NASA Unveils the X-70 Fractal Experimental Aircraft
NASA has officially revealed its newest experimental aircraft, the X-70 Fractal, marking a new chapter in American aviation research. The announcement took place at the UP.Summit at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman leading the reveal.
The crewed research platform uses rapidly reconfigurable flight-control technology to explore aircraft maneuverability in ways not previously demonstrated in crewed flight. Its specifications include:
- Takeoff weight: 10,000 pounds
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.75
- Maximum altitude: 45,000 feet
- Operational range: More than 1,725 miles
- Experimental payload capacity: Up to 2,000 pounds, carried internally or externally
“The X-70 Fractal gives NASA a crewed, high-performance platform to test advanced flight-control, maneuverability, and other cutting-edge technologies in real flight,” said Administrator Isaacman.
NASA expects the aircraft to make its first flight under the agency’s banner within the next two years. Its modular design and rapid payload-swap capability are expected to help accelerate aeronautical research and innovation.
Source: General Aviation News – NASA Unveils X-70 Fractal Experimental Aircraft