| Boeing X-48 |
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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 were scheduled to begin in 2004, but no reports were ever made of them occurring, and Boeing indicated in November 2005 that a new model (dubbed the X-48B) was being built. The same annoucement also revealed that the United States Air Force had become involved in the project. 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 potential military and commercial applications. EXTERNAL LINKS
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