NASA unveils new X-plane aircraft design

For the first time in 10 years, NASA has given an experimental aircraft X-plane status – a status given to a new design currently being tested for viability.

The new experimental design is known as X-57, or “Maxwell”. It uses 14 electric motors in an effort to fly with less energy than conventional planes while generating less noise.

“With the return of piloted X-planes to NASA’s research capabilities – which is a key part of our 10-year-long New Aviation Horizons initiative – the general aviation-sized X-57 will take the first step in opening a new era of aviation,” NASA administrator Charles Bolden said during a keynote speech Friday in Washington DC.

NASA said up to five bigger transport-scale X-planes are also included within the initiative. The project’s objectives include developing advanced technologies to cut fuel use, emissions and noise, and accelerate new technologies to the marketplace.

“Dozens of X-planes of all shapes, sizes and purposes have since followed – all of them contributing to our stature as the world’s leader in aviation and space technology,” Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, said in a news release. “Planes like the X-57, and the others to come, will help us maintain that role.”

Developing a new all-electric aircraft

NASA scientists decided to name the aircraft “Maxwell” to recognize James Clerk Maxwell, the 19th century Scottish physicist who did innovative work with electromagnetism. His contribution to the field of physics is rivaled only by Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, NASA said.

The X-57 will be built by enhancing an Italian-designed Tecnam P2006T twin-engine light aircraft, which was recently acquired by NASA.

Its initial wing and two gasoline-powered piston motors will be substituted with a long, slender wing inserted with 14 electric engines – 12 on the top edge for take offs and landings, and one bigger motor on each wing tip for use while at cruise altitude.

NASA’s aeronautical engineers said they aspire to confirm the idea that disbursing electric power across a quantity of motors incorporated with an aircraft can lead to a five-time reduction in the energy needed for a private plane to cruise at 175 mph.

“Maxwell” will likely be powered only by battery packs, eliminating carbon dioxide emissions and showing how the need would shrink for lead-based aviation fuel.

Energy efficiency at cruise altitude using X-57 technology will benefit travelers by reduction of flight instances, fuel use, along with reducing overall functional costs for small aircraft by the maximum amount of as 40 percent. Normally, for top level fuel efficiency, an aircraft has to fly slower than its maximum speed. Electric propulsion basically eliminates the penalty for cruising at greater speeds.

Furthermore, electric motors quieter than typical piston engines. The X-57’s electric propulsion technology is projected to appreciably decrease aircraft noise, making it less annoying to the public.

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Image credit: NASA

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