- Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Project
- Transonic Truss-Braced Wing
Photo: Joel Kowsky/NASA
NASA announced on Wednesday that they will be working with Boeing on the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project to develop a new single-aisle aircraft that reduces emissions. The goal of the project is to demonstrate new technologies that could significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while also improving the performance and efficiency of commercial aircraft.
The project will involve building, testing, and flying a full-scale aircraft prototype, which will be powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The project is expected to take place over the next several years and if successful, the technologies developed through this project could be incorporated into commercial aircraft in the near future, helping to reduce the environmental impact of air travel.
A new aircraft design, called the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW), which NASA and Boeing are currently developing, has the potential to greatly benefit passengers in the 2030s. The TTBW design features a truss structure that supports the wing, allowing for a larger wing area without increasing the weight of the aircraft. This larger wing area can increase the lift-to-drag ratio, resulting in more efficient flight and potentially reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the design may also provide a smoother ride for passengers, as the truss structure helps to reduce wing bending during flight.