ED06-0070-1
Researchers at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, tested the a 21-foot wingspan 8.5 percent scale prototype of a blended wing body aircraft in Langley’s historic full-scale wind tunnel. Boeing Phantom Works partnered with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory to study the structural, aerodynamic, and operational advantages of the advanced aircraft concept, a cross between a conventional plane and a flying wing design.
The Air Force designated the prototype the X-48B based on its interest in the design’s potential as a multi-role, long-range, high-capacity military transport aircraft. A second X-48B blended-wing body prototype arrived at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in May, and after installation of test instrumentation and extensive checkout, began flight tests later that year.
May 2006
Boeing Photo