Boeing has successfully transported an MD-90 aircraft to its designated location as part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator initiative, signaling a significant advancement in the pursuit of the U.S. goal for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in aviation.
In a pivotal moment for the project, Boeing, joined by NASA officials and local leaders, convened at the company’s facility to celebrate the achievement. The aircraft’s journey from Victorville, Calif., to Palmdale was documented through released photographs.
The experimental X-66A aircraft embodies NASA’s pioneering efforts to contribute to the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions in aviation. The upcoming modification process, followed by extensive ground and flight testing slated for 2028, will play a crucial role in this pursuit.
Boeing’s Chief Technology Officer, Todd Citron, emphasized the milestone’s importance, noting that it not only advances Boeing’s commitment to sustainability but also signifies progress towards validating the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) design.
The innovative TTBW design features ultrathin wings supported by expansive struts, characterized by larger spans and higher-aspect ratios. These design innovations, combined with anticipated technological enhancements, have the potential to substantially decrease fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30%. The collaborative efforts of Boeing and NASA on this concept span more than a decade through the Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research (SUGAR) Program.
Ed Waggoner, Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, conveyed NASA’s excitement for the X-66A Sustainable Flight Demonstrator endeavor, recognizing its crucial role in accelerating aviation towards the ambitious 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emission objective.
Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-27) underscored the Aerospace Valley’s role as an aerospace innovation hub, highlighting Palmdale’s apt suitability due to its skilled workforce and infrastructure, which are integral for the successful execution of this transformative project.
