X-plane. Aurora
Aurora Flight Sciences’ new high-speed VTOL X-plane can fly at 519 mph.
Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has recently finished a conceptual design review for a cutting-edge, high-speed vertical lift aircraft, known as an X-plane.
X-plane. Aurora
This project is part of DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program, which focuses on developing aircraft that combine high speed with the ability to take off and land without a runway.
Aurora’s design features a low-drag, fan-in-wing demonstrator with a blended wing body, allowing for both vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and high-speed flight. The aim is to revolutionize air mobility and support Special Operations Forces (SOF) missions.
X-plane. Aurora
New images of the fan-in-wing demonstrator show a sleek composite exterior, three lift fans, and an uncrewed cockpit. The three-lift-fan design simplifies the aircraft, facilitating easier flight testing. This technology can be scaled up to include more lift fans for future needs and is adaptable for use in both unmanned and crewed aircraft.
source Aurora Flight Sciences
