X-48B scale model to fly next year

Posted on: Nov. 23rd, 2005 || Source: flightinternational.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Boeing and NASA will flight test the X-48B, a 6.4m (21ft)-span, 8.5% scale model of a blended wing body (BWB) configuration, next year at the US space agency’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California.

The remote-controlled vehicle will be powered by three turbojets and will test flight-control laws. Boeing is developing the BWB in co-operation with the US Air Force Research Laboratory as a multi-role military aircraft.

The flight testing will follow statically mounted windtunnel tests of a second 8.5% model in NASA Langley Research Center’s full-scale tunnel next February, focusing on aerodynamic forces and moments. “Cranfield Aerospace in the UK is building the two vehicles. They should be finished in the next month or so,” says Langley’s flight dynamics principal investigator, Dan Vicroy.

Read the full article

• Northrop, Air Force Complete PDR of New B-2 Bomber Computer Architecture
• Boeing to Demo Net-Centric Upgrade on AWACS Aircraft
• Air Force, Boeing officials upgrade C-130 cockpits
• Russian Air Force may receive fifth-generation fighter in 2013
• Russia's Su-35 fighter makes first demonstration flight
• New Global Hawk UAV model arrives at Beale
• Sixth C-17 swoops into Britain
• Air Force, Army leaders discuss new concept of operations
• RAF Typhoons now multi-role capable
• Raytheon Delivers 100th AESA Radar for Super Hornets, Growlers
• Boeing Installs Engines on 1st P-8A Poseidon
• Pilot tackles Typhoons during exchange duty in England
• Eurofighter Typhoon Begins Air Surveillance in Austria
• KC-45 Aerial Refueling Boom Completes Key Flight and Performance Milestones
• New Global Hawk UAV model scheduled to arrive at Beale