The REAL X-Wing: Nasa unveils 'megawing' X-57 Maxwell with 14 electric motors on its wing that could revolutionise travel

[RV_]

I've been talking about the investment opportunities in the now snowballing EV/Battery/Solar Cell/Storage/and energy production industries. Lots just a few years ago would never believe what has happened since 2008. The tech is getting there now.

 

Now the electric planes are getting serious post Solar Impulse success in around the world flight so far. This article as still pics of new planes powered by EV batteries that I was unaware of before now. All I can say is . . WOW!

 

Excerpt:

 

"The iconic X-Plane has been reborn.

Nasa today unveiled the first new plane is the series started in 1947 with the record breaking X-1.

With 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them integrated into a uniquely-designed wing, Nasa will test new propulsion technology using the experimental airplane now designated the X-57 and nicknamed 'Maxwell.'

Scroll down for video

 

With 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them integrated into a uniquely-designed wing, the X-57 nicknamed 'Maxwell' will test new quieter and greener aircraft.

 

Nasa Administrator Charles Bolden revealed the agency's first X-plane designation in a decade during his keynote speech Friday in Washington at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) annual Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, commonly called Aviation 2016.

 

'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,' Bolden said.

 

As many as five larger transport-scale X-planes also are planned as part of the initiative.

 

Its goals – like the X-57 – include demonstrating advanced technologies to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, and thus accelerate their introduction to the marketplace.

 

The X-57 number designation was assigned by the U.S. Air Force, which manages the history-making process, following a request from NASA.

 

The first X-plane was the X-1, which in 1947 became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound."

 

Lots more with pics on the website here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3647184/The-X-plane-Nasa-unveils-Maxwell-megawing-X-57-14-electric-motors-revolutionise-travel.html

 

 

[I'mdonewiththis forum]

I am really impressed with the unofficial record of mach 6.7. That translates to 5140.7 MPH!! That means from L.A. to NY in about 1/2 hour........

[RV_]

Where did you get that unofficial record? I must have missed it in the article.

[I'mdonewiththis forum]

 

 

The X-15 took Nasa from supersonic to hypersonic, setting unofficial records for speed (Mach 6.7) and altitude 354,200 feet. The latest demos included advancements in lightweight composite materials that are needed to create revolutionary aircraft structures.

If you click on the pictures it is number three of eleven.

[RV_]

Got it, thanks. Saw the pic, scanned the verbiage. Thanks, that's fast.

[mptjelgin]

That Mach number is for the X-15, designed by North American Aviation in the 1950's and last flown in 1970. It has nothing to do with the X-57 discussed in this thread.