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X-56B Begins New Flight Series

The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft prepares for a landing following the first of a new flight series.
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft prepares for a landing following the first of a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
Credits: NASA Photo / Lauren Hughes

The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft began a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.

The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft ground crew prepares the aircraft
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft ground crew prepares the aircraft to begin a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
Credits: NASA Photo / Lauren Hughes

The X-56B uses the same centerbody as the earlier X-56A, which concluded testing in 2019. The X-56A suppressed a potentially destructive vibration called flutter. Flutter suppression permitted research of the aircraft’s lightweight, flexible wings.

The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft lands following the first of a new flight series
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft lands following the first of a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
Credits: NASA Photo / Lauren Hughes

X-56A team also facilitated the development of tools and technologies and acquired data to validate modeling techniques. The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories in Ohio is a partner on X-56B and also was a partner on the X-56A.

The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft ground crew prepares the aircraft to begin a new flight series
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft ground crew prepares the aircraft to begin a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
Credits: NASA Photo / Lauren Hughes
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