PALMDALE, Calif., Aug. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing
[NYSE:BA] has ferried an MD-90 airplane to the site where it will
be modified to test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW)
configuration as part of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator
project.
As Boeing, NASA and community leaders gathered at the company's
facility today to recognize the milestone in development of the
experimental X-66A aircraft, Boeing released photos of the jet's
journey from Victorville, Calif.,
to Palmdale.
The X-66A is NASA's first experimental plane focused on helping
the U.S. achieve its goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas
emissions. Modification will begin soon and ground and flight
testing is expected to begin in 2028.
"This marks an important step in the Sustainable Flight
Demonstrator project, advances Boeing's commitment to
sustainability and brings us closer to testing and validating the
TTBW design," said Boeing Chief Technology Officer Todd Citron.
With ultrathin wings braced by struts with larger spans and
higher-aspect ratios, the TTBW design and other expected
technological advances could lead to reductions in fuel use and
emissions by up to 30%. Boeing and NASA have collaborated for more
than a decade on the concept through the Subsonic Ultra Green
Aircraft Research (SUGAR) Program.
"We at NASA are excited to be working with Boeing on the X-66A
Sustainable Flight Demonstrator making critical contributions to
accelerate aviation towards its 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas
emission goal," said Ed Waggoner,
deputy associate administrator for programs in the NASA Aeronautics
Research Mission Directorate.
"Aerospace Valley has a long and distinguished history as the
cradle of aerospace innovation, and this unveiling is a
continuation of that critical work. Palmdale's talented workforce and
infrastructure make it the perfect location for this important
project," said Congressman Mike
Garcia (CA-27).
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops,
manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products
and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a
top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global
supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and
community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating
for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a
culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and
integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at
boeing.com/careers.
Contact:
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing