Aviation

This aircraft won’t need a runway

In aviation, continuous innovation pushes the limits of what’s possible. One groundbreaking development is an aircraft that eliminates the need for a runway, changing the way we approach takeoff and landing.

Imagine an aircraft capable of taking off and landing without relying on traditional runways. This cutting-edge design could transform air travel, enabling flights to operate from virtually any location.

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Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary, is developing an innovative X-plane using fan-in-wing (FIW) technology to offer high-speed, runway-independent mobility for operations in contested environments. Recent renderings showcase a scalable vertical lift design aimed at enhancing airborne logistics and personnel recovery missions, especially in areas without prepared runways.

This project is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program. The goal of SPRINT is to design, build, and fly an X-plane that demonstrates critical technologies enabling a breakthrough combination of speed and runway independence.

Aurora and Boeing are collaborating to develop advanced technologies that address mobility challenges in contested zones and across distributed military bases. The FIW design integrates an embedded lift fan with a blended wing body, allowing vertical lift without compromising payload capacity and aerodynamic efficiency, typically seen in conventional fixed-wing aircraft.

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The current design phase focuses on an uncrewed demonstrator with a 45-ft wingspan and a 1,000-pound payload capacity. Powered by off-the-shelf turbofan and turboshaft engines, this vehicle aims to reach speeds of up to 450 knots true airspeed (KTAS).

The technology showcased in the SPRINT X-plane could eventually scale up to medium and heavy-lift aircraft, potentially leading to a new family of systems. Aurora envisions future models, including a manned aircraft with a 130-ft wingspan, four lift fans, and a 40-ft payload bay. This FIW aircraft could rival traditional fixed-wing military transport aircraft in payload, range, and speed, while offering the tactical advantage of true vertical takeoff and landing.

The current phase of development continues through May 2025, with a preliminary design review set for April 2025. Flight testing is scheduled to begin in 2027.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.