NASA has announced the X-70 Fractal, an experimental, crewed aircraft intended to test advanced flight-control systems, maneuverability, and other technologies. The aircraft is expected to use reconfigurable flight controls and a modular design for rapidly changing its internal and external payloads. However, many details about its design, manufacturers, and development schedule remain unknown, despite NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman saying the X-plane could fly within two years.
The announcement, described in a NASA press release, includes an image of an X-70 that appears to be AI-generated. The image shows a dark, smoke-covered silhouette that vaguely resembles a military fighter jet. Isaacman announced the aircraft on November 4 at the UP.Summit at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“The X-70 Fractal provides NASA with a high-performance manned platform to test advanced flight controls, maneuverability, and other cutting-edge technologies in real-world flight,” Isaacman said. “Its modular design and ability to quickly exchange internal and external payloads allows teams to keep flying, learning, and moving quickly from one experiment to the next.”
According to NASA, the X-70 is designed to cruise at Mach 0.75, reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, and have a range of more than 1,726 miles (2,778 kilometers). Its takeoff weight is listed as 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms), and it can carry up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) of experimental payload internally and externally. NASA has not identified specific aircraft manufacturers that may be supporting development of the X-plane. Ars has reached out to NASA for more information.
Return of the Blackbird?
According to Aviation Week, NASA is also expected to announce another X-plane at the UP.Summit on November 6. The announcement would coincide with an appearance by President Donald Trump scheduled for the event.
Source: arstechnica.com
