NASA Announces Experimental X-70 Fractal Aircraft

NASA has revealed plans for its next experimental aircraft, called the X-70 Fractal. The agency describes the plane as a highly maneuverable test bed featuring technology that allows engineers to swap internal and external parts quickly.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman called the aircraft a crewed platform designed to test advanced flight controls and other cutting-edge technologies in real flight. Isaacman described the plane as part of a new beginning for aeronautics and stated that the agency expects the X-70 to take its first flight within two years.

The agency released an AI-generated image alongside the announcement showing two canted vertical tail fins emerging from swirling smoke. NASA noted that the aircraft will have a takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds, which is similar to the weight of the Model 437 Vanguard experimental aircraft developed by Scaled Composites and Northrop Grumman.

The X-70 Fractal is designed to fly at a cruise speed of Mach 0.75, which is about the same speed as a Boeing 737 Classic. It will be able to reach altitudes up to 45,000 feet and travel more than 1,726 miles. The aircraft will also be able to carry about 2,000 pounds of experimental payloads internally and externally to support a wide range of research.

NASA's previous experimental jet, the X-59, has been flying for over a year and features a long nose designed to reduce loud sonic booms when flying faster than the sound barrier. Other government and private aerospace projects are also working on new experimental aircraft, including Boeing's F-47 stealth fighter and DARPA's CRANE project.

Summary

NASA's announcement of the X-70 Fractal introduces a new crewed test bed designed to explore advanced aircraft maneuverability and rapidly swappable components. The project highlights ongoing government investments in experimental aviation alongside other supersonic and stealth aircraft developments.