The X-66 experimental aircraft project, expected to revolutionize the aviation industry, has taken a new direction following a recent decision by NASA and Boeing. The two organizations have decided to pause the active development phase of the X-66 program and instead focus on advancing next-generation ultra-thin wing technologies.
The X-66, with its long and extremely slender wing design, was seen as a significant step forward for efficiency and sustainability in aviation. The project, which played a central role in NASA’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, involved extensive modifications to a McDonnell Douglas MD-90 passenger aircraft.
Thin Wing Technology in the Spotlight
Although the originally planned first flight date for the X-66 in 2028 has been canceled, NASA and Boeing remain confident in the tremendous potential of the ultra-thin wing (TTBW – Transonic Truss-Braced Wing) design. Under the new strategy, they will focus heavily on conducting extensive ground testing to explore how this thin wing technology can be applied to various aircraft designs.
Boeing will particularly concentrate on detailed testing processes related to the durability and performance of ultra-thin wing structures. Meanwhile, NASA will preserve the designs and equipment developed under the X-66 program and continue its research into supersonic wing concepts.
Resources Being Redirected
According to Aviation Week, some engineers assigned to the X-66 program have been reassigned to support the certification processes of Boeing’s 777X and 737 MAX models. This shift aligns with Boeing’s cost-optimization efforts and its strategy to prioritize current customers. Additionally, political developments regarding proposed cuts to NASA’s science budget in the United States are also reported to have influenced this decision.
Funding and Future Plans
NASA had planned to provide Boeing with $425 million in phased payments to support the X-66 program, while Boeing and its industry partners were expected to contribute an additional $725 million. It remains unclear whether these funding plans will change in light of recent developments.
NASA and Boeing aim to continue their work from a broader perspective, focusing on future low-emission, high-efficiency passenger aircraft, particularly in the realm of supersonic wing technologies.
