Aerospace

U.S. Airlines to Support NASA-Boeing Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Project

In order to provide guidance for the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project and the creation of the X-66A research aircraft, Boeing and NASA will work with U.S. airlines. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines will offer suggestions for improving operational effectiveness, upkeep, handling qualities, and airport compatibility as part of a new sustainability alliance.

NASA may build a new narrow-body Boeing aircraft wing that would cut emissions by 30%.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The X-66A, which will be constructed at a Boeing plant in Palmdale, California, will test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) airframe configuration. It is the first NASA X-plane designed specifically to aid in the company’s pursuit of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.

A single-aisle aircraft with a TTBW design might lower fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30% compared to today’s domestic fleet of aircraft when combined with anticipated developments in propulsion systems, materials, and systems architecture.

Will Boeing use NASA’s TTBW prototype to begin building short haul aircraft?(Opens in a new browser tab)

The U.S. airlines will offer feedback throughout the project, including:

Design: Airline participants will share feedback on sustainable operations and airport compatibility. While the X-66A will have a wingspan of 145 feet, the TTBW design could be used by airplanes of different sizes and missions and may benefit from folding wing tips to accommodate existing airport infrastructure.
Simulation and lab testing: Airline pilots will have a chance to experience the X-66A through a flight simulator and assess the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
Flight testing: Airline operations and maintenance teams will assess the X-66A as modifications are made to the airplane. Flight testing is slated for 2028 and 2029 out of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.