Boeing first tested the model of the aircraft X-48C
The American aircraft manufacturing concern Boeing, together with NASA experts, conducted the first flight tests of an unmanned model of a promising X-48C aircraft created under the "mixed wing" scheme (Blended Wing Body, a type of flying-wing layout). According to Lenta.ru, the first flight of the device took place on 7 in August 2012 of the year at the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California; it lasted nine minutes.
The X-48C project is a continuation of the X-48B project, which in turn is based on the lessons learned from the X-48A program closed in the 2001 year. The new device differs from the previous version in the absence of rudders on the wing tips, two elevons and two (instead of three) turbojet engines. The length of the device is 6,4 meters, and weight - 226,8 kilogram. The X-48C is currently a 8,5 scale model based on the size of a prospective aircraft.
X-48C can reach speeds up to 225,3 kilometers per hour and fly at altitudes of up to three thousand meters. A promising manned aircraft based on the X-48C will receive a wingspan of 73,2 meters. Boeing expects to create a new aircraft in the next 15-20 years. In addition to NASA, experts from the British company Cranfield Aerospace and engineers from the US Air Force Research Laboratory participate in the project.
The device of the Boeing concern is designed according to the “mixed wing” scheme, in which the fuselage is clearly expressed and, due to smooth inrush, turns into triangular wings in the plan. This is in contrast to the "flying wing" scheme, in which the fuselage is reduced, and its role is played by the wing itself, carrying all the aggregates, loads and crew. According to Boeing’s calculations, the “mixed wing” scheme will make it possible to create an aircraft that is easy to fly, load-lifting and economical in terms of fuel consumption.
In addition, thanks to the use of the "mixed wing" scheme, Boeing expects to create an aircraft that is environmentally friendly due to less fuel consumption with a minimum level of noise. To perform exactly what tasks will be used promising aircraft is still unknown. According to Boeing, he may be interested in the military in the role of tanker and transport worker.
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