach to the agency’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project that would focus on demonstrating thin-wing technology with broad applications for multiple aircraft configurations. Boeing’s proposed focus centers on a ground-based testbed to demonstrate the potential for long, thin-wing technology. Work on the X-66 flight demonstrator – which currently … Read more

NASA Boosts Efficiency with Custom X-66 Flooring – NASA

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NASA Boosts Efficiency with Custom X-66 Flooring – NASA

NASA designed temporary floorboards for the MD-90 aircraft to use while it is transformed into the X-66 experimental demonstrator aircraft. These floorboards will protect the original flooring and streamline the modification process. Supporting the agency’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, a small team in the Experimental Fabrication Shop at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, … Read more

New Aircraft Wing Undergoes Crucial NASA Icing Testing

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New Aircraft Wing Undergoes Crucial NASA Icing Testing

In the future, aircraft with long, thin wings supported by aerodynamic braces could help airlines save on fuel costs. But those same wings could be susceptible to ice buildup. NASA researchers are currently working to determine if such an issue exists, and how it could be addressed. In the historic Icing Research Tunnel at NASA’s … Read more

Wind Over Its Wing: NASA’s X-66 Model Tests Airflow – NASA

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Wind Over Its Wing: NASA’s X-66 Model Tests Airflow – NASA

NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project recently concluded wind tunnel tests of its X-66 semi-span model in partnership with Boeing. The model, designed to represent half the aircraft, allows the research team to generate high-quality data about the aerodynamic forces that would affect the actual X-66. Test results will help researchers identify areas where they … Read more

NASA Flight Rerouting Tool Curbs Delays, Emissions – NASA

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NASA Flight Rerouting Tool Curbs Delays, Emissions – NASA

It’s the holiday season — which means many are taking to the skies to join their loved ones. If you’ve ever used an app to navigate on a road trip, you’ve probably noticed how it finds you the most efficient route to your destination, even before you depart. To that end, NASA has been working … Read more

NASA Invites Media to Administrator Flight in Electra Hybrid-Electric Aircraft – NASA

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NASA Invites Media to Administrator Flight in Electra Hybrid-Electric Aircraft – NASA

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will fly in aircraft manufacturer Electra’s EL2 Goldfinch experimental prototype aircraft on Sunday, Dec. 8. Members of the media are invited to speak with Nelson and Electra leaders just prior to the flight at 11:45 a.m. EST at Manassas Regional Airport in Manassas, Virginia. Electra designed the experimental aircraft with the … Read more

NASA Flips Efficient Wing Concept for Testing – NASA

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NASA Flips Efficient Wing Concept for Testing – NASA

NASA/Quincy Eggert Upside down can be right side up. That’s what NASA researchers determined for tests of an efficient wing concept that could be part of the agency’s answer to making future aircraft sustainable. Research from NASA’s Advanced Air Transport Technology project involving a 10-foot model could help NASA engineers validate the concept of the … Read more

NASA, GE Aerospace Advancing Hybrid-Electric Airliners with HyTEC – NASA

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NASA, GE Aerospace Advancing Hybrid-Electric Airliners with HyTEC – NASA

Hybrid-electric cars have been a staple of the road for many years now. Soon that same idea of a part-electric-, part-gas-powered engine may find its way into the skies propelling a future jet airliner. NASA is working in tandem with industry partner GE Aerospace on designing and building just such an engine, one that burns … Read more

Research Plane Dons New Colors for NASA Hybrid Electric Flight Tests  – NASA

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Research Plane Dons New Colors for NASA Hybrid Electric Flight Tests  – NASA

Parked under the lights inside a hangar in Seattle, a hybrid electric research aircraft from electric motor manufacturer magniX showed off a new look symbolizing its journey toward helping NASA make sustainable aviation a reality.   During a special unveiling ceremony hosted by magniX on Aug. 22, leaders from the company and NASA revealed the aircraft, … Read more