Nasa set to put in the sky an array of new X-planes

                NASA scientists are preparing to put in the sky an array of new X-planes or experimental aircraft – including a quiet supersonic jet – to demonstrate advanced technologies that will push back the frontiers of aviation. Goals include showcasing how airliners can burn half the fuel an degenerate 75% less pollution during each flight as compared to now, while also being much quieter than today’s jets – perhaps even when flying supersonic.

                NASA’s renewed emphasis on X-planes is called “New Aviation Horizons”. The plan is to design, build and fly the series of X-planes during the next 10 years as a means to accelerate the adoption of advanced green aviation technologies by industry. “If we can build some of these X-planes and demonstrate some of these technologies, we expect that will make it much easier and faster for US industry to pick them up and roll them out,” said Ed Waggoner, NASA’s integrated aviation systems programme director.

                Design work already has begun on QueSSt, short for Quiet Supersonic Technology. A preliminary design contract was awarded in February to a team led by Lockheed Martin. If schedule and funding holds, this new supersonic X-plane could fly in the 2020 timeframe, NASA said