US next-generation test aircraft

The US space agency has experimented with a new model called the X-48C, which is faster and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

The X-48C flew test flights at the base
Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA. (Photo: Reuters)

NASA and Boeing have successfully tested the triangular, X-48C aircraft at the Edwards Air Force Base in California. With this success, NASA hopes the X-48C will become popular in the next two decades.

In this test, the X-48C flew at a height of 3,048 meters in 9 minutes, but by design it could fly at this altitude within 35 minutes. NASA plans to test the X-48C aircraft again this weekend.

The 230kg X-48C is designed with wings and trunks forming a uniform triangular mass, which increases the capacity of the passenger compartment and cargo. In addition, the triangular design allows the aircraft to achieve higher speeds and fuel economy than today's standard commercial aircraft models.

Model Boeing X-48B.

The director of the X-48C aircraft program and a senior engineer at Boeing, Bob Liebeck, said on the Daily Mail: 'Working with NASA, we were very pleased after passing the test of the aircraft. The new wing helps increase aerodynamics, fuel economy and noise reduction. "

The X-48C was a revolution in the Boeing X-48B. The X-48B has made 92 flights between 2007 and 2010. The main change of the X-48C over the previous version was the small wing that moved up the fuselage near the engine and the tail more extensive.

In addition, the number of engines is reduced from 3 to 2 (each engine weighs about 43 kg) in the new X-48C. These changes not only reduce the weight of the aircraft, but also help to minimize engine noise.