Boeing X-48 - Definition

The X-48 is an experimental aircraft currently under development by Boeing and NASA for investigation into the characteristics of Blended Wing Body aircraft, a type of flying wing.

The Boeing Phantom Works is currently developing the Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft concept in cooperation with the NASA Langley Research Center. In a continuing effort to study the flight characteristics of the BWB design, a small remote controlled model has been successfully flown. The next step is to fly the 35-foot long X-48 currently being built at NASA Langley. Test flights are scheduled to begin in 2004.

The BWB concept reportedly offers greater structural, aerodynamic and operating efficiencies than today's more conventional tube-and-wing designs. Its modular design also allows for center body growth while maintaining common wings. These features translate into greater range, fuel economy, reliability and life cycle savings, as well as lower manufacturing costs. They also allow for a wide variety of petential military and commercial applications.

External links

• Most of the above text came from: NASA publication "American X-Vehicles - An Inventory - X-1 to X-50", SP-2003-4531 - June 2003 NASA online PDF Monograph (http://history.nasa.gov/monograph31.pdf)

• The Blended Wing Body - NASA Facts (http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/pdf/FS-1997-07-24-LaRC.pdf)