NASA unveils latest in sustainable flight, supersonic aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Brandon Reid, Oshkosh Northwestern
·3 min read
17

OSHKOSH – NASA on Tuesday unveiled new liveries for its X-66A Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project and its Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project, as well as new footage of its X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft moving to the flight line.

The unveiling came on day two of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which runs July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport. The 70th annual fly-in event is expected to draw more than 500,000 people from around the world.

America’s legacy and future on the moon, unique aircraft, advanced aviation technologies and a variety of presentations are among NASA’s highlights at the event. NASA’s activities are centered at its pavilion in Aviation Gateway Park, just northwest of the FAA control tower on the AirVenture grounds.

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Here’s what to know about the three projects unveiled Tuesday, according to Rob Margetta, NASA public affairs officer, in an email.

The X-66A seeks to inform a potential new generation of more sustainable aircraft.

NASA and Boeing have unveiled a new livery for the X-66A aircraft that will be produced through the agency’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator.
NASA and Boeing have unveiled a new livery for the X-66A aircraft that will be produced through the agency’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator.

The X-66A will be produced through NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, which seeks to inform a potential new generation of more sustainable single-aisle aircraft — the workhorse of passenger airlines around the world.

Boeing will work with NASA to build, test and fly the X-66A, a full-scale demonstrator aircraft.

On Tuesday, NASA and Boeing unveiled a new livery for the X-66A aircraft.

During NASA’s media availability, Boeing announced that as part of a new sustainability coalition for the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will provide input on operational efficiencies, maintenance, handling characteristics and airport compatibility.

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New aircraft are part of an effort to accelerate the transition of hybrid propulsion systems.

The hybrid electric aircraft GE Aerospace and magniX will fly as part of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration.
The hybrid electric aircraft GE Aerospace and magniX will fly as part of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration.

The hybrid electric aircraft GE Aerospace and magniX will fly as part of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration.

Through EPFD, NASA collaborates with the U.S. aerospace industry to accelerate the transition of hybrid propulsion systems with megawatt levels of power to short-haul turboprop aircraft carrying 30-70 passengers and regional single-aisle commercial airliners carrying up to 180 passengers.

EPFD will also inform the development of new standards for next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft.

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The X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft is part of NASA’s Quesst mission.

The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission.

Quesst has the following two goals:

  • to design and build the X-59 research aircraft with technology that reduces the loudness of a sonic boom to a gentle thump to people on the ground; and

  • to fly the X-59 over several U.S. communities to gather data on human responses to the sound generated during supersonic flight and deliver that data set to U.S. and international regulators.

The aircraft’s move to the flight line is a significant step for the mission, Margetta said in the email.

The X-59 jet, in development by Lockheed Martin, is intended to pave the way for supersonic air travel.
The X-59 jet, in development by Lockheed Martin, is intended to pave the way for supersonic air travel.

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Where to learn more about AirVenture's NASA programs and ticket and camping information

Other NASA programs and activities are listed at the AirVenture schedule of events, available online at EAA.org/AirVenture and via the AirVenture app. Call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) for ticket and camping information.

Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: NASA sustainable flight, supersonic aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh